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Scholastic scoops Rebecca Anderson's 'taboo-busting' YA debut novel
Scholastic has scooped Rebecca Anderson’s "wildly entertaining" debut novel, Officially Losing It.
Fiction senior commissioning editor Julia Sanderson acquired world rights from Sara O’Keeffe at Aevitas Creative Management. Pitched for the "upper end" of young adult readers, Officially Losing It will be published in July 2024.
Inspired by her work as a counsellor, Officially Losing It aims to "validate readers with shame-busting conversations about bodies, healthy relationships and awkward or challenging new experiences". The story follows Rose who decides to have sex for the first time with her boyfriend Joel. The synopsis continues: "Except, when it comes to it, Rose and Joel can’t seem to make it... happen. Rose’s ‘epic sex fail’ freaks her out. Suddenly, she’s lying to her friends and battling to save a relationship that’s growing strained under the pressure. But it turns out sex can be complicated for others too, and Rose soon becomes the accidental confidante of cringe. Maybe bodies and relationships are as weird and individual as we are?"
Sanderson said: "Rebecca Anderson has written a brave, refreshing and taboo-busting YA novel that invites readers on Rose’s chaotic, unfiltered journey towards first-time sex and won’t let go until they’re belly-laughing, their hearts are glowing and they feel like her best friend – and, somehow, completely seen...I could not feel more passionate about publishing Officially Losing It."
Anderson commented: "This story is deeply personal to me and one I wish had existed when I was a teenager. My goal with this book was to write it with honesty and keep the curtain up during Rose’s most vulnerable moments. Julia embraced this vision wholeheartedly and I’m very thankful to her and the team for helping shape Officially Losing It into a book I am incredibly proud of. I can’t wait to share it with the world."
