Hodder Catalyst scoops Brooke's The Third Perspective in seven-way auction

New Hodder & Stoughton non-fiction imprint Catalyst has acquired The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance by Africa Brooke in a "strongly contested" seven-way auction.

Publisher Lauren Whelan bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Ivan Mulcahy, at MMB Creative. The book will be published as a lead title for the imprint in e-book, hardback and audio, read by Brooke, on 2nd April 2024.

The author is a consultant and accredited coach, who specialises in providing guidance for public figures, teams and individuals struggling with "personal and professional manifestations of self-sabotage and self-censorship". Her 4,000-word open letter in January 2021, titled ‘Why I’m leaving the cult of wokeness’, has been read and shared organically by more than 12 million people globally. She is the host of the Beyond the Self podcast, and has built a large digital community. 

Brooke’s first book, The Third Perspective, is described by the publisher as "a transformative guide to help people move from self-censorship into mindful expression". The synopsis said: "It follows the same framework she uses successfully with her extraordinary range of clients.

"Africa will show readers that the enemy is binary thinking and instead that there is a third perspective, which embraces nuance and open dialogue, enabling readers to engage with difficult conversations and differing viewpoints with understanding and empathetic communication, instead of perpetuating divisiveness."

Brooke commented: "My hope is that this book will be an indispensable asset in your effort to live an open life with purpose, integrity and joy. It should give you fresh confidence when faced with some of the worst aspects of modern society.

"These pages will change the way you interact with other people so that you are relaxed in discussing your beliefs, thoughts and feelings and learn to stretch and open your mind, listen when those you’re facing don’t agree with you and cultivate your own coherent set of beliefs with a strong, considered voice. This approach seeks to promote personal growth, understanding and social progress by moving beyond the limitations of an “either-or” mentality, which prevents us from being truly inclusive."

Whelan added: "The mere prospect of missing out on the opportunity to work with Africa on this book was simply not an option for me and the team at Catalyst. She is the type of human who sets the fire alight in your belly.

"Being in her aura has revolutionised the way I think, listen, go about my day and make choices – she has a rare ability to deeply challenge you, but make you feel proud of the person you’re becoming. She is a true star and it is an honour to have her leading the Catalyst roster – she sets the tone for the bold, big, directive and digitally attuned books we want the world to enjoy and champion."