Headline wins seven-way auction for Carol Vorderman's political diary

Headline has won a seven-way auction for Out of Order: What’s Gone Wrong with Britain and One Woman’s Mission to Fix It by Carol Vorderman, dubbed “a political diary like no other”.

Yvonne Jacob, deputy publishing director for Headline Non-Fiction, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Gordon Wise in association with Josh Byrne at Curtis Brown, following a "hotly contested" bidding war with six other publishers. Out of Order will be published on 12th September 2024 in hardback, e-book and audio download. 

“In recent years, Carol Vorderman has become an unlikely hero on the frontline of political campaigning – shifting from television personality to a leading activist holding the government to account,” the synopsis reads. “Carol has utilised her enormous and ever-growing social media following to call out political corruption and incompetence in British politics, and earlier this year joined LBC to host her own Sunday afternoon show. 

“With her characteristic outspokenness and irrepressible sense of humour, Out of Order sees Carol reveal the intricate web of influence responsible for our nation’s unravelling. Part diary, part political manifesto, this is the story of how ‘an old bird with an iPhone’ exposed the incompetence and lies of the Tory establishment, and, with an election looming, how we can all find our voice and stand up for what we believe in.” Headline described the book as “a political diary like no other”.

Publication will be supported by the “Carol Vorderman Live! Out of Order” tour, across 11 theatres throughout the UK between 13th and 30th September. 

Vorderman said: “I’ve been fighting this appalling Tory government with evidence and data, looking into the morally corrupt and questionable contracts they’ve signed with donors and associates. It’s endless, and exhausting and heartbreaking.  I’ve never known this country in such a state, with so little help and hope offered to those who need it. But the tide has turned and I’m proud to have been a part of it.” 

She added: “Out of Order explores the blatant hypocrisy of those who govern us and how they make the system work for them and not for us. It’s a rollicking read including the fights, being bullied, Tory resignations, and what goes on behind the scenes but I hope it will show you how your voice can be heard. Together we’re stronger.” 

Jacob said: “Since the moment I joined Headline, Carol Vorderman has been at the top of my target list. Carol’s tireless campaigning is led by a genuine desire to see positive change and help to restore a society and state that is there to serve the many, not just the few. I am incredibly proud to be publishing this vital book and thrilled to welcome Carol to Headline.” 

Booking for the tour opens on 5th April and full details can be found here.