Hot Key Books has acquired two new books by award-winning author Nathanael Lessore, including What happens online.
Publisher Bonnier Books UK described it as “an unforgettable teen comedy about finding out who you are online and offline, and which contains positive discussions of issues that concern teenagers today, including peer pressure, bullying, mental health and self-esteem.”
Ella Whiddett, editor at Hot Key Books, acquired the UK and Commonwealth English language rights to two standalone contemporary young adult novels from Clare Wallace of the Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency.
What happens online will be published in April 2025 as a paperback, e-book and audio, with a second standalone title to follow in 2026.
Lessore’s debut Stay up to date was published by Hot Key in 2023 and won the 2024 Brandford Boase Award. It has also been nominated for awards such as the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing.
What happens online follows Fred, who goes by Existor@stmarks online and is the best gamer around – constantly on the winning streak, with tons of followers and the confidence to boot, according to Hot Key Books. “But offline, Fred’s life is miserable,” the synopsis reads. “His dad is always working, his mom is struggling, and everyone at school sees through him. When his online alter ego’s fame spreads to his real life, Fred sees an opportunity to increase his popularity. But will he ever find someone who likes him for who he really is?”
Lessore said: “I am so lucky to be a writer and to be published by Hot Key. Not only have they made my dreams come true (twice), but they have offered to do it again. I can’t believe I get to make a living playing, laughing, and learning, and am incredibly excited to announce and start working on these next two books, starting with What happens onlinecomes next year.”
Whiddett said: “I am thrilled to be working with Nathanael, an extraordinary talent, on more books. He understands how teenagers think and speak, what makes them laugh and what drives them, and Fred’s story proves how perfectly he can balance heart and humor for this readership. Fans of Stay up to date And King of Nothing will love it.”
Lessore was born in Camberwell, south-east London, one of eight children of French and Malagasy parents. He spent most of his life in Peckham, but also lived in Paris, Strasbourg and Singapore.
