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Hot Key Books has acquired two new books from award-winning author Nathanael Lessore, including What Happens Online.
The Bonnier Books UK imprint described it as “an unforgettable teen comedy about figuring out who you are online and offline, that features positive discussion of topics affecting teens today, including peer pressure, bullying, mental health and self-esteem”.
Ella Whiddett, commissioning editor at Hot Key Books, acquired UK and Commonwealth English language rights to two standalone contemporary teen novels from Clare Wallace at Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency.
What Happens Online publishes in paperback, e-book and audio in April 2025, with a second standalone title to follow in 2026.
Lessore’s début Steady For This was published by Hot Key in 2023, winning the Brandford Boase Award 2024. It was also shortlisted for awards such as the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing.
What Happens Online follows Fred who goes by Existor@stmarks online and is the best gamer around – constantly on a winning streak, with ton of followers, and the confidence to go with it, Hot Key Books said. “But offline, Fred’s life is miserable,” the blurb reads. “His dad’s always working, his mum’s struggling, and at school everyone looks straight through him. So when the fame of his online alter ego spreads to his real life, Fred sees an opportunity to boost his popularity. But will he ever find someone to like him for who he really is?”
Lessore said: “I am so fortunate to be a writer, and to be published by Hot Key. Not only did they make my dreams come true (twice), they’ve offered to do it again. I can’t believe I get to play and laugh and learn for a living and am mind-bendingly excited to announce and work on these next two books, starting with What Happens Online, coming next year.”
Whiddett said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be working on more books with Nathanael, who is a singular talent. He understands how teenagers think and speak, what makes them laugh and what makes them tick, and Fred’s story proves just how perfectly he can balance heart and humour for this readership. Fans of Steady For This and King of Nothing are going to love it.”
Lessore was born in Camberwell, south-east London, as one of eight children to French and Madagascan parents. While he has spent most of his life in Peckham, he has also lived in Paris, Strasbourg and Singapore.