HarperCollins acquires Audrey Ward's book on infertility and the journey to parenthood

HarperCollins Publishers has acquired Audrey Ward’s The Waiting Room, for which people can submit their stories – including anonymously – via the official website.

HarperNonFiction MD and publisher Sarah Emsley acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Anna Power at Johnson & Alcock, and The Waiting Room will be published in hardback, audiobook and e-book on 23rd April 2026.

The synopsis states: "With one in six couples globally struggling with infertility, we’re all aware that the path to parenthood can often be far from straightforward, yet the silence surrounding these issues can make it feel like a road travelled alone. It’s often only when we are collectively brave enough to share our experiences that it becomes clear how common complications in starting a family can be."

The blurbs adds: "So, what does happen after the failed pregnancy tests, the first miscarriage, the unsuccessful round of IVF, the ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth? What’s it like to experience secondary infertility, adopt a child, rely on a surrogate, an egg or sperm donor, or come to terms with not having a child at all? Having spoken to dozens of women and men whose journeys to parenthood were far from smooth, Sunday Times journalist Audrey Ward is perfectly placed to curate a selection of stories from those individuals who have generously shared their experiences of respite, healing and hope."

Ward said: "I hope this book will help those trying and failing to have a baby – just like I was – to feel a sense of connection and hope during what is an intensely emotional and isolating time."

Emsley added: "This collection of stories will be a help and comfort to anyone struggling to start a family whatever their gender or sexuality and whether they are on this journey solo or with a partner. I wish this book had been in existence during my own rollercoaster ride to parenthood, and I couldn’t be prouder to be publishing it."