Clock Tower scoops YA novel from Jerams and Wyatt

Sweet Cherry imprint Clock Tower Publishing has scooped singer Becky Jerams’ YA novel, written with Bafta-winning songwriter Ellie Wyatt.

Cecilia Bennett, managing editor, acquired worldwide rights to The Songs You’ve Never Heard from Gill McLay at the Bath Literary Agency. It will be published in paperback original in summer 2022.

The novel tells the story of Meg McCarthy, sister to world-famous pop-star Caspar McCarthy, and her newfound friendship with plus-size aspiring singer Alana Howard. Set over the summer in Brighton, the story follows their journey as teen singer-songwriters finding their feet in the music industry, and their struggles with a famous brother, a secret love and a nasty ex-boyfriend. Aimed at young adult readers, the novel highlights the dangers of social media bullying and inspires body positivity with its teen audience.

In addition to the book, the authors have written and recorded a music album of the same name. The album features songs mentioned in the novel, sung in the voices of main characters Caspar, Meg and Alana, and will be available to stream on Apple Music, Spotify and elsewhere.

Jerams said: “We are so excited for our ‘booksical' to be launched by Clock Tower Publishing and we can't wait to introduce our characters. This story is influenced by our own experience of being women in the music industry and we hope readers will connect with our message of finding your inner voice.”

Wyatt added: “This project has brought together our shared passion for words and music. Not only have we been able to write about the feelings and stories that go into song-writing, but we have had the opportunity to then bring our story to life with real songs!”