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Electric Monkey scoops two-book deal with TikTok 'sensation' and 'exciting talent' Walther
Electric Monkey has scooped a two-book deal from TikTok "sensation" K L Walther.
Publishing director Lindsey Heaven and editorial director Liz Sellen-Bankes acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Anna Carmichael, literary agent and director at Abner Stein and Eva Scalzo at the Speilburg Literary Agency. While We’re Young, the first book in the deal, will be published in spring 2025 and supported by a "major" marketing and PR campaign.
Inspired by "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off", While We’re Young will mark the first time Walther has been published directly into the UK market. The novel is told through multiple perspectives as Grace Barbour tries to make amends with her best-friend Isa and former friend Everett by skipping school for a day in the lead-up to graduation. The publisher added: "With Walther’s trademark playfulness, deeply romantic scene setting as well as a devious scavenger hunt and epic joyride – this is the perfect love story for readers to escape with next summer."
Walther’s debut The Summer of Broken Rules (Sourcebooks Fire) has received 20.9 million views on TikTok. She commented: "To say I’m thrilled about While We’re Young is an understatement! ’Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ is one of my ultimate comfort movies, and—believe it or not—the idea for this gender-swapped novel came to me in a dream one night (and I’m so proud of myself that I remembered said dream). I had so much fun writing this book and can’t wait for readers to get to know these characters and join in on their shenanigans!"
Heaven added: "I have been such a big fan of K L Walther ever since reading The Summer of Broken Rules two summers ago, which truly captured my heart, sweeping me away with its mischievous game play, gorgeous setting and whirlwind of emotions. K L is such an exciting talent and it’s a real privilege to bring her to our award-winning Electric Monkey list which has been leading the way in exceptional and bestselling YA and NA [new adult] publishing."
