Debut novel takes flight

 News 

Graduate debut takes flight

MA Writing for Young People graduate Lucy Beck's debut novel Fledgling has been acquired by award-winning children’s publisher Nosy Crow.

Lucy's middle-grade fantasy Fledgling begins when a strange creature is blown into Cassie Engel’s bedroom during a thunderstorm, triggering a series of terrifying events – and a search for the truth. As dark forces gather, Cassie must summon the courage to fight for everything she holds dear.

Kirsty Stansfield, head of fiction at Nosy Crow, described the novel as "a fresh and original piece of writing". Lucy's agent Joanna Moult of Skylark Literary Agency commented:

“Fledgling was the perfect read to transport me far away from this rather overwhelming reality, told in the most compelling and atmospheric way.”

The course has seen many talented writers secure publishing deals over the years, with Lucy being the first from the latest cohort to do so. Lucy, who was approached by agents almost as soon as the course's annual anthology launched at the end of January this year, has had something of a whirlwind journey:

“I was delighted to be offered representation by Joanna Moult, and over the moon that she found a home for Fledgling with my dream publisher, Nosy Crow, so quickly. I couldn’t be happier, and am immensely grateful to all the tutors on the MAWYP for helping turn my dream into a reality.”

Dr Lucy Christopher, Course Director for MA Writing for Young People, says:

"We are so proud of Lucy's success with Fledgling. I loved working with Lucy on this manuscript and knew from the start that she had an extremely strong and unique story to tell. We had great fun in our workshop sessions and tutorials, giggling over some of her wonderfully comic and exceptionally drawn characters. I wish Lucy the very best of luck with this brilliant tale. She may be the first of our 2019 crop to gain publication success but she absolutely won't be the last."

Seven of the course's writers have found agents within three months of the anthology launch.

Interested in Writing for Young People?

Read about MA Writing for Young People alumna Jasbinder Bilan's recent success.

Profile: