Scholastic has won a six-way auction for Sophie Jo’s “fast-paced” YA romcom, Red Flags.
Polly Lyall Grant, fiction editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Chloe Seager at Madeleine Miburn. Publication in February 2025 will be supported by an “unmissable” marketing and publicity campaign.
“Deftly exploring the difference between what makes a legitimate red flag and what is simply being flawed and human, Sophie Jo’s book is as thoughtful as it is escapist,” said Seager.
Jo’s novel explores the difference between a “harmless ick” and a “legitimate red flag” in a story following Poppy and Cam, who have struggled to maintain long-term relationships.
The synospsis reads: “Poppy is known for her high standards. Why bother with relationships when boys don’t ever seem to live up to her expectations? One red flag and she’s out. Cam is known for quickly developing the ick. He’s never dated anyone for long – a week here, a month there – but he always spooks. When Poppy’s friends challenge her to give someone a chance for two whole months, Poppy decides that Cam (her mysterious bus crush) could be the best of an underwhelming bunch. But Cam’s been set his own challenge: he’s banned from ending things in his next relationship … and that means he’s ready to do whatever he can to put Poppy off.”
Jo commented: “The term ‘red flag’ is often casually thrown around to label anything from differing music tastes to alarming toxic behaviour. It’s no wonder that a lot of teens (and adults) might be unsure what truly signifies a red flag in their own relationships. I’m so excited for readers to join Poppy and Cam on their journey, as they both reassess the kind of person they want to date and the kind of person they want to be.”
Lyall Grant added: “The team shared a unanimous green flag ‘we have to have it’ moment in the office when this landed. Sophie Jo has managed to create an unforgettable will-they-won’t-they character-duo in Cam and Poppy, characters you can’t help fighting for as they fall for each other. We are thrilled to be launching Sophie Jo as a major new voice in romantic YA fiction.”