Jen Williams moves to First Ink for 'major' YA debut

First Ink, Macmillan Children’s Books’ new coming-of-age imprint, has acquired two romantasy books by Jen Williams. 

Publishing director Emma Jones pre-empted world rights in the two-book series from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment, in an exclusive submission. The first book, The Sleepless, will publish in May 2025 in hardback format, and will be a lead title for the imprint. Macmillan’s sister company Fischer has snapped up German rights for Autumn 2025 publication, and the rights team are "poised for more deals after a flurry of interest in the manuscript".

"The duology will propel Jen Williams into the world of YA, and establish The Sleepless as the next must-have YA romantasy," the synopsis says. "Williams combines epic world-building with a thrilling love triangle in The Sleepless, a high-stakes romantasy set in a world where gods and monsters roam the earth. Meet Elver, who was saved by the Queen of the Serpents when she was just a child, and Artair, who spends his nights shut up in a tower because of the dangerous spirit that overtakes his body when he sleeps. When Artair is sent on a mission to steal a monster cub that is under Elver’s protection, he — and Lucian, the other spirit inhabiting his body — are set on a collision course with the monster girl that will challenge everything they think they know about their world."

Williams said: “I am beyond excited to be working with First Ink on my first ever YA romantasy. The Sleepless is a story that, appropriately, I’m already madly in love with, and I can’t wait to introduce readers to this new world with its gods, monsters and deeply risky magic.”

Jones added: “This book, with its epic and immersive world-building, richly-drawn characters and love triangle for the ages, truly establishes award-winning Jen Williams as a force to be reckoned with in crossover fantasy. I can’t stop thinking about this world, and I couldn’t be more excited to launch the series on our First Ink list!”

Sam Smith, publisher for First Ink, commented: “The Sleepless is exactly the sort of pulse-racing, swoon-worthy romantasy that our team love. We’re sure it will appeal to the voracious readers at the heart of First Ink, a list set up to launch the very best teen and crossover voices for an audience desperate to find their next favourite author. We’re thrilled that the incredibly talented Jen Williams has joined us as we see the market for immersive, enthralling romantasy grow ever larger.”