Ebury signs Mackenzie Crook’s ‘whimsical love letter’ to Nick Drake

Ebury Press has acquired award-winning actor and writer Mackenzie Crook’s If Nick Drake Came to My House, a “heartfelt tribute to one of his musical heroes”.

Publishing director Albert DePetrillo acquired world rights from Lisa Thomas at Lisa Thomas Management, with hardback publication scheduled for 7th November. The book will feature original illustrations by Crook to accompany the story.

November will mark the 50th anniversary of Nick Drake’s passing, and Ebury is planning a campaign encompassing broadcast, print, and both book and music shop events to support the publication.

Inspired by a classic children’s book by Joan Gale Thomas, If Nick Drake Came to My House “explores the power of art to change our lives, expressed through an imaginary visit from Drake to Mackenzie’s son”. The publisher added: “A unique vision, If Nick Drake Came to My House is a book for anyone who has ever wished they had the chance to tell their hero how much they meant to them.”

Crook said: “I adore the music of Nick Drake and it breaks my heart that he didn’t live to know how important it would become to so many people. This book is my whimsical love letter to Nick and his three perfect albums."

DePetrillo said: “We all fell in love with Mackenzie’s charming and very moving book when we saw it. The artistry on display is remarkable, and we’re thrilled to be publishing If Nick Drake Came to My House this autumn – there are a lot of Nick Drake fans, and Mackenzie Crook fans, who will fall in love with it too.”