A&U acquires Spratt debut novel
Allen & Unwin has acquired world rights to The Followers, a debut novel by Maree Spratt.
A&U described The Followers as “a keenly observed and darkly funny exploration of coming of age in the social media era and how the children we were shape the adults we become.”
The book follows Lacey, “a lifestyle influencer turned bestselling author who preaches self-love and body confidence to her million followers.” But one of those followers, Teresa, “remembers Lacey as a prepubescent mean girl who kept the loyal members of her gang – Teresa included – on a short leash. Twenty years later, she watches Lacey from afar with the ghost of her younger self and a copy of Lacey’s new self-help book for company – both determined to keep the past alive.”
Spratt said, “I wrote this novel to explore the darker side of friendship dynamics between girls, and to consider what happens when social media enables someone to maintain a toxic parasocial relationship with their childhood bully years into the future.”
A&U publisher Annette Barlow said, “I can’t wait to see The Followers published, read by many and, in turn, eagerly recommended to their friends. It’s a wonderful book group novel – there’s so much to discuss. Maree has a nuanced, clever and relatable voice; perfect reading for fans of Madeleine Gray and Sally Rooney.”
Spratt grew up in Brisbane and lives in Canberra. She began her career teaching English and Legal Studies in Central Queensland and for the past 8 years has educated students at a range of national cultural institutions, including National Archives and Parliament House.
Spratt has worked on The Followers, her debut novel, over the past 15 years. Earlier versions were shortlisted for the Australian/Vogel’s Literary Award 2020 and the Viva La Novella Prize in 2017. Her short fiction has been published in The Big Issue, One Book Many Brisbanes, Mascara Literary Review, and Award Winning Australian Writing (Melbourne Books).
A&U plans to publish The Followers in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in July 2026.
Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions
