Deal Announcements feature my most recent deal as an agent and the story behind it. Writers and readers should experience how an agent knows when they’ve struck gold and sign an author, the beginning of the journey to publication.
I’m excited to announce the publication of Jared Reck’s You’re the Nerds!
Erin Clarke at Knopf has preempted two YA novels by debut writer Jared Reck. The first of two stand-alone titles, You’re the Nerds, tells the story of JV basketball player Matthew Wainright and what happens when he falls for his childhood best friend, Tabby. Publication is scheduled for fall 2017; Laura Crockett at TriadaUS negotiated the six-figure deal for world rights and Uwe Stender will handle film rights.
Once upon a time…
One mid-January day, I received a query from Jared. He jumped right into the heart of the book, not wasting any time to capture my attention. I could hear the protagonist’s voice already, and I wanted to read more! Especially after reading that Matt’s “sabotaged by the overdramatic movie director in his head.” I couldn’t help but think of those Expectation vs Reality panels from (500) Days of Summer, laughed a bit, and asked for 50 pages.
A week later I was able to sit down and read those 50 pages — and I couldn’t stop laughing! I begged for the full and finished it that night. Matt is driven and determined, struggles to maintain a solid friendship, and learns how to come to terms with grief. I laughed and laughed and cried and laughed some more. In short, Jared can write a compelling voice. Two days later, I offered representation. I needed this manuscript. I needed Jared!
Whirlwind already, right? Well. Jared and I were not prepared for the following whirlwind…
After about a month of reviewing the manuscript and going through some final polishing, I sent the manuscript off to editors. One week later — one week later — I received a call from Erin Clarke at Knopf, detailing the offer.
I couldn’t believe it. Neither could my boss, Uwe. It was a dream offer from a dream editor, begging us for this dream book. And she called me on April Fools Day.
But this was no joke.
And the rest…is history.
Congratulations, Jared! You’re going to be a published author!
Scribbles & Wanderlust 
One thought on “Deal Announcement: Jared Reck, YA Contemporary”
briancpalmer
Reblogged this on Tripping the Write Fantastic and commented:
An awesome story from my agent about a massive sale she made today. Congratulations go out to her, Jared Reck (can’t wait to check this one out!), and all of the Triada US family! I hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I did! Here’s to the Anti-April Fool’s Day shenanigans!