HQ signs anti-racism activist Reid's The Good Ally

HQ has signed The Good Ally, the “courageous” debut book from anti-racism activist, speaker and writer Nova Reid.

Kate Fox, editorial director, acquired world all language rights to The Good Ally from Anwen Hooson at the Bird Literary Agency. It will be published in hardback, e-book and audiobook in autumn 2021.

Its synopsis explains: “The Good Ally will be the answer to all those who have started to really engage with their own privilege and prejudice, and are asking ‘what next?’ Drawing on her experience consulting on inclusion and running a highly successful anti-racism course, Nova’s simple, clear breakdown of the issues will help those wanting to become better allies; and in turn, human beings, those who are hungry to expand their knowledge and understanding of systemic racism, and those who not only want to be able to better recognise both subtle and overt forms of racism in action, but who want to know what to do about it.”

Reid is a TED speaker and 2019 Inclusive Companies and National Diversity Awards nominee who uses her professional background in mental wellbeing to encourage meaningful change. A regular on national news programmes, she has worked with over 250 private clients and organisations including Change.org, Lufthansa and Bloody Good Period and launched an online anti-racism course in 2019.

She said: “I couldn’t be more delighted for my debut to be published by HQ, an imprint that champions bold and brave books. In the 18 months since I started writing this book, the world has shifted, it has gone through profound change. We are in the middle of what will be an important chapter in the history books and we all have a role to play in how this story ends. Anti-racism work has never felt more urgent and I’m looking forward to being able to bring this work to more people who are waking up.”

Fox added: “Nova is a brilliant speaker and a wonderful guide who has already made me question my own role in the prejudice black people face, and challenge myself to do better. Her skill at encouraging people to engage with this most uncomfortable of issues is unparalleled, and I can’t wait to help Nova get as many people as possible to do this very important, very necessary work.”

Hooson commented: “I’ve witnessed and experienced first-hand Nova’s ability to open people’s eyes to the barriers that stand in the way of true inclusion. Courageous, frank, and human, The Good Ally is a vital book, and I’m thrilled it is being published by the team at HQ, who instantly understood its power.”