SRL signs romance novels from Canongate's Lloyd and debut author Whittaker

SRL Publishing has acquired Verona in Autumn by Canongate contracts manager Tom Lloyd, and Chalk Hearts, the debut novel by Emma Whittaker.

The publisher holds exclusive world rights to both novels, which were signed through direct submissions.

Lloyd’s historical romance novel is written as a sequel to "Romeo and Juliet", exploring a "what-if?" scenario. "What might have happened had Romeo been cheated by the apothecary, sending the young lovers into exile instead and returning them years later to a city still divided by years of feud, where they must finally face the events of their past?" the synopsis reads.

Lloyd has published 12 other titles through Gollancz and his day job is as contracts manager for Canongate Books. The novel will be published in 2023.

Whittaker’s debut is set in a school and blends women’s fiction into a "roller-coaster of a romance". The book will "resonate with anyone who has ever experienced bullying, exploring the power of insecurity and following a journey of personal acceptance", the publisher said.

The book is currently scheduled for November or December 2022, with the paperback set for early 2023.