HarperCollins triumphs in 11-way auction for 'unapologetic' handbook on neurodivergence

HarperCollins Publishers has triumphed in an 11-way auction for an "unapologetic" handbook to navigating autism and ADHD by late-diagnosed neurodivergent campaigners Jess Joy and Charlotte Mia.

HarperNonFiction editor Cyan Turan acquired world all-language rights from Valeria Huerta at the Valeria Huerta Literary Agency. Written by the founders of the online community "IAmPayingAttention", How Not To Fit In: An Unapologetic Approach to Navigating Autism and ADHD will be published under the Thorsons imprint in hardback, e-book and audiobook on 15th February 2024.

The synopsis says: "Featuring the latest research and thinking on neurodivergence, contributions from dozens of experts and real stories, How Not to Fit In foregrounds real experiences with autism and ADHD and guides the reader through their journey of discovering, accepting and flourishing with a neurodivergent brain. It also explores why getting a diagnosis can be so fraught, and how to navigate a world which centres neurotypical brains in the realms of relationships, careers, friendships and finances."

Turan said: "What Jess and Mia have built with their platform ’I Am Paying Attention’ in such a short space of time is phenomenal and has already been a source of deep support, kinship, and joy to so many on this journey. This book advocates getting to know yourself and your brain unapologetically and will be an essential companion to anyone who suspects or already knows that they’re neurodivergent, as well as those who love them."

Joy and Mia added: "Over the past three years, we’ve been on a messy, complex journey of trying to understand our neurodivergent brains after a lifetime of not knowing we were ADHD and autistic. We realised early on that without each other’s support, it would’ve looked vastly different, and doing this alone is a reality for so many of the people in our community.

"We’ve recognised the desperate need we had to not only be understood – but also to be able to attempt to heal from all of the trauma we’d experienced while navigating a world that expected us to work in a way which is simply unattainable for us. We hope that anyone who finds themselves in a chronic state of overwhelm or shame can find some relief in this book, whether they make it through the whole thing or just a few pages."