Hodder acquires 'hopeful' memoir on choosing to parent alone

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired Liv's Alone by Liv Thorne, an "honest and hopeful memoir that captures the joy and the challenge that is parenting alone by choice".

Publisher Briony Gowlett bought UK and Commonwealth rights in the book from Lauren Gardner at Bell Lomax Moreton to publish next May, praising Thorne's "uniue openness and ability to relate to others".

The publisher's synopsis outlines that the book will guide readers through "the highs and lows" of parenting alone "with warmth, humour and understanding" – "from smashing the fairytale story that we’re fed from a young age and grieving the life you thought you were going to live, to buying sperm from Denmark and bringing a baby into the world".

"This book is for anyone who might want to take charge of their parental destiny, learn more about modern families or want to be reassured that there is no right or wrong way to parent," said Hodder.

Gowlett said: "Families are multifaceted and stories from across the spectrum should be celebrated and told, which is why I’m so thrilled to be working with Liv to add her voice to the hugely necessary conversations around parenthood and the various ways we might get there! From the moment I met Liv I knew she had a unique openness and ability to relate to others, and I can’t wait to see readers connect with her and Herb’s story."

Thorne, who is the director of a digital brand design agency and content creator said: "I'm really thrilled to be working with Hodder & Stoughton on my book about becoming a mum via sperm donation. I want the book to be a little beacon of hope to women who are in the same position I was in four years ago; late 30s, single and longing for a baby. To show that you don't have to give up on what you want just because the jigsaw puzzle of your life has some pieces missing. Not to mention all those who are just fascinated by the process and of raising a child alone. There is a saying that everyone has a book in them: that is so true, I just didn't realise mine would be about buying sperm!"

Liv’s Alone will be published in hardback and digital editions on 6th May 2021.