Primadonna Prize winner signs book deal…
HarperCollins announced on 19 October 2020 its acquisition of the debut novel Ginger and Me from Elissa Soave, who won the inaugural Primadonna Prize in 2019. World All Language rights were acquired in a one-book deal by Katie Seaman, Senior Commissioning Editor at HQ, from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown.
Pitched as Three Things About Elsie meets Elizabeth is Missing, Ginger and Me is a reading group novel that’s part mystery, part coming-of-age following bus driver, Wendy, who’s always been a misfit.
Elissa Soave said: ‘I really wanted to tell a story from the perspective of one of young working-class women we don’t often hear from. I think HQ is the perfect home for Ginger and Me, and I am especially delighted to be working with the stellar Katie Seaman, whose passion and enthusiasm for my characters and their tribulations will help to bring their story to life. I cannot wait to introduce Wendy and Ginger to readers.’
Katie Seaman said: ‘it was easy to see why Elissa won the inaugural Primadonna Prize. Not only does Elissa cleverly blend genres to create a fantastic reading group novel but she also brings to life characters who will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Ginger and Me is funny, dark and raw.’
Cathryn Summerhayes said: ‘Elissa thoroughly deserved her win in the inaugural Primadonna Prize and I am so thrilled that she has now taken Ginger and Me to the next level and Katie and HQ can see its huge potential. It is the perfect partnership.’
Ginger and Me follows bus driver Wendy, who’s always been a misfit ever since Nuala Brennan called her ‘weirdo’ once and it stuck. When Ginger turns up on the bus she’s driving one day, they soon become firm friends but Wendy doesn’t know what Ginger is hiding. And Wendy plans to make a second friend too because writer Diane Weston and her are soulmates. She just needs to get Diane to see it that way.
Ginger and Me will be published in hardback, trade paperback, eBook and audio on 21st July 2022.
