S&S signs two-book deal for Kuku's 'hilarious' debut

Simon & Schuster has landed Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow, the "hilarious and insightful" debut novel, from Nigerian writer Damilare Kuku.

Mina Asaam, assistant editor, adult fiction, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in a two-book deal from Charlotte Seymour at Johnson & Alcock. North American rights were acquired by Gretchen Schmid at HarperVia in an exclusive submission and the novel will be published simultaneously in the US and UK in July 2024.

"I’m delighted to see Damilare in such good hands with Mina and the team at S&S UK and can’t wait for readers to meet Temi and all her family," said Seymour.

Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow, Kuku explores Nigerian society and gender politics in the story of Temi who, at the funeral of her family’s "beloved patriarch", announces her plan to get a Brazilian butt lift and move to Lagos to make her fortune and find love. The family’s efforts to dissuade her inadvertently lead to secrets being spilled.

Asaam commented: "I was very happy to come across Damilare’s unique debut, having already seen the excitement her collection generated. I love reading about Nigeria with Damilare’s strong voice as a great guide through the narrative. And this first novel is hilarious. It takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the patriarchal pressures that women face with such precise prose. It may be set in Nigeria, but you’ll all see a bit of yourselves, your families and the wider world in it."

Kuku added: "I am grateful to God and my agent Charlotte for finding my books such a wonderful home at Simon & Schuster UK. Mina is a gem and I am excited to work with her to tell stories that show the world Nigeria, and its women’s lives through my eyes."