I have been dying to announce this all weekend, but it’s official now… press release from my agent John Jarrold:
PRESS RELEASE - MAJOR THREE-BOOK PRE-EMPT DEAL FOR DEBUT SF NOVELIST John Jarrold has concluded a three-book World Rights deal for Scottish-based Finnish SF writer Hannu Rajaniemi. Hannu’s debut novel (presently untitled) plus two further books were pre-empted by Simon Spanton of Gollancz for a high five-figure sum, on the basis of one chapter.
‘I received this chapter from Hannu by e-mail in the morning (and loved it), mentioned it to Simon when we were talking about other matters, and three hours later I had a very strong pre-empt offer,’ said John Jarrold. ‘After fifteen years in an editor’s chair I am very aware how unusual it is for an offer to be made for a debut novelist on only twenty-four double spaced pages – particularly at a time when many publishing executives are more interested in the opinions of their sales and marketing directors than those of their senior editors. So congratulations to Simon for his enthusiasm and the speed of his response, and much respect to those at Orion who trusted his judgement. I think everyone can judge the power of Hannu’s writing from the way this deal was done. This chapter leaves me thirsting for more!’
Simon Spanton said: ‘Yes, acquiring one book, let alone three, on the basis of a single chapter is a gamble; and not one I or any other editor is in the habit of making. But I’ve never been more sure of a hand than the one dealt to me by John and Hannu.
‘Hannu’s first chapter was entirely enticing; yes, it was brimful of energy, originality and fascinating science but these were bonuses. What caught me and left me desperate for more was the masterful way he set up the characters, created relationships between them based on intrigue and need and suggested a rich past and a dangerous future for all concerned. I haven’t been this excited after reading just one chapter in a long, long time and consequently I’m delighted to be able to welcome Hannu to Gollancz.’
The novel is due for delivery in August 2009.
Well done indeed. Do the rest of us get to see this editor-galvanising chapter?
Yay! Congratulations….
That’s really good news, Hannu, congratulations.
Heh, we all knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Glad to see it was sooner.
Congrats, man.
Onnittelut Risingshadow’n puolesta! Laitoimme jutun uutiseksi sekä suomen- että englanninkielisille sivuillemme ja lisäsimme sinut kirjailijaksi englantipuolen tietokantaan. Olisi hienoa saada ehkä jossain vaihteessa haastattelua tms sivuillemme.
Congratulations! Have been waiting to hear something like this for ages
Can’t wait to get my copy of the latest Interzone in the mail too…
Dear Hannu
This is simply stunningly amazing news - I am so excited on your behalf! I will have to pester you for a guest blog in the near future.
Liz x
And indeed, you’ve made it into i09. That’s got a big readership.
http://io9.com/5059929/are-you-24-pages-away-from-a-multi+book-contract
Hei congrats!!!!
Gratulis ja sama ruottiks.
Kuka sinun agentti taas olikaan lol
Hannu, läpimurtosi oli odotettavissa, mutta että se tapahtui näin upealla tavalla - huikeaa! Aivan jättimäisesti onnea ja menestystä kirjoillesi!
I have said my congrats already, but one time more cannot hurt
Congratulations, Hannu!!!!! You deserved it!
Superii!
Hi Hannu,
Sorry, I only just heard. Big BIG congratulations, and welcome aboard the Good Ship Gollancz. I’ll be bugging Simon for an early review copy….
Erm - does it have any quantum math in it?
Thanks to everybody for congratulations, hope the end result lives up to the expectations!
@Richard, I hope fans of quantum weirdness will not be disappointed.
As you can all imagine, I am delighted, too!
Onneksi olkoon, tätä on jo salaa odotettukin
Hieman myöhäiset onnittelut täältäkin! Pitihän sen tapahtua ennemmin tai myöhemmin.