Debut novels picked up by new UK imprint

Two more Fremantle Press novels are heading to the UK. The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt by Tracy Farr and The Weaver Fish by Robert Edeson will be published by Aardvark Bureau.

Fremantle Press CEO Jane Fraser said she was thrilled to have sold the US, UK and Europe rights for English-language publication to Aardvark.

‘Aardvark Bureau is a new imprint of Gallic Books in London keen to publish quirky, left-of-centre fiction that is commercial but which has a bit of an edge. Both books fit this requirement perfectly,’ said Fraser.

Tracy Farr said her debut novel was having a dream run after being longlisted for the 2014 Miles Franklin Literary Award, and shortlisted for the 2014 WA Premier’s Book Award and the 2013 Barbara Jefferis Award.

‘Now that the contract is signed I can finally believe it’s happening. This opportunity to reach an international audience is something I didn’t dare dream about,’ said Farr.

Speaking from London after visiting his new publisher, 2012 T.A.G. Hungerford Award winner Robert Edeson said he was delighted that someone in the UK had read his book and decided they would market it there.

‘It is particularly pleasing because much of the story is set in London and Cambridge, and I think British readers will recognise some of the idiosyncrasies of character and place,’ said Edeson.

Aardvark Bureau will publish innovative writing from around the world, in print and ebook formats, from September. Both books will be published in the first half of 2016.

The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt by Tracy Farr and The Weaver Fish by Robert Edeson are available in Australia from all good bookstores and online at fremantlepress.com.au. Tracy Farr will be at the Mildura Writers Festival 16–19 July.