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Scarlett Press wins six-way auction for Sophie Jo's romcom in two-book deal
Scarlett Press, Simon & Schuster’s new romance imprint, has won a six-way auction for two new romcoms by Sophie Jo. Tierney Holm, commissioning editor, acquired world-English rights to this exclusive submission in a six-figure, two-book deal from Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency for Scarlett Press. Alexa Pastor, senior editor at Atheneum, will publish in the US. Both titles will publish as paperback originals in 2027 and 2028.
According to the publisher, the first book, The Job Share, "captures the very best of contemporary romantic comedy. With an irresistible blend of humour and heart, it will make readers laugh, cry and fall hopelessly in love".
The synopsis continues: "Jonah and Liv haven’t said a single word to each other since their university break-up five years ago. Jonah doesn’t need control-freak Liv in his life and Liv certainly doesn’t need hyper-independent, stubborn Jonah in hers.
"So, when a burnt-out Liv quits her toxic job, leaves her boyfriend and moves to a small town in the Midlands to take on a part-time job-share at a tiny independent vet, the last person she expects to be splitting her work-week with is Jonah. They might be quick to become academic rivals again, but there’s no way they’ll be falling in love again... right?"
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Holm said: "I’m so excited to be making such a dream acquisition as my first for Scarlett Press. Sophie is the most brilliant romcom talent – her wit and humour, her emotional intelligence and her empathy all shine through on the page and this book slots right in to my list of all-time favourite reads. I feel as every brilliant book makes me feel – that these characters and their story have existed all along, we’re only just now being afforded the privilege of meeting them."
Jo is the author of YA romcoms Red Flags and Heartbreak Era (Scholastic UK). The Job Share is Sophie Jo’s new adult debut.
Jo said: "Liv and Jonah’s story has found a perfect home in Scarlett Press. I’m over the moon to be part of this exciting new imprint and to work with such an energetic, welcoming team – from our very first enthusiasm-filled emails, I knew something special was about to happen. Tierney is my dream editor. She understands and champions my ideas so passionately, and I feel very lucky to be creating romcom magic with her again."
