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Piatkus acquires journalist Lizzie Frainier’s 'witty, relatable' memoir on modern dating
Piatkus has acquired the Times journalist Lizzie Frainier’s "witty, relatable" memoir which explores modern dating through the lens of our favourite romcoms. Commissioning editor Bernadette Marron bought UK & Commonwealth rights to Main Character from Millie Lean at YMU for publication in February 2025.
The synopsis reads: "Main Character captures the highs and the lows, the good and the bad of dating—and everything in between. Charting a decade of electric first dates, meaningful connections and the unavoidable hideous Hinge messages that come with the territory, Lizzie shares her experiences of the intensity of falling in love, the heartbreak of falling out of it and the friendships that have seen her through it all. This book is both a love letter to romcoms and to the many ways in which love can show up in our lives."
Marron said: "What I love about Lizzie’s writing is that it is equal parts playful, knowing, romantic and touching. The stories she shares feel so universal and I found myself thinking of the countless conversations I’ve had with my close friends over the years—dissecting every romantic interaction—and the joy and comfort I’ve taken from those moments. Reading Main Character is like watching the best of romcoms."
Frainier, the Times’ associate travel editor, said: "If there is one thing I’ve learned about dating, it’s that adding a small dose of romcom magic can transform how you feel about being single. I am so excited to be publishing Main Character with the support of the brilliant teams at Piatkus and YMU, who understood exactly what I wanted to say and encouraged me from the very start. It’s been liberating and empowering to reflect on my own romances from my teens to my twenties and thirties, and taught me so much about who I am and who I want to be when it comes to love. I hope this book will resonate with anyone that’s dealt with the ups and downs of dating, and perhaps help them to feel a little less silly or sad next time they feel alone."
