One Direction fan fiction series After to be published in six-figure deal
The sexually explicit series by Anna Todd will be published later this year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A popular One Direction online fan fiction series that paints Harry Styles as a Jane Austen-loving “rude boy” is due to make its way into bookshops this November.
The series, which was first published on the free story website Wattpad, comes with a warning message that it contains “detailed sexual scenes and tons of explicit language” as well as “loads and loads of typos”.
Simon & Schuster is reported to have won the worldwide rights to the After fan fiction series, written by 25-year-old Anna Todd in the same vein as Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey.
The series tells the story of Tessa Young, an 18-year-old whose “simple life” is “shattered…[by] a rude boy named Harry”. She also goes on to meet Harry’s friends Niall, Liam, Zayn and Louis.
In less than a year, the series has gained over 800 million reads on Wattpad, gaining Todd over 180,000 Twitter followers.
According to US industry magazine Publisher’s Weekly, Simon & Schuster are said to have paid a “mid-six figure” deal for the rights to the After series, including audio rights.
The writer said on Twitter she has negotiated for the series to remain available for free on Wattpad as well.
In an interview with Sugascape, Todd said EL James’ Fifty Shades of Grey has “changed her entire life” and said she thought her series had been popular because fans “always have a desire for more” after seeing the boy band perform live.
She added that central character Tessa has gained popularity because of her normal appearance that makes her easy to relate to.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
“She’s not the thinnest girl…and I think a lot of people are used to reading books where the woman is perfect and the man is the one who has issues. Tessa is just as flawed as Harry and I think they love that.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments