Sun Seekers Acquired by UK House Verve Books
Editor Jenna Gordon at independent publisher VERVE Books has acquired debut novels by Susie Luo and Rachel McRady and a new novel by Genevieve Scott, all of which will be published in the first half of 2024, as part of VERVE’s mission to significantly grow the list in 2024.
Gordon acquired UK and Commonwealth (excluding Canada) rights in Emmy Award-winning writer Rachel McRady’s Sun Seekers from Stephanie Manova at Crooked Lane.
McRady’s vital and illuminating debut will be published in May and follows the journey of six-year-old Gracie Lynn as she breaks her grandfather out of his nursing home, convinced she knows how to save him from the ‘worm’ that is eating his brain – a metaphor her mother once used to explain John’s dementia and sundown syndrome – and the two disappear together on a quest to chase the sun. But what’s an adventure for Gracie is a nightmare scenario for her estranged parents, LeeAnn and Dan. There’s no way to predict where John might have taken their young daughter, or if he’s capable of keeping her safe.
‘I couldn’t be more thrilled for UK audiences to get the chance to read Sun Seekers. It’s an incredibly personal story to me, and my greatest hope is that it will reach other families struggling to navigate a loved one’s illness and offer up some light. Having spent three years in England where I welcomed my first daughter, I’m especially excited to one day see my debut novel in one of the many bookshops I loved visiting during my time abroad. I’m humbled to be amongst so many distinguished VERVE authors and consider this a career highlight and a great honour.’
Gordon adds: ‘I’m so pleased to be kicking off spring 2024 by bringing these three fantastic new voices to UK readers. It’s an exciting time at VERVE as we plan to expand our list next year, publishing more titles than ever before. Paper Names, The Damages and Sun Seekers each offer a unique reading experience alongside the key VERVE book ingredients: compelling storytelling, a strong sense of place and unforgettable characters.’
