Pantera Press has acquired The Next Big Thing by writer and comedian James Colley

Pantera Press has acquired world rights for The Next Big Thing by writer and comedian James Colley through Creative Representation, in a two-book deal

 

The Next Big Thing is a quintessential Australian story: charming, hilarious and perfect for fans of The Castle and The Rosie Project.

A town on the brink of extinction needs to make a big splash to survive. Ella and Norm have just the plan to do it: build a Big Thing. And not just any big thing; it’ll be the latest in the pantheon of Australia’s gigantic kitsch statues, a towering artwork that can stand tall next to the Big Prawn, Big Banana and of course the Big Potato.

It’s a Big Idea and might well be a Big Mistake. To build it, they’ll overcome some Big Obstacles, cause a Big Controversy, and ask themselves the Big Questions about their town, their lives, and the exact nature of their relationship. The Next Big Thing is a rollicking romantic comedy packed with laughs, heart and boundless ambition that’s sure to put a Big Smile on your face.

‘I’m thrilled that The Next Big Thing has found a home with the amazing team at Pantera Press. I’ve been a huge fan of Pantera Press ever since they agreed to acquire the rights to The Next Big Thing. It’s a dream come true to bring this novel to life with such a fantastic and dedicated group of people. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. And isn’t friendship the real Big Thing after all? Not really, but it sounded nice,’ said James Colley.

‘The kitsch Australiana of Big Things speaks to me on a cellular level. James has tapped into the weirdness and beauty of this country’s fascination with them by crafting a page-turning story with a fantastic cast of characters, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a big, beating heart,’ said Commissioning Editor Tom Langshaw.

James Colley is a writer and comedian from Western Sydney. He is currently the head writer for Gruen and Question Everything on ABC TV, as well as previous seasons of The Weekly with Charlie Pickering. Colley has also written for Summer Love, Bravest Warriors, Tonightly and The Time Traveller’s Guide to Not Dying, among other shows. He’s the author of satirical essay collection Too Right and co-author of Tries, Lies and Meat Pies and Rise. His writing has appeared in the Guardian, Fairfax Media, the Big Issue and frankie magazine. The Next Big Thing is his debut novel.

The Next Big Thing will be released in early 2024.

 

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For media enquiries, please contact: Talie Gottlieb Ph: 02 8096 5192 E: taliesyn.gottlieb@panterapress.com