Trapeze to publish first Lovell books in Kew partnership

Orion imprint Trapeze has bagged its first two fiction titles from Posy Lovell in a new partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Trapeze publishing director Sam Eades acquired world rights in all languages for the books through Gina Fullerlove, Kew’s head of publishing. Phoebe Morgan, editorial director at Trapeze, will also be working on the novels. Posy Lovell is the pseudonym of HQ-published historical fiction author Kerry Barrett, and rights to her writing were acquired from Felicity Trew at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency.

The first book in the series, The Kew Gardens Girls, will be published in May 2020 and follows the stories of Ivy Adams and Louisa Taylor, who begin working at Kew at the start of World War One. Kew will support the book through marketing and publicity on its social media channels alongside its on site and online shop.

Lovell said: “Kew Gardens have such a rich and exciting history that these novels will almost write themselves. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to create some wonderful characters to tell the stories of the women who kept the gardens blooming when times were tough, and excited to work with the dedicated teams at Kew and Trapeze.”

Eades explained: “I’m delighted that will be bringing to life the important role women played in wartime at Kew Gardens in this officially branded fiction series.”

Women have been critical to Kew’s work throughout its history to the modern day," said Fullerlove. "We are delighted to be entering the fiction market with Trapeze and hope these books will bring new audiences to Kew.”