Picador signs second medical memoir from Adam Kay

Picador has acquired a second memoir from comedian and TV writer Adam Kay, author of This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor, in a "major" deal.

Publishing director Francesca Main acquired world rights to 100 Patients Who Changed My Life from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown. It will be published in autumn 2019 as a "superlead" Picador non-fiction title.

In 100 Patients Who Changed My Life, Kay will share further secrets from his time on the front line of the NHS. A memoir in 100 patients - from the first cadaver Kay encountered at medical school to the emergencies that have arisen long after he hung up his stethoscope - it is the story of the myriad ways a patient can leave an unforgettable mark on the life of the doctor who treats them.

Main said the book was as hilarious and inspiring as Kay's debut, also published by Picador, that recently saw TV rights sold to Sister Pictures in a 12-way auction.

"I’ve loved every minute of working with Adam and am thrilled we have a new book to look forward to," she said. "100 Patients Who Changed My Life will be every bit as hilarious, eye-opening, moving, disgusting and inspiring as its predecessor, whilst allowing Adam to explore the lasting effects of his experiences in even greater depth. I can’t wait to bring more of his stories to readers and see his star continue to rise."

Kay said: "It’s been a privilege and a true joy working with Francesca, Paul and everyone at Picador this past year – they've become like a second family to me (with the advantage of not having to remember my nephews’ birthdays). I have so many stories I can’t wait to share, plus quite a few that they refused to include in the first book because they were too straight-up revolting."