UCLan snaps up bookseller Clapham's first teen novel

UCLan Publishing has acquired the “funny and heart-warming” first teen novel from author and bookseller Katie Clapham.

Publisher Hazel Holmes bought UK rights for Be More Alice from Louise Lamont of LBA. Out in paperback in June 2022, the book is about unlikely friendships and first loves.

The synopsis states: “When Alice, Minnie and Lena are asked to pose together for a school prospectus photo, little do they know that a secret is about to bound into all three girls' lives and change them forever. With a joyous burst of energy that we all need right now, the book is perfect for young teen readers of Tamsin Winter, Holly Smale and Louise Rennison.”

Clapham owns the award-winning bookshop Storytellers Inc in Lancashire. She published her first book, The Missing Bookshop, with Stripes in 2019 as part of its illustrated chapter book series. 

She said: “I’m so happy that my first teen novel is striking out in the UK with UCLan. Publishing in the north is exploding right now and it’s so exciting to be joining an indie publisher that is so close to home. Be More Alice is a novel that’s close to my heart, and I can’t wait for everyone to meet my running girls.”

Holmes added: “It’s a thrill to have Katie join our list. I’ve been looking for something like Be More Alice for a while. It’s a complete joy of a book—funny, heart-warming, inspiring and highlights the sheer power of positive female friendships.”