Transworld wins three-way auction for Veronika Dapunt's 'astonishing' debut

Transworld has won a three-way auction for debut author Veronika Dapunt’s Death and Other Occupational Hazards in a two-book deal.

Editor Olamide Olatunji-Bello acquired world all-language rights from Elizabeth Counsell at Northbank Talent Management. Death and Other Occupational Hazards will be published in the first half of 2025 with the second novel to follow in 2026. Dapunt’s debut was a runner-up for the Comedy Women in Print Prize 2023.

"This is an astonishing debut that’s guaranteed to cast a spell over readers everywhere", said Counsell. 

Billed as a "genre-defining novel", Death and Other Occupational Hazards is a "darkly comic and addictive murder mystery" with a speculative edge. The story follows Death who decides to take a sabbatical and live as a human.

The synopsis continues: "While on Earth, she stumbles upon some unauthorised murders – someone’s poaching on her turf and she’s going to get to the bottom of it. Who better to investigate a murder than Death herself?"

Olatunji-Bello said: “Death and Other Occupational Hazards had me hooked from the first page. In its own beautiful and unique way, the book explores what it means to be human through a delightful and wholesome cast of characters.”

Dapunt said: “When I started writing Death and Other Occupational Hazards, I never imagined the journey it would take me on — from the Comedy Women in Print Prize to my dream publisher — and I’m very grateful to Olamide and my fantastic agent Elizabeth for believing in me.”