John Jarrold

Sam Eades, Editorial Director at Orion, has acquired World Rights (All Languages) for two more novels by David M Barnett in a deal struck by the John Jarrold Literary Agency. David’s first novel for the imprint Calling Major Tom has sold in 10 territories around the world and has been optioned for film by Vision3.

 

The first book in the deal Who Do You Think You Are? follows elderly churchwarden Arthur Calderbank as he tries to solve the mystery of who leaves flowers on his wife’s grave every year. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s with Britpop, the Spice Girls and Cool Britannia, he receives unlikely help from a group of teenage misfits who are each desperate to defy their teachers’ low expectations and leave their small town. Who Do You Think You Are? is a funny, heartfelt and ultimately uplifting novel about the loneliness of life and the power of a little kindness.

 

David Barnett, author said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Sam Eades and all the team at Trapeze again, and over the moon that they’re going to help me bring not one but two new novels to the readers who so enjoyed my previous books. All at Orion have been hugely supportive of my work and it’s great to be working with those so enthusiastic about getting these new stories out there.’
Sam Eades, editor said: ‘David has been a member of Team Trapeze since launch and occupies a very special place on the list. He a large and passionate fanbase inhouse, who are committed to growing his readership both here and around the world. His writing is reminiscent of the late Sue Townsend – funny, wise and with affection and kindness for his characters and their lives.’

 

Krystyna Kujawinska, rights said: ‘I was thrilled to hear we’d signed another contract with David.  My rights colleagues and I love his books!  They are a joy to pitch and work on, with their meaningful themes, intriguing and loveable characters and pitch perfect dialogue.  We can’t wait for Who Do You Think You Are? to be delivered!’

 

John Jarrold, agent said: ‘Since our initial deal was concluded early in 2016, I have been extremely impressed by the thought and enthusiasm that has characterized Sam Eades and her colleagues in the sales, marketing, publicity and rights departments at Trapeze/Orion. The warmth and humour of David’s writing has clearly struck a chord with the readers. He is an outstanding novelist.’

 

David Barnett is an author and journalist based in West Yorkshire. After a career working for regional newspapers he embarked upon a freelance career writing features for most of the UK national press. He is the author of the critically-acclaimed Gideon Smith series of Victorian fantasies, published by Tor Books, and the writer of the Punks Not Dead comic series from Black Crown/IDW. David was born in Wigan, Lancashire, in 1970 and is married to Claire, also a journalist. They have two children, Charlie and Alice.