Accent buys Rosie Wilby on relationships

Accent Press is to publish Is Monogamy Dead?, the first book from stand-up comedian and broadcaster Rosie Wilby.

The publisher acquired UK & Commonwealth rights excluding Canada to the title from Laura Macdougall at Tibor Jones & Associates.

Is Monogamy Dead? is described as a mix of humour, heartache and science, putting 21st century relationships under the microscope. Part memoir, part sociological study, the book is said to be a journey of self-discovery with input from men and women, gay and straight.

The publisher said: "Even if we think of ourselves as ‘monogamous’, we might not be truly faithful – and is it wrong to expect ourselves to be? With expert advice from Dr Qazi Rahman of the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London, Is Monogamy Dead? aims to lead us towards fulfilment." 

Rebecca Lloyd, senior editor at Accent Press, said: "Rosie’s book will really be something special – indulging the gossipy interest we all secretly have in the lives of others, but bringing a questioning eye, careful thought, open-mindedness and warmth. Is Monogamy Dead? raises important questions about the way we live in the 21st century and our relationships with those closest to us." Describing the book as "tender, personal and very, very funny", she predicted it would be "one of the most talked-about books of 2017".

Wilby said: "When I started reading and thinking about monogamy, I didn't realise what an unruly can of worms I'd opened up. There were too many complex emotional questions to answer comprehensively in a comedy show. From performing stand-up at a sex party to celebrating my deepest platonic friendships, it's been a heck of a mind-opening journey of discovery. So I simply had to start writing a book. It's great to be working with Accent who just 'got it' right from the off."

A simultaneous paperback and audiobook release, in conjunction with Audible, is planned for July 2017.