Transworld buys two more novels from Emily Edwards

Transworld has bought two more novels from The Herd author Emily Edwards.

Former Bantam publisher Frankie Gray acquired world English rights in a two-book deal from Nelle Andrew at Rachel Mills Literary. Thorne Ryan, deputy publishing director, has taken over publication in partnership with editor Olamide Olatunji-Bello following Gray’s move to HarperCollins. The first novel, Private Lives, will be published in hardback June 2025.

They are described as "reading group" novels by the author of Richard & Judy Book Club pick and number one Kindle bestseller The Herd.

Private Lives is "an intimate portrayal of the lives of three families and the secret that both connects and divides them", Transworld said. "With its exploration of themes such as the right to a private life and different forms of infidelity, just like The Herd, it will leave book clubs across the country in hot debate."

The synopsis reads: "In the sleepy seaside town of Waverly, Rosie and Seb Kent, headmaster of the local school, are happily married when single mother Abi moves to the town for a fresh start. But [Abi’s] dreams shatter when she sees Seb. As their complicated hidden past threatens to destroy them both, they try their hardest to keep it contained. But in a small town, secrets don’t stay hidden for long and soon, what should be their private business becomes a very public scandal. How far will everyone – them, their families and the whole community – go to protect everything they hold dearest?"

Ryan said: “At the heart of Private Lives is a cast of dynamic and complex characters woven into the most tense and thought-provoking narrative. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Emily on this brilliant novel and I know it will be the perfect conversation-starter for reading groups everywhere.”

Edwards said: “Following such a great experience with Transworld for my first book, The Herd, I’m delighted to be continuing with the incredibly talented Thorne at the helm and her brilliant, dedicated team for Private Lives.”