June 23, 2025 (Toronto) – Simon & Schuster Canada proudly announces that it will publish the co-written novel, Unreal—from Iain Reid, the New York Times bestselling author of I’m Thinking of Ending Things, Foe, and We Spread, and Ellie Foumbi, the acclaimed writer and director of the film Our Father, The Devil—in Fall 2026.
A surreal, philosophical suspense story about memory, identity and ambition, Unreal follows an aspiring actress whose desperation for a break leads her to accept an unusual audition where the boundaries between reality and fantasy become increasingly blurred.
“There’s few things I enjoy more than working with writers who dare to push creative boundaries,” says Nicole Winstanley, President & Publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada. “Iain’s work is truly one of a kind, and with the award-winning, multi-talented Ellie Foumbi alongside him, readers are undoubtedly in for a remarkable and mind-bending experience.”
Iain Reid is the author of five books, including his New York Times bestselling debut novel, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, which has been translated into more than twenty languages. Oscar winner Charlie Kaufman wrote and directed the film adaptation for Netflix. His second novel, Foe, was adapted for film, starring Saoirse Ronan, with Reid co-writing the screenplay. His most recent novel, We Spread, is in development with Anonymous Content based on the screenplay by Iain Reid, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Award, and was also published internationally.
Ellie Foumbi is an award-winning screenwriter and director. She was born in Cameroon and grew up in Westchester, New York. After completing an MFA at Columbia University, she made her debut feature film, Our Father, the Devil, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received universal critical acclaim. She was named one of 25 New Faces of Independent Film by Filmmaker Magazine. Ellie’s work is focused on unique, character-driven stories that explore pressing cultural and social-political issues through a genre lens.
Nicole Winstanley acquired Canadian rights from Samantha Haywood at Transatlantic Agency.
Iain Reid is represented by Samantha Haywood.
Congratulations, Iain and Ellie!