Ultimo acquires Moriarty time travel novel at auction

Ultimo Press has acquired ANZ rights at auction to Time Travel For Beginners, Jaclyn Moriarty’s new novel for adults, in a deal brokered by Tara Wynne of Curtis Brown Australia. Rights have also been pre-empted by Kate Seaver at Berkley (North America) and Clare Gordon at HQ Fiction (UK).

Time Travel for Beginners follows the story of “Anna, Teddy and Jade – each carrying their own kind of heartbreak – as their lives converge around a very unusual travel agency in Sydney. Over the course of one winter, they visit pivotal moments in history and their own lives, retreading the moments and decisions that make up a life and learning to let go,” said the publisher.

Moriarty said, “The idea for Time Travel for Beginners came to me two decades ago, and I’m delighted that it’s going to reach its Australian readers in 2026. Ultimo Press seem the perfect agents to complete its journey for me – they are small yet edgy, bold, stylish, intelligent and plenty of fun – and I’m thrilled and grateful to be working with them.”

Ultimo publishing director Robert Watkins said, “From the first pages of Jaclyn’s new manuscript, I knew we wanted to publish this joyous, heartwarming, brilliant story. I’ve long been a fan of Jaclyn’s work – and I can’t wait to share this book with readers throughout Australia and New Zealand.”

Ultimo will publish Time Travel for Beginners in August 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions