HQ wins 14-publisher auction for Claudia Winkleman debut

Claudia Winkleman's debut book Quite has been snapped up by HQ following a 14-publisher auction.

Kate Fox, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Amanda Harris, director of publishing at YMU, and will publish in hardback, e-book and audio on 1st October 2020.

The book promises to be “more than just a memoir”. The publisher explained: “Quite will include a selection of hilarious, heartfelt insights on topics that are unmistakeably Claudia—such as the importance of melted cheese, why black coats are vital, how it’s never okay to have sex with someone who has an opinion on your date outfit, and why good friends and a good eyeliner can literally save your life. All written with the warmth and humour that have cemented Claudia as a much-loved household name, and backed by an ambitious publicity and marketing campaign, this book will get to the heart of what really matters in life.”

Winkleman is the co-host of “Strictly Come Dancing” and now has a Sunday night show on BBC Radio 2. Her string of presenting gigs includes “Britain’s Best Home Cook” and she is also a trustee of Comic Relief.

She said: “I am completely thrilled and surprised that the lovely people at HQ have asked me to write a book.”

Fox added: “Claudia Winkleman is a legend, simple as that. Whether she’s donning sequins to dazzle us in 'Strictly', doing a 24-hour dance-a-thon for Comic Relief, giving us a down-to-earth introduction to the arts on Radio 2, or providing a much needed mental health platform in her ‘How Did We Get Here’ podcast, she does it all with generosity, wit and of course, a very excellent fringe. This book will be our chance to have a cup of tea and a good old gossip with Claud about life’s most important issues.”