Wren & Rook buys memoir from transgender YouTuber

Hachette Children's non-fiction imprint Wren & Rook has acquired the memoir of UK transgender YouTuber Alex Bertie. Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard will be "a key part of the new non-fiction imprint's personality-led list, focusing on exceptional narratives for teens and young adults," the publisher said.

Bertie is a 21-year-old from rural Dorset who began making videos on sexuality and gender identity when just 14, and has documented his transition from female to male with weekly vlog updates. He has 255,000 YouTube subscribers to date.

Publishing director Debbie Foy bought the memoir from Silvia Molteni at Peters, Fraser & Dunlop.

Calling the book "honest and heart-warming", Foy said: "We're delighted to be publishing this brave first-hand account from Alex Bertie. The number of young people in the UK seeking medical treatment for gender dysphoria has risen dramatically in recent years. Alex has written a hugely important book revealing the practical realities of his transition, sharing personal advice for other trans (and non-trans) young people, but also exploring his ordinary life as a teenager - his relationships, love life and dream for the future."

Bertie added: "Documenting both the good and the bad of my transition has been an emotional experience, so I'm really excited for people to read Trans Mission. I hope the details of my journey will help anyone going through a similar experience, as well as their friends and family."

Trans Mission will be published on 2nd November, November being Transgender Awareness Month.