Doubleday pre-empts ‘propulsive’ debut SPITTING GOLD by Carmella Lowkis in significant six-figure deal
Doubleday has pre-empted a “propulsive” historical début by Carmella Lowkis, a senior marketing executive at Vintage, in a “significant” six-figure deal.
Charlotte Trumble, assistant editor, pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights to the gothic fiction début and one other book from Rachel Neely at Mushens Entertainment, amid competing six-figure pre-empts from rival houses. Doubleday will publish the first book, Spitting Gold, in spring 2024 as a major lead title.
US rights for two books were snapped up in another six-figure pre-emptive deal by Loan Le at Atria from Ginger Clark at Ginger Clark Literary on behalf of Rachel Neely.
Spitting Gold is described as a “darkly compelling queer historical fiction”, set in 19th-century Paris following two sisters, Sylvie and Charlotte: on the outside, gifted mediums, but in reality, astute con artists. The sisters reunite for one final job, working with a dysfunctional aristocratic family who believe they are being haunted by the ghost of an aunt who was murdered during the French Revolution. But soon Sylvie and Charlotte begin to question whether they really are at the mercy of a vengeful spirit, and just what other deep, dark secrets the family is hiding.
Trumble said: “Carmella’s talent was clear from the very first page as I was immediately swept into the lives of Sylvie and Charlotte, and devoured Spitting Gold in 24 hours. It combines a refreshing modernity of voice, and a beautifully touching lesbian romance, with the most creepy and atmospheric 19th-century Parisian setting. I am ecstatic that Carmella chose Doubleday as the home of Spitting Gold and can’t wait to launch her as an important new voice in historical fiction.”
Neely added: “Carmella is an exceptionally talented author and she had me racing through her propulsive novel, gulping it down in one sitting. It was met with the same enthusiasm by multiple editors, prompting a whirlwind of pre-empt attempts, before it was snapped up by Doubleday. Charlotte’s passion, ambition and clear vision for Spitting Gold left us with no doubt that she was the perfect editor to launch Carmella as the new must-read voice in historical fiction. I am thrilled that Carmella has found such a wonderful home with the Doubleday team!”
Lowkis said: “I couldn’t be more excited for Spitting Gold to join the brilliant list at Doubleday. I love a good ghost story, and can’t wait for this one to haunt people’s bookshelves! Thank you to Charlotte Trumble, and the Doubleday publishing team for such an outpouring of love and enthusiasm for my writing, as well as to the fantastic Rachel Neely and the rest of Mushens Entertainment.”