ABSOLUTE PROOF and SLAY IN YOUR LANE Shortlisted for the National Book Awards

We are delighted to announce that ABSOLUTE PROOF by Peter James has been shortlisted in the Audiobook of the Year category of the Specsavers National Book Awards, with SLAY IN YOUR LANE by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene shortlisted in the Popular Non Fiction category.

The National Book Awards celebrate the best and most popular books of the year and the winners will be announced on 20th November at an awards ceremony presented by Zoe Ball.

ABSOLUTE PROOF is an international thriller which asks some of lifes biggest questions: what would it take to prove the existence of God? And what would be the consequences? The false faith of a billionaire evangelist, the life’s work of a famous atheist, and the credibility of each of the world’s major religions are all under threat in this gripping tale.

From education to work to dating, SLAY IN YOUR LANE recognises and celebrates the strides black women have already made, while providing practical advice for those who want to do the same and forge a better, visible future. Illustrated with stories from best friends Elizabeth Uviebinené and Yomi Adegoke’s own lives, and using interviews with dozens of the most successful black women in Britain, SLAY IN YOUR LANE is essential reading for a generation of black women inspired to find success in every area of their lives.

Praise for ABSOLUTE PROOF:

'With ABSOLUTE PROOF, the King of Crime is now a miracle worker.' - Jon Coates, Sunday Express

‘We are in Dan Brown blockbuster territory, but both atheists and believers will find food for thought in this globe-trotting epic.' – Barry Forshaw, Guardian

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Praise for SLAY IN YOUR LANE:

‘A comprehensive, inspirational tool book that gives voice, to the next generation of young black British women navigating life in Britain today… It is a book that is bound to resonate with many black British women straddling the heritage of their parents with their sense of place in British society.‘ — Funmi Fetto, Vogue

 ‘A tribute to the strides made by black women and a guide to achieving more.’ — Stylist

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Avon To Publish Three More Books by Bestseller Sue Moorcroft

Photo Credit: Charlotte Barnes

Avon Books have signed a three-book deal with Sue Moorcroft, taking her publishing schedule up to summer 2020. Rachel Faulkner-Willcocks acquired World English Language rights from Juliet Pickering at Blake Friedmann.

As part of Avon’s overall strategy to grow Sue Moorcroft’s brand globally, Avon also expanded their portfolio for her existing books to include North American and Canadian rights (A Christmas Promise, Just for the Holidays, The Little Village Christmas, One Summer in Italy and A Christmas Gift).

Rachel Faulkner-Willcocks, Senior Commissioning Editor at Avon said: ‘Sue Moorcroft’s wonderful novels have become highlights of summer and Christmas for her legion of devoted readers, and we are delighted that we’ll be working with Sue for these next three books. Her novels are full to the brim with warmth, but never shy away from the darker realities of life, and with universal themes of family, friendship, love and community, we’re excited to be publishing Sue globally, and bringing her wonderful narratives to an even wider readership.’ 

Sue Moorcroft said: ‘It’s such a privilege and a pleasure to continue to work with the Avon team, because they approach the publication of my books with unparalleled professionalism and enthusiasm. I’m thrilled they’re proving their confidence in my brand by taking it into North America and Canada and thank Juliet for, once again, brokering exactly the right deal for me. I can’t say how delighted I am to move into the future with all at Avon and Blake Friedmann.’

Pickering said: ‘Sue's partnership with Avon continues to go from strength to strength, and we're delighted that Avon wish to take Sue's fantastic list to North America, too. Along with an ever-increasing number of translation markets for Sue's novels, this move across the Atlantic cements Sue's future as an internationally-bestselling author, and we couldn't be more pleased for her.'

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times and international bestselling author who has held the coveted #1 spot on Amazon Kindle. She’s won the Readers’ Best Romantic Novel award and the Katie Fforde Bursary, and has twice been nominated for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award. Her short stories, serials, columns, writing ‘how to’ and courses have appeared all over the world. Her first hardback, A Christmas Gift, publishes this November, following a Sunday Times top ten position last Christmas, and a summer of stellar Ebook sales.

Praise for Sue Moorcroft:

‘A delight to read. Full of laughter and tears.’ – Katie Fforde

 ‘Sue’s gift for description and characters and a well-paced, funny yet tender plot makes this the idea holiday read.’ — My Weekly

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Laura Dennison and Eve Simmons book debunking myths about food has been signed by Mitchell Beazley

Founders of the website and blog Not Plant Based, Laura Dennison and Eve Simmons’s book HOW TO FEEL THE FEAR AND EAT IT ANYWAY has been acquired by Mitchell Beazley (part of the Octopus Publishing Group).

Hattie Grunewald has sold World English Language rights to Editorial Director Eleanor Maxfield. It will be published on 17th January at £10.99.

Not Plant Based are on a mission to help you love food again. The principle is very simple: eat what you like and don't worry about it. This is a game-changing narrative for anyone who has struggled to find a balance between healthy and happy, between empty and full. The definition of 'healthy eating' has been chewed up, spat out and re-digested enough times to make Joe and Josephine Public give up and seek out their nearest branch of McDonald's. Our mindless obsession with eating 'right' is such that we're now more concerned about what our Instagram followers think of a poorly lit picture of our dinner than we are of its effect on our own palate. Or, indeed, our happiness. We seem to be living in a time where we no longer eat with our hearts, emotions or heritage – but with our waistlines (and followers) in mind.

Throughout the book, Eve and Laura call on experts to debunk myths and provide a balanced exploration of our attitude towards food, with some delicious recipes thrown in along the way from food heroes such as Ruby Tandoh, The Hairy Bikers, and Angela Hartnett. They discuss their own experiences of eating disorders and offer personal tips and coping mechanisms to help rid you of anxiety linked to food. No one is saying healthy eating is bad; there is simply a lot of misleading information out there. More to the point, food is so much more than just healthy eating: it’s family, friends, enjoyment and memories.

From sugar to fat, clean eating and the #fitspo generation, chapters call out the fads, debunk myths and teach you how to reinstate food happiness. It’s a menu that’s especially delicious, “guilt-free” and requires a hell of a lot less money spent in health food shops.

Eleanor Maxfield said of the acquisition ‘I am incredibly proud to be part of such an important message about the relationship between food and anxiety. Readers will relate to this powerful, yet accessible journey through our relationship with eating, and Eve and Laura’s vital advice can help all of us. Long live cake.’  

Laura Dennison said HOW TO FEEL THE FEAR AND EAT IT ANYWAY is the book I wish I had when I was in my teens and tortured by food. Had it reached the shelves during my worst eating battles, I truly believe that I wouldn’t have wasted so many years desperately trying to look like anyone but myself. I can’t wait to see how many lives this book will change.’

Eve Simmons commented ‘It is beyond thrilling that Octopus has granted us the chance to spread our message of wholehearted food celebration to the masses. In our ever-unstable world of belfies, protein powders and fitspiration we feel our tale of the sanctity of a peaceful relationship with food couldn't come at a more perfect time. We hope we can help a nation of anxious eaters to feel the feel, harness it, and goddamn eat it anyway.'

About the Authors

NOT PLANT BASED is a blog for the troubled eater co-edited by writers and journalists Laura Dennison and Eve Simmons. Not Plant Based was founded by Laura, after years of troubled eating led her to conclude that really, she will always love ALL food. Both Laura and Eve have suffered from eating disorders and are telling their stories to dispel dietary myths and help others reignite their passion with the grub they love, with the help of professional dietitians and medical experts. Particular passions include melted cheese, Kit-Kats and jacket potatoes. 

Laura Dennison is a journalist and writer with a particular interest in writing about the food she puts in her gob - most recently entwining her work with the subject of mental health. She previously worked as a digital reporter at the Press Association for two years - the UK's leading news agency - but now is a freelance journalist who dedicates most of her time to the Not Plant Based cause. 

Eve Simmons is a journalist and writer, specialising in women's interest issues. From Irish abortion laws to female autism diagnoses, Eve has written features with an aim to uncover untold women's stories. Eve is currently flexing her millennial muscles as Deputy Health Editor at the Mail on Sunday, and has contributed to publications such as Grazia, VICE, The Debrief, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Evening Standard and The Financial Times.

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Paul Finch moves to Orion

Credit Eleanor Finch

Sunday Times Top Ten and ebook number one bestseller Paul Finch will join the Orion list, with the author moving from Avon/HarperCollins. Tom Witcomb struck a three-book deal for World English rights with Emad Akhtar, publishing director at Orion Fiction.

The first novel in the deal will be published in January 2020 and is described as 'a standalone thriller with a killer high concept.' 

Akhtar said: "Paul is a natural-born storyteller and an author who I’ve admired as an editor and enjoyed as a reader. He’s already made an impact on the crime scene and I know he has huge potential to become a future star for the Orion list. It’s the perfect time for him to join and I can’t wait to start working with him." 

Finch said: "Being at Avon has been a fantastic experience. I've enjoyed every minute, and through the constant guidance of the editorial team there, I've been able to develop myself as a fully-fledged crime and thriller writer. That's something I'll never forget. It's completely changed my life. But change is something that keeps happening to all of us. And so moving to Orion, while a new direction, is already looking like an incredibly exciting venture. It'll mean plenty more books coming down the line, more action, more thrills. I can't wait to get going." 

Witcomb said: "I’m thrilled Paul and I have a book or three to share with my old pal Emad, even more so considering the vitality and wisdom he and his team have already shown. Paul is moving to a fantastic new home at Orion, where I know he’ll continue to be well looked after and to grow. Readers old and new should be very excited right about now." 

About The Author

A former cop and journalist, Paul was a writer for British TV crime drama, The Bill.  However, he is probably best known for his work in horror and thrillers. He has also written four Doctor Who audio dramas and his Doctor Who novel, HUNTER'S MOON, was published by Woodland Books in 2011.

Winner of British Fantasy Award 2002 & 2007, and the International Horror Guild Award 2007.

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Praise for Paul Finch and his novels:

 ‘Finch is a born storyteller and writes with the authentic voice of the ex-copper he is.’ – Peter James

‘An ingenious and original plot. Compulsive reading.’ – Rachel Abbott

‘A deliciously twisted and fiendish set of murders and a great pairing of detectives.’ – Stav Sherez

‘Avon’s big star…part edge-of-the-seat, part hide-behind-the-sofa! An excellent series.’ – The Bookseller

‘An explosive thriller that will leave you completely hooked on Heck.’ – We Love This Book

‘Edge-of-the-seat reading…Heck is formidable – a British Alex Cross.’ – The Sun

SLAY IN YOUR LANE PRESENTS: LOUD BLACK GIRLS: THE ANTHOLOGY, to be published by Lagom

SLAY IN YOUR LANE PRESENTS: LOUD BLACK GIRLS, The Anthology, by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené, has been acquired by Natalie Jerome of Bonnier Books UK, from Juliet Pickering. The book will be published under the Bonnier Books UK imprint Lagom, on 4th July 2019.

This summer saw the publication of Adegoke and Uviebinené’s bestselling, “ground-breaking” work SLAY IN YOUR LANE: THE BLACK GIRL BIBLE, which has been hailed as “arguably the book of 2018” by the Observer. Following its success, SLAY IN YOUR LANE PRESENTS: LOUD BLACK GIRLS, The Anthology will feature the diverse voices of over twenty black British writers, both established and emerging.

Despite young black women reading more than any other ethnic group in the UK, they are still largely invisible as published authors. This anthology seeks to change that by giving black women a voice. Readers can expect frank, funny and fearless contributions about what matters to black women today, from a range of prominent voices. The book will also feature a contribution by the winner of a forthcoming submission competition, an introduction by Yomi and Elizabeth, and a foreword by a lead contributor to be announced.

As part of the acquisition, Bonnier Books UK is offering a four-month BAME editorial internship in collaboration with Creative Access. The successful candidate will start in November and work with the publishing team full-time, assisting with the publication of the book from the commissioning stage, right up to sending the book to print. The salary for the internship is £18,000 per annum (pro rata).

Jerome said, “I’m thrilled to be publishing this seminal anthology which will represent a landmark in commercial British publishing. The time has come to give all British people a voice. This book will reach out to black women, who often lack representation in the media and in the books they read, and it will engage and entertain anyone interested in a world where cultural diversity is the norm.”

Yomi and Elizabeth said, “We are delighted to include more emerging talent in SLAY IN YOUR LANE PRESENTS: LOUD BLACK GIRLS, The Anthology via an open submission competition, with the most outstanding entry featuring in the book alongside more established names. Entrants are welcome to write about whatever they feel is relevant to black women today."

Yomi Adegoke is an award-winning journalist and former writer at The Pool. She writes about race, feminism, popular culture and how they intersect, as well as class and politics. In 2013 she founded Birthday Magazine, a publication aimed at black teenage girls, and this year was listed as one of the 200 Women Redefining the Creative Industry by The Dots. She was also named as a 'frontline pioneer' bringing the fight to 'a new generation', by the Evening Standard.

Elizabeth Uviebinené is a Brand Marketer from London; upon graduating from Warwick University with a Politics degree she has gone on to work for some of the biggest global brands in Finance, and was promoted to Marketing Manager.

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Praise for SLAY IN YOUR LANE:

‘So many young women are looking for guidance as they navigate their personal and professional lives. Elizabeth and Yomi offer wisdom and encouragement to a rising generation of Black female leaders, on everything from the basics of financial literacy to how to deal with micro-aggressions in the workplace … The book is a gift for anyone who wants to better understand what Black women and girls are up against and the tremendous resources they draw upon as they make their way in the world.’ – Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn.Org and OptionB.Org

‘’It is one of the most satisfying attempts in recent years to answer the question: why do black British women feel that their success is hindered… One thing that makes the book such a feat is the sheer amount of legwork the authors have put in… The result is a cultural landmark… Another success of SLAY IN YOUR LANE is how effortlessly the authorial voice flicks between statistics heavy research and popular culture…This books is as much a rallying cry to black women across the British Isles as it is a solid foundation for serious discussions about modern race relations. Whether readers fit its target demographic or not it is of surprisingly little importance. SLAY IN YOUR LANE, is without a doubt, the most engaging analysis ever to have reached publication of why it is that black British women still feel, in Adegoke’s words, “tattooed with our otherness. We are hypervisible… but somehow we often remain unseen.”’ – 5-star review, The Telegraph

‘A comprehensive, inspirational tool book that gives voice, to the next generation of young black British women navigating life in Britain today… It is a book that is bound to resonate with many black British women straddling the heritage of their parents with their sense of place in British society.‘ — Funmi Fetto, Vogue