John Murray One acquires Secrets of Adulthood by 'Queen of Self-Help' Gretchen Rubin

John Murray One has acquired Gretchen Rubin’s new book, Secrets of Adulthood.

Publishing director Iain Campbell bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Victoria Hobbs of A M Heath on behalf of Christy Fletcher at UTA, in a deal that will see John Murray One, John Murray Press’ self-improvement imprint, publish the book alongside Crown Publishing Group in the US in April 2025.

"Drawing from her long studies of happiness, and also from the challenges she’s faced herself, Gretchen Rubin has discovered the ‘Secrets of Adulthood’ that can help us manage the complexities of life," the synopsis says. "To convey her conclusions, she turned to the aphorism—the ancient literary discipline that demands that a writer convey a large truth in a few words. Anyone undergoing a major life transition—graduation, career switch, marriage, moving or more—or just encountering everyday dilemmas will be inspired and motivated by these disarmingly brief aphorisms."

Rubin said: "As my two daughters were growing up, I wanted to share the ‘Secrets of Adulthood’ I’d learned the hard way, to save them from repeating the mistakes I’d made. I’ve collected the secrets that I hope will help others navigate adulthood—both people who are just entering adulthood and also people who, like me, are often surprised to realise, ‘Yikes, I’m a grownup. What now?’ Sometimes, a single sentence can provide all the insight we need."

Campbell added: "We all live and learn—usually the hard way. Thankfully, there’s now a little manual of witty, thought-provoking life lessons and practical hacks on everything from procrastination to the pursuit of happiness to help us make better decisions. And who better to write it than number one New York Times bestselling author and undisputed Queen of Self-Help, Gretchen Rubin.”

John Murray One is planning to make 2025 the "Year of Gretchen" with the reissue of four titles, comprising Better than Before (John Murray One), Outer Order, Inner Calm (Two Roads), The Four Tendencies (John Murray One) and Happier at Home (John Murray One). The books will be released on 19th December 2024 with a fully updated cover look and a strategic global-facing marketing campaign.