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Hot Keys pre-empts four novels

01.01.70 | Lisa Campbell

Hot Key Books has made four pre-emptive acquisitions, signing multi-book deals with four authors, including three debuts.

Managing director Sarah Odedina has acquired world rights in a two-book deal in debut author Alison Rattle's historical novel The Quietness, with publication planned for March 2013. Odedina described the book as "The Crimson Petal and the White for age 11 upwards", with the deal done through Jo Williamson at Antony Harwood.

Publisher Emily Thomas has acquired world rights through Gillie Russell at Aitken Alexander in a three-book deal for Death and Co by debut Northern Irish author Debbie McCune. The supernatural series features teenager Adam, described as "a reluctant member of the Lumen: a formidable and powerful section of society who are tasked with transporting souls to their rightful place in the afterlife." Publication is planned for May 2013.

Thomas has also acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in a two-book deal from Disney Hyperion in the US for British author Leila Rasheed's At Somerton, described as "a gossipy, salacious and stylish period-set teen saga of forbidden love and dark secrets". Book one, Secrets and Sapphires, will be published in January 2013.

Meanwhile, editorial director Sara O'Connor bought UK and Commonwealth rights from James Wills at Watson, Little in two books by debut UK author Elon Dann. Clockwise to Titan, the first book, described as "a clever 'Shawkshank Redemption' for young readers", will be published in April 2013.

• Charlotte Williams
• Hot Keys
• Rights deal
• Sarah Odedina