After dreaming about signing a book contract for years, this moment is a little surreal. But, yes, I signed a book contract for my YA fantasy novel with Nightshade Publishing! I queried Nightshade after meeting with them at Realm Makers last year, and here we are now, with a signed contract.

Some of you have been around since I first started this project back in 2021. But whether you’re an old or new friend, I’m so excited to get to share this journey with you! Embarking on publishing is both exciting and a little scary, and it’s so nice to know that you’re all here supporting me in this new chapter of my writing. Just think–soon enough we’ll be having a title reveal and cover reveal!

The book has sibling dynamics, a snarky magical cat, deadly magic, and secrets. If you like The Story Peddler, Splinters of Scarlet, or Sky of Seven Colors, you’ll probably enjoy it! It’s currently slated for a 2026 release, and I’m so excited. Here’s a teaser blurb:

Liam alone knows how his father died by magic at the hands of the crown, a fact that fuels his constant hatred of nobility. However, his sister Enya, unknowing of the truth behind their father’s death, sees the glittering world of royalty in a different light and readily accepts a position as one of the princess’s handmaids. Determined to keep nobility from harming his family again, Liam will pay any cost to bring Enya safely home, even if that means using the very magic that killed their father. Little do either of them know that greater things are at stake, tied to their country’s own legends and fate. 

To make sure you don’t miss any exciting book updates, make sure you sign up for my newsletter (you’ll also get a free short story!).

If you’re on social media and want to help share the news, you can share either my (@haileyhuntingtonauthor) or Nightshade Publishing’s (@nightshadepublishing) posts! I’d appreciate help in spreading the news!

I sincerely hope that you’ll stick around for this coming year and all of the exciting publishing adventures!