Sue Hincenbergs’ debut to Sphere in a ‘major’ pre-empt as territories fall around the globe  

Sphere has signed Sue Hincenbergs’ debut novel The Retirement Plan⁠ – about a trio of women who decide to murder their husbands for the life insurance money⁠⁠ – in a “major” pre-empt.

Publishing director Ed Wood acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Rachel Neely at Mushens Entertainment, who turned down five pre-empt attempts from various publishers before Sphere won out.

Meanwhile The Bent Agency has sold US rights to William Morrow and Canadian rights to HarperCollins Canada, also in major pre-empts. Mushens Entertainment has inked translations deals with a further eight territories, including Germany (Piper), France (Cherche Medi) and Italy (Piemme). Film rights have also been sold to "an acclaimed US studio" with a major producer attached.

Toronto-based Hincenbergs was a long-time producer in Canadian television before turning her hand to writing. Her novel follows 60-something Pam and her two friends who have had enough of their suburban, dull marriages. On discovering their husbands have substantial life insurance policies, they decide to murder their other halves and start their lives anew in Florida. Unbeknownst to them, their husbands have been ripping off the local casino. "Now someone is coming to kill them… but who?"

Wood said: “The Retirement Plan is, hands down, the best time I’ve had reading a debut novel in years. It’s full of deliciously dark humour, murderous misunderstandings, twists galore and most importantly is ultimately, a warm-hearted book about real, flawed people.”

Sphere said the novel is Little, Brown’s “biggest commercial launch title of the year” and will publish The Retirement Plan in summer 2025, backed by a year-long lead-up campaign.