Wednesday, 20 August 2025 Books+Publishing @booksandpublishing
Keeperton has acquired world rights to debut novel The Line by Jeremy Belan, in a two-book deal.
The Line is a coming-of-age story following Eddie, who is caught between two worlds. ‘A chance encounter and newfound friendship with his neighbour Joey sets him on a path of self-discovery and reconnection,’ said the publisher.
Belan was born in Shellharbour to a Gamilaraay and Maltese father and an English and Croatian mother. He has worked as a chef, bartender, nightclub manager and salesperson.
He said of the acquisition, ‘I wrote The Line for the ones in the quiet places. Between cultures. Between families. Between words. For the kids who dare to wish for something better. The ones who carry a silent hope and a sense of illogical optimism, even when the world tells them not to. This story began as a reckoning with my younger self and became a way of healing what I thought was beyond repair.
‘The Line is only the beginning. It is the start of a body of work I have carried for years and am finally ready to share.’
Belan’s second book, The Circle, is a picture book about friendship and belonging.
Keeperton head of global strategy and development Fiona Hazard said, ‘From the moment we read the first chapter of The Line, we were captivated by Jeremy’s powerful storytelling, which grips the reader from the very first page and immerses you so completely in Eddie’s world. Eddie’s story invites reflection, connection, re-connection, and hope.’
Keeperton plans to publish The Line in 2026 and The Circle in 2027.
Photo credit: Syl Marie.
Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions