Andersen Press will publish Sally Nicholls’ The Silent Stars Go By’ in November.
The novel is the second in a two-book deal made between publishing director Charlie Sheppard and Jodie Hodges of United Agents.
The first book in the deal, Things a Bright Girl Can Do, was published in 2019 and was shortlisted for a Carnegie Medal, National Book Award, Books Are My Bag Readers Award and the YA Book Prize.
The publisher is planning a “bumper” Christmas campaign for the book, including a “lavish” hardback release, media appearances from the author and “wide-reaching” consumer marketing.
“For me, Things a Bright Girl Can Do was a masterclass in how publishing should be done, from editing to publicity. I’m so excited to be working with the same team on The Silent Stars Go By, and I can’t wait for everyone to come back to Christmas 1919 and meet Margot and Harry,” said Nicholls.
“The Silent Stars Go By is a Christmas treat of a novel that you will want to read again and again. At Andersen Press we are thrilled to be her publisher,” said Sheppard.
The novel follows the story of Margot and her fiancé Harry. In Christmas 1919, Margot’s family gathers for the first time since the First World War and Harry, who was reported missing in action on the Western Front, has returned to the village.
Margot has a secret which threatens to destroy her life and is afraid of what will happen if she tells Harry the truth.
Harry, on the other hand, wants answers on Margot’s aloofness and why has she seemingly broken off their engagement.
Source: The Bookseller
