Transworld snaps up two from Prior

Transworld has signed two new novels by Hazel Prior, author of last year’s Away with the Penguins (Black Swan). 

The first book in the new contract will be called Call of the Penguins, and will be published in November 2021. The novel will follow octogenarian Veronica McCreedy, who thinks her days of travelling the world are behind her before she is invited to take part in a TV documentary filming penguins.  

Editorial director Francesca Best bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Darley Anderson at Darley Anderson Literary Agency. 

Best said: “I’m thrilled that Hazel’s partnership with Transworld will continue. Thousands of readers discovered Hazel’s brilliant writing last year. Her delightfully feel-good new book, Call of the Penguins, features a uniquely feisty heroine, unforgettable characters, vividly evoked settings—and penguins! What more could anyone want?” 

Prior said she was “blown away” by the response to Away with the Penguins, which reached number one in the Kindle and Audible bestseller charts, and said it was “wonderful to have this new challenge”. 

She added: “Penguins are truly inspiring birds—resilient, brave and cheerful, not to mention endearing and funny. Together with my gutsy, ageing heroine, I hope the Call of the Penguins will resonate. I know that with Francesca and the Transworld team, this new book is in the very best hands.”