Diamond Kahn & Woods Literary Agency

Atom to publish David Owen’s third YA novel

Atom, an imprint of Little, Brown, has acquired a third YA novel from David Owen. Sarah Castleton, Editorial Director at Atom Books, bought UK & Commonwealth Rights (excluding Canada) from Ella Kahn at Diamond Kahn & Woods Literary Agency.

All The Lonely People is a story about online culture – both good and bad – and its influence over our sense of self.

Told from the perspective of Kat, a girl who has lost all meaningful connection with the world, and Wesley, a boy who is desperate to find his own, it explores the experience of loneliness in a connected world; the power of kindness and empathy over hatred.

‘The internet can be a lifeline for lonely young people, an outlet for creativity and connection; but it can also leave them open to dangerous influences, victimised and vulnerable. All The Lonely People addresses these complex issues head on, with nuance and tenderness and real insight. This is David’s strongest novel yet, a book I know means a lot to him, and we are so proud to continue to publish him.’ Sarah Castleton

‘I am thrilled that Sarah and the team at Atom will be publishing All The Lonely People and continuing to build on David’s success in the YA market. It has been wonderful to see their passion for and commitment to his writing, and this timely and compassionate story promises to be his biggest hit yet.’ Ella Kahn

‘It’s so exciting to be publishing my third book with Atom – I can’t think of a better home for a story that isn’t quite like anything else in the YA space.’ David Owen

David Owen studied created writing at The University of Winchester, where he went on to teach for three years. David is the author of two novels: Panther (2015), which was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and The Fallen Children (2017); both of which were published by Atom Books.

All The Lonely People will be published in January, 2019. Early material will be showcased at YALC, the UK’s dedicated Young Adult Literature Convention as part of London Film and Comic Con, where David Owen will himself be appearing on Friday 27th July.