We’re thrilled to announce that Hodder have signed a deal for UK & Commonwealth rights to two further books from bestselling author Holly Bourne.

Holly’s first adult novel, How Do You Like Me Now? was published in hardback by Hodder in June last year, and was immediately picked as The Bookseller’s Book of the Month. It sold more than 30,000 copies across all formats, with the paperback due to be published in May this year. Holly has appeared on BBC Breakfast, and made an appearance on BBC 4’s Women’s Hour to talk about the novel. How Do You Like Me Now? has been optioned for film by Ecosse Films.

Holly revealed the name of her new book, Is This What You Want? on Twitter yesterday. The novel is due to be published by Hodder in 2020, and the two further novels will follow in each consecutive year.

Editorial Director at Hodder, Kimberley Atkins, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be publishing more of Holly’s inimitable adult fiction, which is in turns sharp, brave, honest and hilarious. No one writes like Holly – she effortlessly creates entertaining, important and timely stories that speak to a whole generation, yet resonate in a deeply personal way. I already cannot wait to read and publish these two new books.” 

Holly said of the deal: “I’ve been absolutely blown away by everyone I’ve worked with at Hodder – they’ve made so many of my publishing dreams come true. They all just ‘get it’ and it’s such a brilliant experience creatively to feel like you’ve clicked with every single person in every part of the publishing process. I’m so excited to be working on two more novels with such a passionate and dedicated team.” 

Holly started her writing career as a news journalist, where she was nominated for Best Print Journalist of the Year. She then spent six years working as an editor, a relationship advisor, and general ‘agony aunt’ for a youth charity – helping young people with their relationships and mental health. Inspired by what she saw, she started writing teen fiction, including the best-selling, award-winning ‘Spinster Club’ series which helps educate teenagers about feminism. When she turned thirty, Holly wrote her first adult novel, examining the intensified pressures on women once they hit that landmark.

Alongside her writing, Holly has a keen interest in women’s rights and is an advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health problems. She’s helped create online apps that teach young people about sexual consent, works with Women’s Aid to spread awareness of abusive relationships, and runs Rethink’s mental health book club.