Hardie Grant Egmont acquires Alex Dyson’s debut YA novel

Hardie Grant Egmont has acquired world rights to the debut young adult novel by former triple j breakfast presenter Alex Dyson.

When it Drops follows social outcast and bedroom musician Caleb Clifford as he rockets to overnight success when his private song about a crush accidentally goes viral.

‘Being a teenager is hard enough without being thrust into the musical spotlight, and I wanted to explore what it must have been like for the many young inspiring artists I got to interview during my time at triple j,’ said Dyson. ‘I’m so excited to be releasing my debut novel, but not as excited as my dad, who paid for my creative writing degree and is finally seeing his money’s worth!’

‘The moment I started reading When It Drops, I was catapulted into the hilarious, frank and surprisingly deep mind of a teenage boy dealing with life’s problems, both realistic and completely outlandish, and I couldn’t put the book down,’ said publishing director Marisa Pintado. ‘Alex has perfectly captured the voice of a modern Adrian Mole—this time with lovable and irritating siblings and unwanted fame in the mix—and it’s a triumph!’

When it Drops will be published in May 2020.

Category: Junior Local news Rights and acquisitions