Mar 11, 2022
‘joyful, heartfelt and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy’ FLING acquired by Pan Macmillan in a two-book deal
Joseph Murray’s
Pan Macmillan editor Jayne Osborne has acquired UK & Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, to Fling and a second book by debut author Joseph Murray, from Marianne Gunn O’Connor at Marianne Gunn O’Connor Literary/Film/TV Agency. Elsewhere, rights have sold in France, Germany, and Poland.

Fling is the story of Tara and Colin, a Dublin couple. When they met sparks flew, but now, six years and several failed IVF attempts later, their marriage is hanging by a thread. When Fling, an app for anonymous affairs, is launched, both Tara and Colin find themselves logging on, just to see. But while Tara and Colin might think they’re done with their marriage, fate may have other plans . . .
Fling will be published as a hardback in February 2023.
Jayne Osborne comments: “Joyful, heartfelt and truly laugh-out-loud funny, Fling has all the ingredients of a perfect romantic comedy. Like all the best rom-coms, even as it makes us laugh, it reminds us of something true and meaningful. Tara and Colin are unforgettable characters and their story is as sweet, funny and absurd as life itself. I can’t wait for readers in the UK, Ireland and beyond to meet them, and I’m so delighted to welcome Joseph to the Pan list, and announce him as a major new talent in the romantic fiction market.”
Joseph Murray says: “I am beyond thrilled to have signed with Pan Macmillan. Their passion for Fling blew me away from the get-go and I'm still pinching myself that my debut novel will be joining such an iconic family of books. Having written Fling in my bedroom during lockdown, getting published seemed like a pipe dream but my gut told me to keep writing. When my agent Marianne Gunn O' Connor showed me Pan Macmillan's proposal, it was the life-changing moment I had always dreamed of. I hope people enjoy reading about Tara and Colin's faithful (and fateful) affair as much as I enjoyed writing it. It is a romantic comedy about how everything happens for a reason and I cannot wait for it to hit the shelves in February 2023.”
Marianne Gunn O’Connor adds: “I read Fling in one sitting, it is the perfect romantic comedy for these times. Joseph brings a fresh, fun twist on an age old story. Zinging with hilarious one liners, it made me laugh out loud but it also has real heart and moved me, like the best of Nora Ephron. Jayne and Macmillan's vision for this novel just blew us away. Their passion and enthusiasm won our hearts. Joseph’s talent will thrive with such support and in the company of their epic list of authors.”