The Recovery Letters to Jessica Kingsley

Jessica Kingsley Publishers has signed The Recovery Letters, a new book based on an online project of letters written by, and addressed to, people with depression.

Senior commissioning editor Andrew James secured world rights directly from James Withey and Olivia Sagan, the founders of the project.

The collection will include a selection of the most popular letters from the website alongside unpublished letters commissioned specifically for the book from figures active on social media and with blogs on depression.

James said: “I was instantly drawn to these wise, thoughtful and supportive letters that approach the realities of depression in both a creative and personal manner. The online project has been a lifeline to many and we are delighted this much needed and important collection will provide hope to a much wider audience.”

Withey said: "It's incredibly exciting to be working with Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This is the book that I wanted to read when I was first unwell and couldn't find. The book will let people know, from the people that live with depression, that there is hope of recovery."

The collection will publish in August 2017.