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Hodder acquires US debut

17.12.12 | Charlotte Williams

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired a debut novel by American writer Julie Sarkissian, with plans to publish in spring 2013.

Assistant editor Laura Macdougall has bought British and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Lance Fitzgerald at Simon & Schuster. The title, Dear Lucy, "introduces the reader to a girl with a startingly original voice, certain to become an unforgettable heroine of contemporary fiction . . . Abandoned by her mother because she is different, Lucy must fend for herself on Mister and Missus' farm with only pregnant teenager Samantha for company. When something happens to Samantha, Lucy embarks on a perilous journey, willing to risk everything for her friend." 

Macdougall said: "From the opening pages of Julie's magical debut novel I was captivated by her bold storytelling and Lucy's quirky, original voice. Dear Lucy is the work of a hugely talented young novelist, and I'm thrilled to be Julie's publisher in the UK."

The book will be published in April 2013.

• Charlotte Williams
• Hodder & Stoughton
• Julie Sarkissian
• Laura Macdougall
• Rights deal