#Merky Books has acquired GUTS, a debut novel by recipe video producer, Amy Ashton, after Editorial Director Joelle Owusu-Sekyere bought UK and Commonwealth rights, including Audio, from Jade Kavanagh at Darley Anderson in a three-way auction. #Merky Books will publish the book in Summer 2027. Meanwhile German rights went to pola, an imprint of Bastei Luebbe, in a pre-empt at LBF in March.
Ashton said: “I wrote this for little Amy, who stayed quiet to keep the peace whilst writing ‘books’ in her bedroom – mostly plotless adventures of my noughties icons. I am so proud to be publishing GUTS with #Merky Books and Joelle, whose belief in my story means everything. I hope this book reaches anyone who’s ever lost themselves trying to be what everyone expects and helps them to find their way back.”
Owusu-Sekyere said: “From the moment this manuscript landed in my inbox, I knew GUTS was something different, special and fitting for #Merky Books. Amy’s debut novel is bold, brazen full of energy and really great food writing, so I am excited for readers to meet and fall in love with the loveable and vulnerable Stella.”
Kavanagh said: “I can’t think of a better home for Amy’s incredible debut. Joelle and the #Merky team are the perfect partner to bring Amy and her messy and magnetic Stella to readers.”
Congratulations, Amy!
