Introvert's 'misadventures in extroverting' to Transworld

Transworld has acquired a non-fiction book "about an introvert who tries to live as an extrovert for a year".

Billed as a hilarious book about whether life is better, easier or more fun as an extrovert, Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come follows introverted author and freelance journalist Jessica Pan's "misadventures in extroverting".

The book's blurb paints a sad picture of its author having just turned 30 - "jobless and lonely", "sitting in the well-worn crease of her sofa" - pondering what might have been if only she had lived as an extrovert. It continues that she "decides to find out" and "report back" to other introverts ("those lucky bastards still safe in their homes").

Commissioning editor Darcy Nicholson bought UK and Commonwealth rights to Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come from Emma Finn at C + W. 

Nicholson said she was drawn to Pan's desire to celebrate introverts. "The world seems to be obsessed with extroverts but Jess’s desire to celebrate the introverts made me immediately sit up and take notice," she said. "Jess’s voice is both sharp and warm and she had us all in stitches with her misadventures in extroverting, I cannot wait to get this book out into the world."

Pan said she hoped it would prove inspirational. 

"I’d always dreamed of living a bigger life and facing my fears, but had accepted that I was a shy introvert who wasn’t destined for certain experiences. That is, until I started all this," she said. "I’ve lined myself up for a series of challenges that I know will in turn be terrifying, thrilling, eye-opening and often humiliating. I hope this is a funny and inspirational read – it’s already been a life-changing endeavour so far. As soon as I met Darcy and her team at Transworld, I knew they were the right fit for this book. They were warm, funny and brilliant. I’m so thrilled to have Transworld publish Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come."

Transworld will publish in Spring 2019.