Avon has signed a spate of new year deals with an additional four-book deal for Trisha Ashley, two new novels from Claudia Carroll, and two debut authors’ first offerings.

Commissioning editor Kate Bradley secured a further four-book deal with Ashley, acquiring world English rights through Judith Murdoch. Bradley said: “We are delighted to be continuing our successful partnership with Trisha who has just spent the six weeks up to Christmas embedded in the Sunday Times Top Ten. Trisha has the knack of creating clever and witty romantic comedies that tick all of the right boxes but don’t fall into lazy cliches—her legion of ever growing and evangelical fans are testament to this.”

In another deal, editorial director Claire Bord has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to two novels by bestselling author Claudia Carroll through agent Marianne Gunn O’Connor. Bord said: “Carroll writes with lashings of humour and charm and is a unique voice within the genre of women’s fiction.” The first of the two-book deal will be published as paperback in summer 2012.

Bord has also bought UK, Commonwealth and translation rights to two novels by debut author Stella Newman through Cathryn Summerhayes at WME. The first book, Pear-Shaped, follows the story of Sophie Klein as she falls in love with the too-good-to-be-true James Stephens. Bord said: “I fell in love with Pear-Shaped as soon as I read the first page . . . She is a real talent.” Avon will publish in January 2012.

Taken from TheBookseller

I’m thrilled with this news! I love Trisha Ashley’s novels and adored Claudia Carroll’s latest book so I’m looking forward to more from her! I’m not entirely sure if Stella Newman’s novel is Chick Lit but it sounds intriguing and it’s definitely one I’ll be keeping an eye out for!

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