Sphere bags 'riotously funny' Myers rom-com

Callum Kenny, editor for Sphere fiction, has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, for two new novels from Justin Myers. Rights were acquired from Becky Thomas at Johnson & Alcock. 

The first title, The Fake-Up, will be published in 2022 and is billed as a "sharply observed, riotously funny and completely modern romantic comedy". 

The synopsis reads: "Dylan and Flo aren't quite star-crossed lovers, but sometimes it feels like the world is against them. Whether it's cliquey friends or unsupportive family, their relationship is under a constant microscope. So, together, they decide to stage a break-up – vowing to prove to the cynics that they can’t live without each other... But when this time apart unexpectedly leads to the success they’ve both spent years chasing, a reunion becomes more difficult than the pair could have anticipated. Is love really all you need?"

Kenny said: "I am unbelievably proud to bring Justin to the Sphere list. Put simply, there is no one like him writing in this space and The Fake-Up is set to be his best book yet, populated by likeable characters, full of his trademark wit and balanced with incredible warmth. Justin’s perspective is completely unique and endlessly fresh, and I can’t wait to see his career go from strength to strength."

Myers commented: "I’m delighted to get the chance to write two more novels and kick off this next stage of my career with Sphere. I’m so happy to be working with Callum on these new stories and can’t wait for everyone to read The Fake-Up. This year has been a bit of a weird one, to put it mildly, so this is an excellent way to end the year and I’m hugely lucky to get to do this again – and again! Are they sure about this? Too late now, a deal’s a deal – as Dynasty’s Alexis Carrington famously said: 'I have the papers to prove it!'"

Myers previously published two titles with Piatkus: The Last Romeo (2018) and The Magnificent Sons ( 2020). He has a weekly column in GQ.