Bookouture signs new contracts with authors Gayle and Tennant

We are thrilled to announce that Associate Publisher Jess Whitlum-Cooper has agreed a World All Languages deal, including audio and film/TV, with Katie Gayle, the writing partnership of Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel in the Cotswold-set Julia Bird Mysteries series. The first of these will publish in March 2027, and the second book will follow in September 2027. They will be books eleven and twelve in this successful cosy crime series.

Jess says,

‘I am so pleased to be bringing two more wonderful cosy crime novels from Katie Gayle to the Bookouture list. Dedicated fans of the series as well as new readers can expect lots of twists and turns and a charming cast of characters as we return to the delightful Cotswold village of Berrywick. It is such a joy to work with Kate and Gail, and I can’t wait for readers to see what Julia Bird is tasked with investigating next!’

Katie Gayle says,

‘We are delighted to have signed a deal with Bookouture to publish two more Julia Bird mysteries. The publishing team has done a great job of getting our books in the hands of readers, and in a growing number of territories and languages. We are excited to team up with them again on these new books.’

We are also delighted to announce that we have signed a new contract with ebook bestselling author Tilly Tennant. Associate Publisher Lydia Vassar-Smith acquired World English Language rights to six new books from Hannah Todd at Janklow and Nesbit.

Lydia said,

‘I’m so delighted to sign these new books with the absolute powerhouse that is Tilly Tennant. I know that readers will be delighted to hear that there are going to be more books in her brilliant Village Midwife series – they just can’t get enough of the gorgeous Lake District setting and enchanting characters that Tilly has created. Reading anything by Tilly just makes you feel good and takes you away from your problems and I’m so happy to be bringing these new books to readers.’

Tilly said,

‘I’m so chuffed to be working with Lydia on more Village Midwife books. I never imagined people would take Zoe to their hearts in the way that they have but I’m thrilled about it. I feel so very lucky to continue my publishing journey with the amazing team at Bookouture, and I can’t wait to start writing the next installments in the series.’

Hannah said,

‘It is so exciting to be doing yet another deal for Tilly with Lydia and Bookouture! Having such a prolific and longstanding relationship, they really are a dream team and it’s wonderful to know Tilly and her novels are in such safe hands. The Village Midwife series has been getting rave reviews from readers, so we’re delighted to have others coming soon!’

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