Jael Richardson (Arden Wray)

HarperCollins editorial director Jennifer Lambert has acquired Jael Richardson’s debut novel, Gutter Child. The book is described as the story of Elimina, “a young woman raised in privilege as part of a government social experiment. When she loses the only mother she has ever known – a woman who gave her everything but the truth about her origins – Elimina is left to find her way in a world as confusing as it is hostile.”

Richardson is artistic director at Brampton, Ontario’s Festival of Literary Diversity, and books columnist for the CBC Radio program q. She is the author of two books: The Stone Thrower: A Daughter’s Lessons, A Father’s Life (Dundurn) – a memoir based on her relationship with her father, CFL quarterback Chuck Ealey – and a picture-book adaptation of The Stone Thrower published by Groundwood Books and illustrated by Matt James.

In addition to the HarperCollins deal, Rena Ayer at Audible has acquired world English audio rights to The Stone Thrower and Gutter Child.

Publication for Gutter Child is scheduled for fall 2020. The two deals were arranged by Carly Watters at P.S. Literary Agency.