Headline to publish 'laugh out loud funny' memoir of autism

Headline has acquired Drama Queen, a "compelling and funny" memoir about autism from comedy writer Sara Gibbs.

Publishing director Sarah Emsley acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Rowan Lawton at The Soho Agency, for publication in May 2021.

Drama Queen is described as both "a tour inside one autistic brain" and "a declaration that a diagnosis on the spectrum, with the right support, accommodations and understanding, doesn’t have to be a barrier to a life full of love, laughter and success". The synopsis reads: "It is the story of one woman trying to fit into a world that has often tried to reject her and, most importantly, it’s about a life of labels, and the joy of ripping them off one by one."

Emsley said: "I knew I wanted to publish this book from the very first page I read. Sara is a hugely talented comedy writer and her eye-opening book is both funny and heart breaking, giving us a glimpse below the judgement and difficulties that autistic people have to live with to the complex, relatable and fantastic life of the person underneath."

Gibbs said: "Working with Sarah and the team at Headline has been one of the greatest joys of my career to date. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share this story and to have had such incredible support and encouragement in telling it. While I certainly don’t speak for all autistic people, I do hope that this book helps to demystify one autistic experience and to help other misunderstood drama queens feel that it speaks to their experiences and that they are heard. If just one person understands themselves or a loved one better for reading this, I will be delighted."

Gibbs is a UK-based comedy writer and a graduate of the National Film & Television School’s Writing & Producing Comedy course whose credits include "Dead Ringers", "The News Quiz", "The Mash Report" and "Have I Got News for You". She is co-founder of satirical online women’s magazine, Succubus, and the founder of The First "Laugh Comedy Writing Competition for new writers.

Drama Queen will publish in hardback, e-book and audiobook on 13th May 2021.