HarperNonFiction snaps up book from anthropologist and 'long-termism' expert Ella Saltmarshe

HarperNonFiction, an imprint of HarperCollins, has snapped up a book about "being a better ancestor" from anthropologist and ‘long-termism’ expert Ella Saltmarshe. HarperNonFiction publisher Joel Simons struck the deal with Claire Paterson Conrad at Janklow & Nesbit, and the book will publish in hardback, e-book and audiobook on the Mudlark imprint in January 2027. Rights have also sold in Canada to Anne Collins at Random House, as well as in Spain and Italy.

Saltmarshe is a global expert in the field of long-termism and co-founder of The Long Time Project, which seeks to teach society how to be good ancestors. 

In her book, she draws on the insights of scientists, geologists, policymakers and indigenous healers, and "seeks to realign relationships with time, as well as to readjust how we process our unique position on the planet". The synopsis continues: "Through storytelling, interviews and memoir, she shows us that the key to unlocking a flourishing future, is by becoming a better ancestor. That if we are to make a positive impact on the lives that come after, we must understand all that went before."

The publisher described the book as "timely, persuasive, compulsively readable and surprisingly comforting".

Saltmarshe said: "My work has convinced me of the urgent need to get to grips with how we become better ancestors. I’m so excited that Joel Simons and the team at HarperCollins share my enthusiasm to help as many readers as possible live the answer to this question."
Simons said: "Ella’s proposal blew me away when I read it. It’s an informative and utterly beguiling exploration of our time—how we use it and the legacy we leave. It’s a fascinating subject, which I have no doubt will connect with a wide readership."