US deal for Jasper Kent

Twelve by Jasper Kent remains one of my favourite reads of the year - a historical fantasy involving vampires that would eat their fluffy namesakes in Twilight for breakfast. The book has been a real success in the UK - according to agent John Jarrold it's the "second-highest-selling trade paperback debut novel right across UK publishing in 2009."

It's now been announced that Kent has signed a two-book deal with Pyr in the US, for the release of Twelve and its sequel Thirteen Years Later.

From John Jarrold's blog:

‘I'm thrilled to be welcoming Jasper Kent into the Pyr fold,’ says editorial director Lou Anders. ‘TWELVE is a magnificent blend of a historical novel and a dark fantasy novel, that could appeal equally to readers both in and out of genre. Jasper is a skilled storyteller, whose compelling prose had me hooked from his opening chapter. The book is "un-put-downable," and I love that he has brought back a real sense of threat and danger to the classic monsters, something that has been lacking with too many vampires lately. I cannot wait to spring this on US readers.’‘

Jasper and I are delighted with this deal, and looking forward to working with Lou and his colleagues,’ said John Jarrold. ‘Pyr is a terrific company, who publish many of my favourite authors, and Lou’s enthusiasm has to be seen to be believed!’

Congratulations to Jasper - I'll be interested to see if the success the book has enjoyed in the UK will be replicated across the Atlantic.