Riveted Press acquires Stanton’s “The Adventures of Squidape”

Riveted Press has acquired worldwide rights to The Adventures of Squidape, a middle-grade mystery by John Stanton.

The novel follows Roland Bickering-Jones – who “likes facts, lists and things that make sense” – after his mother’s death. “He spends his days helping his father, Digby, in their secondhand shop, and reading his favourite obscure comic-book series, The Adventures of Squidape, in which a half-squid, half-ape hero outsmarts villains,” said the publisher.

Visiting a suspicious seaside antiques shop, The Itchy Fingers Emporium, Roland begins to notice details others overlook. “As he pieces together what he sees, Roland discovers that paying attention can be a strength.”

Added the publisher, “The novel includes watercolour and black Artline pen illustrations, along with comic-style inserts from Roland’s favourite series.”

The acquisition was made through the Pitch to the Publisher program coordinated by the New England Writers’ Centre with a grant from Arts North West.

Managing editor Rowena Beresford said of the program, “Initiatives like this play an important role in creating opportunities for writers in rural and regional communities to bring their work to national audiences.”

John Stanton is a school librarian in Walcha, in the New England Tablelands region of NSW. He enjoys mystery stories and solving puzzles. The book grew from a nightly storytelling ritual inspired by one of his young daughters. When he is not reading or writing, he enjoys exploring antique stores in search of hidden treasures.

Riveted Press has scheduled The Adventures of Squidape for release on 30 June.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions