Debut NZ novel picked up by new UK imprint

Wellington author Tracy Farr’s first novel will be published by Aardvark Bureau after a bout of insomnia led publisher Scott Pack to a Radio NZ podcast of The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt.

Tracy Farr said her debut novel was having a dream run after being longlisted for the 2014 Miles Franklin Literary Award, and shortlisted for the 2014 WA Premier’s Book Award and the 2013 Barbara Jefferis Award.

‘Now that the contract is signed I can finally believe it’s happening. This opportunity to reach an international audience is something I didn’t dare dream about,’ said Farr.

Fremantle Press CEO Jane Fraser said she was thrilled to have sold the US, UK and Europe rights for English-language publication to Aardvark.

‘Aardvark Bureau is a new imprint of Gallic Books in London keen to publish quirky, left-of-centre fiction that is commercial but which has a bit of an edge. This book fits this requirement perfectly,’ said Fraser.

Aardvark Bureau will publish innovative writing from around the world, in print and ebook formats, from September. The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt will be published in the first half of 2016. Tracy Farr will be a guest of the Mildura Writers Festival in July 2015.

The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt by Tracy Farr is available in New Zealand from all good bookstores and online at fremantlepress.com.au.