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Doubleday has landed a "major" pre-emptive deal for two new books from "electrifying new voice" C E McGill.
Kirsty Dunseath, publishing director, pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights from Sue Armstrong of C&W Agency. Doubleday will publish the first title, Our Hideous Progeny, as a major lead early in 2023.
The synopsis says: "Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic, but she doesn’t know why or how. She and her husband are trying to make a name for themselves as paleontologists but, in 1850s London, scientific success requires wealth and connections—neither of which they possess. But then Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the truth behind her great-uncle's past, of his attempts to create a living being and the creature that ultimately killed him. Perhaps this idea will prove to be their salvation."
The author said: "When I started writing the strange little novella which eventually became Our Hideous Progeny, I could never have anticipated the outpouring of love and support it’s received, first from my wonderful agent Sue and now from Kirsty and the team at Doubleday. I’m absolutely thrilled at the news, and so excited to work more with Kirsty as we bring my ‘hideous progeny’ into the world."
McGill is 23 and was born in Scotland and raised in North Carolina. McGill’s short fiction has appeared in Fantasy Magazine and Strange Constellations, and they are a two-time finalist for the Dell Magazines Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing. They now live in Scotland.
Dunseath said: "I feel as if I have been waiting for this novel to arrive. It’s a wonderfully Gothic tale, full of atmosphere and tension, but seen through a very modern eye that pinpoints issues and themes that are still relevant today. C E McGill has the talent and skill of a first-class storyteller, and I couldn’t be more delighted that they have chosen to publish their amazing debut with Doubleday."
Armstrong commented: "I was instantly smitten when I read Our Hideous Progeny. It’s a phenomenal tale of darkness and warmth, monsters and love, science and humanity, and I’m delighted that the super talent that is C E McGill has found their home with Kirsty and the Doubleday team."