Today we have not one, but two announcements to share with you (we’ve been very busy behind the scenes!).

Firstly, we’re massively excited that Claire Bord is joining us as Publishing Director from Avon (HarperCollins).  Our mission at Bookouture is to add the maximum value that we can to our authors and central to that is both giving editorial feedback that improves stories and making the right decisions about packaging and positioning our books.  Claire is a smart, digitally savvy publisher who will help us to do just that.

Claire will be developing and expanding our publishing programme – with a particular focus on strong commercial novels and series, including women’s fiction, saga, crime and thrillers.

Secondly, we’re delighted to announce that Claire has already made her first acquisition, signing a two- book deal for global rights with debut author Rebecca Stonehill.

The first book in the deal, In the Shade of the Orange Tree is a sweeping epic set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. It will be published this September.  Claire says

“Rebecca is an incredible writer and born storyteller. Reading her novel reminded me of when I first read Isabel Allende’s House of the Spirits’ many years ago. In the Shade of the Orange Tree is a richly evocative story, which will stay with the reader long after they have finished the last page. We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to the Bookouture list.”

A very warm welcome to both Claire and Rebecca.  Full press release below.

Bookouture welcomes Claire Bord as Publishing Director by bookouture