Penguin Michael Joseph triumphs in four-way auction for Emiko Jean debut

Penguin Michael Joseph has secured Mika in Real Life, the adult debut from YA author Emiko Jean, in a four-way auction.

Editorial director Clio Cornish acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Lorella Belli at The Lorella Belli Literary Agency. Rights have sold in nine territories, including to William Morrow in the US following a 10-way auction. The novel will be published by PMJ in September 2022.  

Jean has previously written YA titles Tokyo Ever After (Pan Macmillan) and Empress of All Seasons (Orion).

Her adult debut’s synopsis reads: “At 35, Mika Suzuki is struggling. She’s been fired (again). Her last relationship went up in flames. Her mother is perpetually disappointed in her. And now, she’s had a phone call from 16-year-old Penny Calvin: the baby she reluctantly gave up for adoption when she was just a teenager herself. 

“Penny has questions – and Mika is desperate to meet her girl. But she barely feels like she can take care of herself. Is she ready to show Penny who Mika Suzuki really is?” 

“It is an absolute dream my novel has found a home in the UK with Penguin Michael Joseph,” Jean said. “I am delighted to be working with Clio and the team on Mika in Real Life. And I am so very excited to share the book with readers everywhere.”  

Cornish added: “With one of the most powerful opening scenes I’ve read in a long time, Mika in Real Life takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions as Mika, her daughter Penny and Penny’s adopted dad discover more about each other, and themselves. A celebration of the families we’re given, and the families we choose, this book will make you laugh, make you cry and leave your heart full – proving that just because life is messy, that doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect. I fell head over heels for Mika, and can’t wait to work with the international teams to introduce her to the UK.”