Transworld claws two books from Kit Conway in four-way auction

Transworld editorial director Sally Williamson has acquired two books by Kit Conway in a four-way auction from Katie Greenstreet at Paper Literary, for UK and Commonwealth rights.

The deal includes Conway’s debut novel, Cat Fight, which will publish in 2025. US rights were pre-empted by Laura Brown at Atria (Simon & Schuster US) from Allison Hunter at Trellis Literary Management on behalf of Paper Literary. Jason Richman and Mirabel Michelson at United Talent Agency (UTA) are representing the film/TV rights.

Cat Fight is described as a high-concept secrets and lies drama for fans of Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies (Penguin Books) and Dawn O’Porter’s Cat Lady (HarperCollins).

The synopsis reads: "Cat Fight is set on an exclusive Sevenoaks estate, where reported big cat sightings have caused tensions in the neighbourhood to reach fever pitch. The book follows three women over the course of the summer, as they use the wild cat frenzy for their own nefarious plans. Because when the peace shatters in suburbia, the claws come out…"

Williamson commented: "Cat Fight had me enthralled from the first page with its razor-sharp observations on the lengths people will go to protect their own interests. With a prevailing undercurrent of tension and a cast of characters you both love and love-to-hate, this is a gripping, entertaining read that showcases Kit’s unique talent for executing a stand-out idea so brilliantly and believably."

Conway added: "Cat Fight was inspired by a real life post I saw in a local online group in which a woman claimed to have returned home to find a large wild cat on her car bonnet. I was fascinated by this image, which has inspired the opening scenes of Cat Fight, but also by the responses to it: some doubting its veracity, but many sharing other local cat sightings and rumours. It occurred to me that the polarising nature of such sightings was fertile ground for manipulation, and, indeed, a novel. I’m thrilled that Cat Fight has found its natural habitat with Transworld and Atria, and grateful to have such an amazing team behind me in Sally, Laura, Allison, Jason and Mirabel, but am especially thankful to my fabulous agent, Katie, who had faith in me, and my idea, from the beginning. I’m so excited to be on this journey with them all and to introduce more people to my wild women of the suburbs."