Verve Books buys debut from Seth Insua

Verve Books has snapped up the rights to Human, Animal by Seth Insua, a debut novel about the importance of connection in a divided world.

Editorial director Jenna Gordon acquired world English language rights from Julie Fergusson at The North Literary Agency, and Verve will be publishing in paperback original in February 2025 as a lead title. The audiobook will be produced by W F Howes.

Seth Insua is an Anglo-Spanish writer and artist. He has been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize and The London Magazine’s Short Story Competition and was a semi-finalist in the BlueCat Screenplay Competition. Human, Animal is his first novel.

Gordon said: "In a story of familial conflict and reconciliation that is as gripping as it is moving, Seth Insua tackles deeply felt, often polarising issues with an impressive level of nuance and care. The Verve team believes that this novel’s hopeful outlook on finding a path to connection in the face of seemingly insurmountable differences is exactly what readers need in this current cultural moment, and are thrilled to be bringing Insua’s voice to readers for the first time."