In 2021, when my agents and I went to auction with publishers for the sale of Vagabonds!, there was a tight, thrilling energy running through my life. It’s still impossible to pin down in words. Heady with a restless joy, I knew that any of the four bidding publishers would be a good call for different reasons. But I didn’t just want to make a good call, I wanted to choose what was right for me and my work. Beyond the offers on the table, there were other crucial factors to consider. After the first round of conversations, I already knew I was going to go with 4th Estate. Apart from the fact that they publish some of my favourite authors, my acquiring editor, the incredible Kishani Widyaratna spoke about my work with such deep care and a vision that went beyond one book. As a debut author ravenously desiring of a career beyond a single big bang, dreaming in a tremble about book after book stretching ahead of me, I knew I was at yes, and my agent had the same gut feeling too, so we locked it in. Short story short: I have zero regrets. If I could go back in time, I would choose both 4th and Kish again, and again, and again. This backstory is why I’m so excited to (finally) be able to share with my UK readers that NECESSARY FICTION has been acquired by 4th Estate for publication on July 31st 2025! 🎉 🎊
My favorite thing about each iteration of this novel so far is that the different covers all match the energy inside. This one (below) feels like the perfect travel companion or beach read, because it is. This summer, I can’t wait to see it with you on the train or plane, in a cafe, at brunch with friends, in between sets, at bookclubs, on your way to or from a lover’s place, by a perfect sunset. Any and everywhere! Designed by Julian Humphries with base art by Affen Segun, it makes me happy even just to look at. Another detail I’m obsessed with is how it plays with the same font as the Vagabonds! UK cover, which so many of you loved so much. Liiike?!?
Anyway, enough talking. Photos + preorder link/button below to secure Necessary Fiction in hardback (on or before) publication day. PS: just to confirm once again, YES this is the year we get to hang out in person!!! I can’t wait to see you, read to you, laugh with you and sign these for you. Thank you so much for your support, and for rooting for this book along with me!
As always, you can find the US cover here, and the Nigerian cover here.
E xxx