Icon snaps up ‘invaluable’ writing guide by Prolifiko founders

Icon has acquired Written: How to keep writing and build a habit that lasts, a self-coaching guide for writers by Bec Evans and Chris Smith. 

Co-authored by the founders of Prolifiko, a writing coaching business, the book aims to help writers overcome their writing blocks and finish their projects.

Desk editor Hanna Milner bought world rights from Michael Alcock at Johnson & Alcock for an undisclosed sum. Publication is slated for January 2023.

The guide will feature a foreword by Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks (Bodley Head). “Drawing upon over a decade of coaching experience, the latest research in behavioural science and neuroscience, and real-life examples of how writers have succeeded against all odds, the book will offer powerful productivity tactics for writers,” the synopsis reads. 

Milner said: “We’re thrilled to be publishing this book, which will be an invaluable resource to so many writers. Its strength lies in Evans’ and Smith’s personal approach that focuses on helping people discover the unique combination of tactics that are right for their life. With chapters on how to keep motivated, overcome procrastination and build an effective long-term habit, Written will be a transformative self-coaching guide that will help anyone achieve a more productive and balanced relationship with writing.”

Evans and Smith added: “Millions of people want and need to write for their businesses and careers, for their education or just for creative expression. But many struggle – they can’t find time, they get stuck, they lose confidence and their writing grinds to a halt. If you’ve fallen into a writing rut, our book will give you the productivity push you need to get going again.”