Brathwaite’s debut YA novel goes to Quercus

Candice Brathwaite’s debut YA novel, Cuts Both Ways, has been acquired by Hachette Children's Group.

The author of I Am Not Your Baby Mother (Quercus) has written her first novel, billed as “a sharp and funny YA love story exploring the complexities of growing up as a Black British teen”.

Lena McCauley, senior commissioning editor, acquired world rights all languages from Francesca Zampi with Gillie Russell at the Found Agency. Cuts Both Ways will be published in paperback, e-book and audio on 4th August 2022 by the Quercus Children’s Books imprint.

The blurb reads: “Cuts Both Ways follows 16-year-old Cynthia as she and her parents settle into their new home in a small town, following a traumatic incident in London. Alongside adjusting to being one of the only Black students at school, Cynthia soon finds herself torn between two brothers – one white, one Black – and between the duty she feels to her family and the feelings in her heart."

Brathwaite is an author, journalist and TV presenter. She has a style segment on ITV's “Lorraine", is a contributing editor to Grazia and regularly appears on national radio and television news channels to talk about maternal mortality rates for Black women in Britain. Her debut book I Am Not Your Baby Mother - about being a Black British mum – was published by Quercus in May 2020 and made the Sunday Times bestseller list. 

She said: “I can’t quite describe how excited I am to be sinking my teeth into YA fiction. Cuts Both Ways has pulled me in entirely and I can’t wait to share the story and most importantly the characters with my readers both old and new.”  

McCauley said: “For a long time I’ve thought Candice’s voice would be perfect for the YA market, so it’s incredibly exciting to be working with her on this project. Cuts Both Ways is funny, moving, heart-breaking and romantic in equal measure, and I know it’s going to be a huge hit with YA readers.”  

Russell said: “It’s a real thrill to take Candice’s first YA novel to the great team at Hachette Children’s Group. Cuts Both Ways is a vibrant story of an emerging teenage love triangle set against a backdrop of family, race and prejudice. Laced with her own particular humour and characters, it’s a story as vivid and compelling as Candice herself.”