Riveted Press acquires Cullen debut middle-grade

Riveted Press has acquired world rights to The Prime Minister Problem, a debut middle-grade novel by Brenton Cullen.

The Prime Minister Problem is ‘a heartfelt and timely story about an anxious boy who ignites a viral campaign to bring the Prime Minister to his rural town in a bid to reunite with his grandmother,’ said the publisher. ‘The novel explores themes of intergenerational connection and the power one quiet child can have.’

Cullen has written for Writing Queensland, Magpies and Books+Publishing, and was the 2023 recipient of the Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship.

Riveted Press managing editor Rowena Beresford said of the acquisition, ‘This is an incredibly poignant and inspiring book that explores one of the most important, yet often ignored, issues in our society. From the moment I read the manuscript, I knew we had to publish it.’

Cullen said, ‘This is a very special story that is very close to my heart, and I could not be more thrilled to have my book find a home with Riveted Press. I’d also like to thank Romi Sharp and the Just Write for Kids team, whose Pitch It contest put my manuscript in front of Rowena from Riveted Press.’

The Prime Minister Problem is scheduled for publication in May 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions