Ebury buys Mark Steel's 'frank, funny' memoir of his cancer experience

Ebury Press has acquired a memoir from the award-winning comedian and broadcaster Mark Steel on the subject of his diagnosis and treatment for cancer.

Robyn Drury, publishing director for Ebury Press, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Rick Hughes at Off the Kerb Productions. The Leopard in My House will be published in hardback, audiobook and e-book on 27th February 2025.

Entitled The Leopard in My House: One Man’s Adventures in Cancerland, the book was inspired by a popular piece he wrote for the Guardian in which he likened having the disease to having a wild animal trapped inside your home.

He wrote: “I’ve contacted the leopard authorities and they assure me they are used to dealing with leopards like this, and they have a plan for removing the leopard. It will take a while, though, and once in a while I can hear it growl.”

Drury said: “When I read Mark’s piece on his cancer experience, I instantly knew that it was the foundation of a frank, funny and unforgettable memoir. I know readers will be completely absorbed by Mark’s generous and surprising storytelling.”

Steel added: “I went to quite a lot of trouble to do the research for this book. I had cancer, an operation and chemotherapy so, I hope that people make it worthwhile by reading it, or at least skimming through the introduction.”