FNA Shortlisted Jodie Matthews secures 2-book deal with Fourth Estate

Tess

Tess

28 June 2022

We are thrilled to share the news that Jodie Matthews, who was shortlisted for the BPA First Novel Award 2021, has signed a two-book deal with 4th Estate. Jodie is represented by Olivia Maidment at Madeleine Milburn literary agency and her debut novel, Meet Me At The Surface, will be published by Editorial Director at Fourth Estate, Katie Bowden. Katie told the Bookseller, “I read Meet Me At The Surface in one fevered sitting and fell completely in love with this dark and magical story.”

Jodie told us the past year has been a dream come true. “From shortlisting in the BPA first novel award, signing with my agent Olivia Maidment, to 4th Estate acquiring my debut MEET ME AT THE SURFACE in a two book deal. I set out to write Meet Me At The Surface because I wanted to tell the story of the Cornwall I know—a place that is rich in beauty and culture, but can also be difficult and isolated. I can’t wait to start working with Katie and the team at 4th Estate.”
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“I set out to write Meet Me At The Surface because I wanted to tell the story of the Cornwall I know—a place that is rich in beauty and culture, but can also be difficult and isolated.”
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The whole team at BPA is delighted and can’t wait to read the full novel after enjoying the first 20,000 words during the competition. Jodie says, “I entered the BPA first novel award on a whim. I’d not placed in another competition six months before and I was feeling disheartened. I didn’t want to give up on the book though, and I knew I worked best to a deadline, so I decided to enter. I didn’t know at the time how much of a difference it would make. Longlisting, and then shortlisting really got the ball moving with my writing—I signed with my agent, and I had a newfound confidence in my writing, just knowing that other people were enjoying the book. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world. If you’re unsure about entering a writing competition, I say go for it. One no—or a handful—doesn’t mean you won’t one day get a yes. It’s been less than a year since I shortlisted for the BPA, and I’m so grateful for everything this competition, and others, gave me, to get me to this point.”
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“Longlisting, and then shortlisting really got the ball moving with my writing—I signed with my agent, and I had a newfound confidence in my writing, just knowing that other people were enjoying the book.”
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Meet Me At The Surface will be published in the UK in Spring 2024. The novel explores folklore, grief, and the memories that haunt us – BPA First Novel Award judge Kiran Millwood-Hargrave said, “The setting is so rich and memorable, it really gives the characters and plot a true depth.”

Jodie is on Twitter as @JodieRMatthews, and you can also keep up to date by following @4thestatebooks.

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