HarperCollins triumphs in nine-way auction for Rebel Wilson's 'once in a generation' memoir

HarperCollins has triumphed in a nine-way auction for the "inspiring and laugh-out-loud" memoir from actor, comedian and director Rebel Wilson. 

Managing director and publisher Sarah Emsley and Georgia Frances King, publisher at HarperCollins Australia, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Matilda Forbes Watson at WME. Rebel Rising will publish globally on 2nd April 2024 in hardback, audiobook and e-book with Simon & Schuster publishing in the US. 

"I have been waiting for years for Rebel’s proposal to land in my inbox and when it did I was delighted to find it bursting with the honesty, intelligence, humour and kick-ass spirit that I was hoping for," said Emsley. "As well as being an actress, comedian and director, Rebel is also an astute businesswoman and it was clear from the outset that she knows exactly what needs to be done to drive her book to the top of the bestseller lists across the globe."

Wilson is well known for her breakout roles in the films "Pitch Perfect" and "Bridesmaids" and, in total, has starred in over 40 films and television show. In her memoir Wilson "chronicle[s] the emotional and physical lessons" learnt over decades in acting and will write for the first about "the most personal and important moments in her life" including fertility issues, weight gain and loss, sexuality and shyness.

The publisher added: "All told with her trademark unapologetic wit and humour, Rebel Rising will show her legion of fans how to learn to love themselves while making them laugh uncontrollably at the same time."

Wilson commented: “This book is like me sitting down telling my deepest, darkest secrets to a friend… with some laughs along the way of course...so when it’s released, ‘my friend’ will become you."

Frances King added: “Rebel lives life unapologetically and is an inspiration to all women who want to live bold, dynamic lives. She’s whip-smart, she’s confident, she’s hilarious – all qualities that best represent our countrywomen on the international stage.

"Beyond the laughs, I hope this book will motivate readers to take hold of their potential as they follow Rebel in her quest from dog-show groomer to Hollywood actress. She opens up about the messy reality of life… and comes out the other end owning her power. We can’t wait to introduce Australian readers to this re-imagined Rebel, so they can find the catalyst to change their own lives. Memoirs like these only come once in a generation, and HarperCollins ANZ is thrilled to be publishing it."