HQ acquires Brooke Crawford romcom

HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins, has acquired ANZ rights to Better than the Real Thing by Brooke Crawford in a two-book deal, via Samuel Bernard at Zeitgeist Agency.

According to the publisher, Better than the Real Thing is ‘an ode to the joys of grown-up romance, complex lives and second chances’. The story follows Netta who finds an old diary in her house that belongs to ‘internationally famous rock star, Morrison ‘Mo’ Maplestone, and the last thing he wants is for the contents of the diary to be made public’. He offers Netta a ‘life-changing amount of money’ to return the diary to him in person, in London – a city she swore never to return to.

Crawford is based in Melbourne and has worked as a PR and marketing professional and a teacher, and now runs a copywriting business.

Publisher Jo Mackay said: ‘I knew the second I read this manuscript that it was special. Beautifully crafted and full of integrity, humour and charm, it is a feel-good novel that does not shy away from difficult issues – infertility, betrayal, trauma – but balances them with a wonderful celebration of romance, family and life’s joys. Better than the Real Thing is perfect for readers of Maggie Alderson and Marian Keyes.’

Discussing the novel, Crawford said: ‘My books show people finding love and new beginnings in their forties, when life is a little more complicated, and I hope older romcom fans will love meeting them and joining them on their journeys.’

HQ plans to publish Better than the Real Thing in December 2025.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions