Walker acquires debut Australian YA psychological thriller

Walker Books has acquired world rights to debut author Sarah Epstein’s YA psychological thriller Small Spaces.

Due for release in April 2018, Small Spaces is the story of 17-year-old Tash, who is haunted by memories of her childhood and the day her ‘gruesome’ imaginary friend Sparrow lured a young Mallory away from a local carnival. When Tash starts to see Sparrow again, she realises Mallory—now 15 years old and mute—is the key to a dark secret.

Walker Books editor Nicola Santilli told Books+Publishing she was ‘immediately drawn’ to the synopsis when she read it on Epstein’s website, and requested the manuscript on the same day. ‘I devoured it. I couldn’t get it out of my head,’ said Santilli. ‘The quality of Sarah’s writing blew me away, and I was gripped by these compelling characters and the twisting mystery at the heart of the story. I knew it was only a matter of time before someone snapped it up, and I was determined to get there first!’

Epstein, a writer, illustrator and designer based in Melbourne, said she feels ‘so fortunate’ to have found an editor and publisher who understood her story. ‘I’m ecstatic to be adding my voice to the YA community, especially in the thriller genre, which is my favourite to read,’ she said.

Category: Junior Local news Rights and acquisitions