Hachette Children's signs three 'joyfully queer' romance novels from debut author Tawse

Hachette Children’s has signed three "joyfully queer" novels from debut author Daniel Tawse, beginning with All About Romance. 

Lena McCauley, senior commissioning editor, acquired world rights from Becky Bagnell at Lindsay Literary Agency. The first novel will be published on 6th July 2023 with the next two standalone novels to follow. 

Inspired by Tawse’s school diaries, All About Romance is a "happy-ever-after queer romance" following Roman Bright, a non-binary teenager growing up in a small northern town. The synopsis reads: "Roman Bright appears assured and confident, but in reality, school is a tricky space for them. Finding love – or even friends – when you’re the only non-binary kid for miles around isn’t easy. So when anonymous postcards from ‘Big Red’ start showing up in Roman’s locker, Roman is intrigued. Do they have a secret admirer? Roman thinks they know who is leaving these messages – their mega-crush and almost-boyfriend from last year, JJ Dixon. But when it becomes clear JJ isn’t going to reveal themselves, Roman has to decide if they can be brave enough to make the first move towards finding the kind of romance they’ve so far only swooned over in their favourite movies. Will Roman finally get their happily ever after?"

McCauley commented: "I completely fell in love with Roman’s voice from the very first chapter of this book and knew I had to publish this joyful queer romance – Daniel is an incredible new talent in UK YA and I’m so excited for readers to discover their stories." 

Tawse added: "This feels like a dream come true – from the pages of my high school diary to a heartfelt, fabulous and ridiculous novel! I’m beyond excited to be working with Hachette Children’s Group on a story that’s been a lifetime in the making. Roman Bright is the protagonist the world needs right now, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with them as much as I have!"