Transworld snapped up Clare Reader Collins' 'stunning' debut in six-figure pre-empt

Transworld, an imprint of Penguin Random House, has snapped up Clare Reader Collins’ "stunning" debut in six-figure pre-empt.

Lara Stevenson, commissioning editor for Bantam Fiction, acquired world all-language rights in a two-book deal from Jenny Hewson at Lutyens & Rubinstein Literary Agency. The first book, Tales of Starcross, will publish in spring 2026.

The synopsis states: "Set in land where unicorns graze the fields, mermaids are sighted off the coastline and a Jabberwock calls the river its home, a bard tells the story of three unlikely heroes around a campfire. Pitched as Once Upon a River meets The Leviathan by way of The Binding, this is an epic and utterly spell-binding historical fantasy novel brimming with folklore, adventure and romance."

Hewson said: “Tales of Starcross is quite simply pure storytelling pleasure.”

Stevenson added: “Tales of Starcross is unlike anything I’ve ever read; the voice is entirely unique, compelling and seductive, the characters are brilliantly flawed, and the storytelling is whip-smart.”

Reader Collins said: “Jenny found the perfect imprint for my writing and Lara’s a dream editor to work with. I’m really looking forward to working with the talented team at Transworld.”