Australian author’s fairytale retelling acquired by Hodder & Stoughton

Canberra-based author Leife Shallcross’ novel The Beast’s Heart has been acquired by Hodder & Stoughton in the UK.

The Beast’s Heart is a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale set in 17th century France and told from the beast’s perspective. Shallcross’ manuscript was acquired by the UK publisher through its genre fiction website Hodderscape’s open submissions window, and was selected from 1445 submissions.

The book is scheduled for publication in mid-2018, with Hachette distributing the title in Australia.

Shallcross, who recently won the 2016 Aurealis Award for Best Young Adult Short Story, said the experience felt like her ‘own personal fairytale’. ‘When I sent in my manuscript to Hodder’s open submissions window, my goal was really just to make it past the first cut. So to be sitting here, now, looking at a publication date and working through edits with the wonderful Hodder team is just so exciting I can barely breathe.’

Hodder & Stoughton editor Thorne Ryan described Shallcross’ manuscript as her ‘absolute favourite submission’ during her time at the house. ‘It’s one of the most gorgeously written and completely absorbing books I’ve ever read,’ said Ryan.

Category: Local news