Hot Key Books, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired a hilarious teen trilogy by Jo Simmons.
Georgia Murray, commissioning editor, acquired world and audio rights from Helen Boyle at Pickled Ink.
Geek Girl meets Buffy; The Reluctant Vampire Queen tells the story of Mo Merrydrew who, after being told she is ‘the Chosen One’, must decide whether or not to take up the daunting role of Vampire Queen of Great Britain… If it gets her out of PE, perhaps it’s worth a go?
Jo Simmons is an author of funny fiction. Her bestselling middle-grade title I Swapped My Brother on the Internet was shortlisted for the Lollies Book Awards 2020 and has been translated into several languages. The Reluctant Vampire Queen is Jo’s first foray into teen fiction.
Jo Simmons said: “I’m so excited to be working with the team at Hot Key Books on my new teen series. Writing for this age group is a fun new venture for me, and I can’t wait for my heroine Mo and all her vampire “friends” to hit the bookshelves in July.”
Georgia Murray added: “‘We are thrilled at Hot Key Books to be publishing Jo Simmons’ first teenage novel. Jo has such a natural voice for this readership and we can’t wait to introduce both her and irresistible protagonist Mo – both as awkward teenager and reluctant, brilliant vampire queen – to a whole new raft of teen readers eager for funny, accessible teen fiction with a twist.’
The Reluctant Vampire Queen publishes in paperback in July 2022. The next two titles in the series publish in July 2023 and July 2024.
