Bookouture launches new non-fiction imprint, Thread

Bookouture has revealed the launch list for its new non-fiction imprint, Thread, publishing "leading experts and voices" across a range of topics including self-development, personal finance, parenting, nutrition and fitness, popular psychology and inspirational memoir.

Headed up by publisher Claire Bord, it launches its first five titles in May 2020.

Bord, who joined Bookouture when it was a small start-up with a team of three, said in made sense for the publisher to expand its remit to non-fiction due to "the rapidly growing appetite for a broad range of non-fiction in digital formats" which complements its model.

"In launching Thread, my mission is to discover the transformative, thought-provoking and inspiring ideas and voices that will speak to people across the world looking for a healthier way to live, parent better, succeed at work, or discover and learn from the life experiences of others," said Bord.

Launch titles will include the first two books in a 15-Minute Parenting series by clinical psychotherapist, TEDx speaker and parenting expert Joanna Fortune. The author devised a childcare method structured around 15-minute games that can be easily incorporated into daily routines. "From newborns to the age of 7, and 8‚Äì12-year olds, her techniques are underpinned by research, neuroscience and therapeutic theories," described Bookouture. The third book will cover the teenage years. Bord acquired World English Language rights in three books from agent Marianne Gunn O’Connor.

Also joining the Thread list is author Theresa Cheung with The Sensitivity Code: life strategies for thriving in an overwhelming world. Blending scientific studies, her own experience and real stories, the book aims to "debunk the myth of what it means to be sensitive in a time when celebrating the strength in showing compassion, empathy and kindness has never been more necessary". The second book, 100 Ways to be Kind, will be released later this year with the third book scheduled for 2021. Bord acquired World all language rights in three books from Jane Graham Maw at the Graham Maw Christie Agency.

Another launch title for the list is joint memoir, Take My Hand, in which best friends Kerry Fisher and Pat Sowa share everything they’ve learnt from surviving the darkest of times when their teenage sons were both diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses within weeks of each other. Described as "profoundly moving, heartfelt and brave", the book takes readers "on a very personal exploration of the universal experiences of grief and loss, love and friendship that connect us all and offer a lifeline both to those overwhelmed by heartbreak, for friends and family who don’t know how to help and a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult life gets, you are not alone". The book will be serialised in "Femail" on publication. World English language rights were acquired from Clare Wallace at the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency.

The last launch title is Cooking for Your Genes in which nutrigenomic practitioner Debbi Nathan and chef Helen Nathan guide readers through "four key lifestyle genetics". The book explores the science of how food "talks" to our genes, looking at the interaction between biology and our genes, and "how we can eat our way to better health". Bord acquired World English language rights from Araminta Whitley at The Soho Agency.

Managing director designate Jenny Geras commented: "In the light of the unfolding coronavirus crisis, it has never been more important for us as a leading digital publisher to get books to readers quickly, particularly in e-book and audio formats. The launch of Thread will enable us to reach a new audience where we already know there is a strong appetite across a range of non-fiction topics. I’m really excited to see us expanding our remit into non-fiction, and I can’t wait for us to publish this brilliant launch list."