This past June, second-year MFA Writing student Britt Middleton published her debut romantic comedy, American Love Song. In August, the novel’s worldwide English-language audio rights were acquired by Podium Entertainment in a three-book deal, and the first audiobook is anticipated to be published in 2027.
American Love Song follows Brinton Shaw, a journalist at a prestigious—and pretentious—New York City magazine, whose career is jeopardized by a panic attack at the Grammys that goes viral. Hoping to redeem her professional reputation, she travels to the idyllic Tennessee hometown of Jamie Crawford Jr., a country-music legend known as the Heartbreak Prince, to interview him. But when Brinton discovers Jamie’s career isn’t what it seems, they strike a deal to help each other escape the public images they’re desperate to shed. As they work together, Brinton and Jamie grow increasingly drawn to one another. But can they pursue a relationship without threatening their respective fresh starts?
“I shared the opening chapters for American Love Song during my first fiction workshop, and it was illuminating to hear my cohort and professor’s initial feedback,” says Middleton. “Now, seeing my novel available in bookstores and libraries around the country feels surreal. I am over the moon and so lucky to experience this all while at Columbia University.”
In July, Kirkus Reviews gave American Love Song its “Get It” recommendation, describing the novel as “a sweet romance and an effective comfort read.” In September, the novel was named a 2026 IngramSpark Editorial Selection in Romance, a distinction awarded to fewer than 1% of IngramSpark titles.
Middleton previously worked as a lifestyle and celebrity news producer at Popsugar and Black Entertainment Television (BET Networks). Her writing has been published by Refinery29, Nylon, and, internationally, Nine Network Australia, among others. She is an alum of Yale University’s Writers’ Workshop and a former finalist of Disney Entertainment Television’s Writing Program (Comedy). She is represented by InkWell Management.
American Love Song is available for purchase here.
