Romy Ash’s triumphant new novel sells to Ultimo Press

We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of award-winning novelist Romy Ash’s new work, Mantle. Negotiated by Michaela McGuire of a4 Literary, Ultimo Press has acquired ANZ print and e-book rights and will publish the novel on 28 April 2026.

Mantle is a literary eco thriller set in coastal lutruwita/Tasmania, about how love and grief fundamentally alter us. Utterly original, Mantle is a powerful novel that shows us our fate is intertwined with the people around us, and the fate of our world.

‘From the very first pages, it was clear Mantle was something truly special – a novel that is both electrifying and unforgettable,’ says publisher Brigid Mullane. ‘Mantle marks the triumphant return of one of Australia’s most remarkable writers; it is a work that reflects our world back to us while inviting readers to imagine how we might navigate an uncertain future with humour and human connection. Working with Romy and a4 Literary on this extraordinary book has been a dream come true.’

Based in Melbourne, Ash is the author of Floundering (Text Publishing, 2012), which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin, Commonwealth Book Prize and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award among others. She was also named as a SMH Best Young Australian Novelist in 2013.

More than a decade after her critically acclaimed debut, Ash’s new novel is deeply moving. ‘I wrote this book when I was grieving,’ she says. ‘Not just the death of a loved one, but the irrevocably changed coastal environment in southern Tasmania ... All these feelings are entangled here, in this book.’

Michaela McGuire at a4 Literary says: ‘I didn’t just read Mantle, I lived inside it for days. The plot unfurls so perfectly and tenderly that you scarcely notice what Romy Ash is doing until one of the deftest and most beautiful lines ever committed to the page knocks the wind out of you, makes you cry, scream-laugh or howl at the sea. Romy Ash is a wonder, and it is a privilege to be her agent working alongside the passionate, committed team at Ultimo Press to bring this marvel to readers.’

In a statement regarding the acquisition, Ash says: ‘I am so excited to be working with Ultimo Press. The team has the most wonderful mix of vision and enthusiasm. I know Mantle is in the best hands.’

Ultimo Press plans to release Mantle on 28 April 2026.