Little A acquires 'powerful' memoir from Polari Prize founder Burston

Little A, the literary fiction and non-fiction imprint of Amazon Publishing, has acquired a "powerful" memoir by Paul Burston, founder of the Polari Prize, the UK’s first and largest LGBTQ+ book award.

Victoria Haslam, editor, acquired world English language rights for We Can Be Heroes from David Headley at The DHH Literary Agency, with publication scheduled for June 2023.

Burston grew up in a working-class community in a small-town South Wales and arrived in London at the start of the Aids pandemic. He built a successful career as a journalist, TV presenter, novelist, activist and advocate. His work led him to starry encounters with Caroline Aherne, David Bowie, Debbie Harry and Gore Vidal. And then, at the age of 38, he nearly died of a drug overdose. He became teetotal on 1st January 2021. 

Haslam said: "From the moment I started reading Paul’s memoir, I was completely and utterly blown away by what a powerful story he has to tell. Working with Paul on this very special book feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am humbled to introduce a memoir to our readers which contains so much compassion and has so many learnings to take away."

Burston added: "I’m delighted to be working with Victoria, who really understands where I’m coming from and what I set out to do with this memoir. It’s a deeply personal book and one that covers some sensitive subjects, so it was important to find just the right editor. With Victoria, I know I’m in safe hands."