Noa Wheeler at Bloomsbury Archer US has preempted World Rights in a ‘major’ deal to Emma Tueller’s cosy fantasy debut and two follow-ups, in a simultaneous acquisition with Vicky Leech Mateos at Bloomsbury Archer UK.
Imperfect Spells, the first in the series, will be published simulaneously in 2027 and follows a "disgraced witch with a dangerous secret who must begrudgingly play the perfect host to a renowned (and all-too-handsome) singer-songwriter as she begins to discover that happiness is its own kind of magic".
Sam Bradbury, Publishing Director (Maternity Cover) at Bloomsbury Archer said to The Bookseller, ‘From the very first page, Imperfect Spells completely cast a spell over us. Emma has written an exquisitely cosy, romantic, and beautifully aesthetic fantasy that feels like a warm hug, whilst still delivering real heart, humour, and brilliant tension. It’s the perfect grumpy-meets-sunshine romance for readers seeking escape and found family. We have incredibly high ambitions for this trilogy, launching Imperfect Spells as the flagship cosy title for Bloomsbury Archer, and we cannot wait for readers to fall in love with Ariel and Percy’s world.’
Emma Tueller said, ‘Imperfect Spells explores the idea of finding home in other people even when they’re flawed, infuriating, and inexplicably always in the way. At its core, this story is about yearning for community, particularly if one is convinced they couldn’t possibly deserve it. Ariel and Percy’s world draws on all my favourite parts of the fantasy novels I love, especially magic that demands a price. Much of this book was written while I made my first proper London home in Bloomsbury, making Bloomsbury Archer not just a dream publisher but decidedly serendipitous. I’m so proud to be working with Noa Wheeler, and I’m delighted that the Bloomsbury Archer team love this story as much as I do. I am perpetually grateful to my brilliant agent, Clara Foster, for seeing my book’s potential and for her exceptional work in shepherding my debut novel to the perfect place. I hope readers can find themselves at home in the world of Imperfect Spells.’
Clara Foster said, ‘Emma Tueller is a ferociously brilliant writer. Reading her submission for the first time gave me the kind of excitement that comes from feeling like you’ve caught lightning in a bottle, and the immediacy with which Bloomsbury showed an equally passionate response—from every department, across global teams—let us know that Imperfect Spells had found its home. I have no doubt that Ariel, Percy, and the Moraine Kingdom and beyond will captivate readers worldwide and make a phenomenal addition to the world-class Archer list.’
Congratulations, Emma!