Square Peg wins ‘hotly-contested’ four-way auction to publish Laura Dockrill memoir

Square Peg has triumphed in a “hotly-contested” four-way auction to publish Laura Dockrill’s “honest and revealing” memoir about post-partum psychosis. 

The Vintage imprint bought UK and Commonwealth rights to What Have I Done?: An honest memoir about surviving post-natal mental illness from Ariella Feiner at United Agents. The book will be published on 4th June 2020. 

Dockrill is an award-winning author and illustrator who has written 13 books for children and young adults. What Have I Done? is her first book for adults, written to raise awareness around post-natal mental health. Dockrill first wrote about her struggles with postpartum psychosis on the blog The Mother of All Lists, which had over 350,000 readers. The piece went viral after singer Adele shared the story on her Instagram to her 31 million followers. 

Dockrill said: “I very nearly didn’t write this book because I was frightened of telling the truth. I was terrified of what people would think. But the more I began to talk, the more other parents opened up about their experiences and it turns out I’m not the only one... and I didn’t feel so alone. Other than having my son, writing this book is one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I hope it raises awareness around maternal mental health.”

Editor Rowan Yapp added: “‘Laura took a brave decision to write this book and help open up the conversation around post-natal mental health. Laura’s experience was extreme but it will resonate for any new parent questioning whether this is really 'the happiest time of their lives'. Laura’s came through a very difficult period all the stronger and so her story is hopeful too.”