Macmillan Children's Books wins eight-way auction for Trevaldwyn's 'masterclass in comedy writing'

Macmillan Children’s Books has triumphed in an eight-way auction for The Romantic Tragedies of A Drama King, in a two-book deal from actor and "Instagram’s Prince of Comedy" Harry Trevaldwyn. 

Publishing director Emma Jones and editor Charlie Castelletti bought world English language rights jointly with Sara Goodman at Wednesday Books, Macmillan US from Jessica Hare at The Agency. Clementine Ahearne and Elizabeth Guess at ILA are handling translation rights and film rights are with Isaac Storm at United Agents. The Romantic Tragedies of A Drama King will be published in spring 2025. Publication will be supported by a "theatrical" global PR and marketing campaign. 

"Harry Trevaldwyn has that rare, one-of-a-kind comedy voice that cuts across generations old and new, and an exceptional ability to tell a tale that is, essentially, a masterclass in comedy writing," said Castelletti. 

Trevaldwyn’s novel is "bursting with hilarious misadventures and queer joy" and follows "loveable Patrick ‘Patch’ Simmons who’s decided that this is the year he gets a boyfriend. Armed with his single mum’s outdated self-help books and an alarming level of self-confidence, Patch embarks on his mission with hilarious results". 

Trevaldwyn has appeared on "Ten Percent" and Netflix’s "The King", but is also known for his comedic Instagram videos.

He commented: "I’ve taken all the delightful humiliations and dramas I wish I could have had as a teenager looking for love and given them to someone much braver than I was. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Patch and worry about his terrible (terrible) choices." 

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, managing director, added: “Harry is a unique and witty talent destined to become a star on our bestselling and growing YA list. The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is guaranteed to have millions of fans amused and charmed in equal measure and we are very ambitious for its success.”