A press release from Geraldine Stroud of HarperCollins UK:

In a global pre-emptive bid HarperCollins UK and US have joined forces to sign World rights in the powerful new fantasy trilogy, The Luck Uglies. The three-book deal was concluded by Harriet Wilson, Editorial Director (HCUK) and Phoebe Yeh, Editorial Director (HCUS) with Lauren Pearson and Michelle Andelman at Regal Literary.

Publishing in February 2014, The Luck Uglies tells the story of eleven-year-old Rye who has grown up hearing whispers of the Luck Uglies – a legendary clan of mysterious outlaws. Venture out under the darkness of a Black Moon and the Luck Uglies were sure to strike… But they are long gone now, faded into ghosts and rumors, and Rye isn’t even sure that they ever existed. That is until the day a Luck Ugly steps from the shadows to save her life. Together with an enigmatic anti-hero named Harmless, Rye is about to uncover the secrets at the heart of her world and discover that sometimes we might just need the bad guys.

Debut author Paul Durham lives in New Hampshire, USA with his wife, two daughters and an enormous, bushy cat. An entertainment lawyer by day, he writes at the edge of a swamp in an abandoned chicken coop, a sprawling map of Rye’s village drawn on its doors.

Commenting on the acquisition, Harriet Wilson says “Having worked with some of the best fantasy writers of the last ten years, including Jonathan Stroud and Joseph Delaney, it takes a special manuscript to catch my attention. Paul Durham’s debut hooked me from the first page. He has created a vivid, atmospheric world full of secrets and intrigue and Rye and Harmless are an incorrigible and unforgettable pairing. This is immersive fantasy to rival the very best.”

Phoebe Yeh added “What an exciting debut Paul Durham has created a richly imagined and whimsical fantasy with a charming, irrepressible heroine, magic, mystery and monsters galore. We are delighted to have such a fine addition to the storytelling tradition.”