Acquisition Announcement: The Tricky Business of Fairy Bargains by Reena McCarty

ORBIT ACQUIRES DELIGHTFUL COSY DEBUT FANTASY NOVEL BY REENA MCCARTY

Orbit UK has signed The Tricky Business of Fairy Bargains by debut novelist Reena McCarty. Senior Commissioning Editor Emily Byron acquired World Rights for two books from Jennie Goloboy at Donald Maass Literary Agency. North American Rights went to Alyea Canada at Orbit US. Orbit will publish in early 2026.

This delightful debut tells the story of Poppy Hill, a former changeling who was raised in the land of the fae. Now back in the human world, she works for a company that brokers bargains with the ‘Otherside’, looking for loopholes in contracts that fairies might try to exploit. But when a bargain that Poppy is negotiating goes disastrously wrong, she must return to the world she grew up to try to rectify her mistake, facing danger, intrigue and a pesky ex-boyfriend along the way. What follows is an adventure of mishaps, magic and mystery that will enchant fans of T. Kingfisher, TJ Klune and Rebecca Thorne.

Acquiring editor Emily Byron said: ‘Managing to perfectly combine cosy vibes with a fast-paced fantasy quest and a dash of magical bureaucracy, this funny, warm-hearted book charmed me from the very first page. I was captivated by Reena’s complicated and lovable characters and her fresh take on the Fae. This book is packed full of charm, adventure, romance and heart, and I can’t wait to share it with readers.’

Agent Jennie Goloboy said: ‘When I first started reading Reena’s novel I was delighted by her unique take on the fairy bargain and moved by her heroine’s struggle to adjust to a peaceful adulthood after a dangerous but exciting adolescence. I can’t wait for you all to read this wonderful debut, and am grateful to Emily and Alyea for sharing it with the world!’

Author Reena McCarty said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to be working with the wonderful team at Orbit, the publisher behind so many of the books I love, and am so excited to introduce readers to Poppy and her world.’

Reena McCarty is a lifelong Montanan who’s constantly looking for the perfect balance of hiking, camping and impulse baking cakes. She has a BA in theater, a master’s in library science and somehow ended up cooking for a living and also for fun. When not writing, Reena can often be found wandering in the woods with her husband, admiring every dog she sees.