Bell's 'Instagram love story' snapped up by HQ

HarperCollins has bought We Just Clicked, described as "a love story for the Instagram generation", and a second novel from romantic comedy author Anna Bell.

Senior commissioning editor Emily Kitchin negotiated the deal world English language rights with Hannah Ferguson at Hardman Swainson. We Just Clicked will be published in e-book in April 2020 and in paperback in July 2020.

It is the author’s eighth novel with previous titles published by Quercus and Zaffre.

“A love story for the Instagram generation, We Just Clicked will resonate with anyone who’s ever been tempted to present a perfectly filtered version of their lives online, when the reality is vastly different,” HQ said.

We Just Clicked follows Izzy, whose glamorous Instagram account belies the fact that she has to return the clothes she wears in her photos, and that she can’t even afford a holiday. "When Izzy’s co-worker Luke suggests they ‘fake-date’ in order to boost their profiles, Izzy sees her chance," the synopsis reads. "But she doesn’t plan on meeting handsome Aidan at her local cinema’s old-movie night. When Izzy finds herself unexpectedly torn between online fame and real-life love, which will she choose?"

Kitchin said: “I’ve been a fan of Anna’s fabulous rom-coms for ages and I’m thrilled to have the chance to work with her. We Just Clicked is wonderful: full of hilarious laugh-out-loud moments and real emotional heart, not to mention a gorgeous romance to sweep you off your feet. We can’t wait to take Anna’s publishing to the next level, and we’re really excited about what’s in store”

Bell, who is based in the South of France, revealed that the deal with HQ “a dream come true”. She added:  “Emily's enthusiasm for We Just Clicked shone through and I'm absolutely delighted to be working with her and the team to bring it to life.”