The Borough Press wins three-way auction for Pavan Amara's 'powerful' and 'propulsive' debut novel

The Borough Press, an imprint at HarperCollins, has won a three-way auction for the "bold" and "gripping" debut by Pavan Amara.

The novel follows Sandeep, "a broke, brown Londoner" attracted to other women. When her life completely spirals one day, she mysteriously vanishes, and in her place materialises a "glamorous, blonde bombshell" called Emily Johnson, who rises to stardom. Assistant editor Jabin Ali bought UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) to Mirror, Mirror, from Madeleine Milburn at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency, for publication in spring 2027.

Ali said: "I was addicted to Sandeep’s incredibly unique voice from the moment I sat down with Mirror, Mirror and read it in two sittings. I couldn’t stop thinking about what Pavan has to say—about brownness, queerness and how damaging our ideas about beauty can be. It makes for a mightily important story that is both deeply moving and wildly entertaining. I can’t wait for it to start plenty of conversations."

Amara, a journalist and women’s rights activist, said: "I’m so excited to be working with a team who have such passion and vision for my book. It was important for me to find a partner that understands it and why I wrote it, and I’ve found that in abundance at The Borough Press. I can’t wait to start working together."

Milburn said: "Pavan’s novel has such an original voice and standout concept, and explores multiple topical issues. It’s an immersive debut full of warmth and humour that really captures the zeitgeist, and left me discussing with colleagues for days! I’m thrilled to share such a talented writer with a hugely impressive background with Borough."