HQ signs 'TikTok self-help sensation’ Shaheen after six-way auction

HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins, has signed The Shadow Work Journal, a self-help book by TikTok sensation Keila Shaheen.

Lisa Milton, m.d. and publisher, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown on behalf of Albert Lee and Rebecca Gradinger at UTA in a competitive, six-publisher auction. Rights have already been sold in a further 16 territories. Hardback publication is scheduled for 18th January 2024.

Taking its inspiration from the Jungian principle of "shadow selves" – a form of cognitive behavioural therapy – The Shadow Work Journal empowers readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing through various exercise, the publisher said.

Shaheen has previously self-published The Shadow Work Journal, selling more than a million copies in North America, according to HarperCollins. She has also reached the number one spot on Amazon four separate times since August 2023.

Shaheen said: “The journey of The Shadow Work Journal from a self-published phenomenon to a globally recognised work has been nothing short of transformative, mirroring the journey I hope to inspire in each reader.

"This book is a conduit for self-discovery, a tool for revealing the hidden parts of ourselves, and a testament to the power of introspection and healing. I’m very happy to partner with HarperCollins to bring this work to a wider audience, and hope to ignite a similar spark of self-awareness and growth in people across the world.”

Milton said: “It is a privilege to be partnering with Keila to launch this brilliant and empowering book in our markets. Keila’s ambition to make self-help accessible for all is really compelling and we want to be part of the team creating a new global brand.”

Summerhayes also commented: “It is always a total great thrill to be involved in something unique and life-changing, and I believe The Shadow Work Journal will be as much of a phenomenon in the UK as it has already been in the US. Keila and Lisa Milton and the HQ team are a dynamic match made in heaven.”