Liz Jones comic debut on eating disorders goes to Matthew James

Former Marie Claire editor-in-chief and Mail on Sunday columnist Liz Jones will release her eating disorder-inspired debut comic novel next year, released by Matthew James Publishing.

UK and Commonwealth rights for Eight and a Half Stone were acquired in a two-book deal by m.d. James Shaw from Susan Mears of The Susan Mears Agency, for publication on 14th May 2020.

The book, based on her own experience of eating disorders from the age of 11 until her late 30s, is billed as “an honest look at how women view their bodies, and themselves”. It will be backed by a multi-stop book-signing tour following publication with a 13-stop theatre tour starting in late October running through to mid-November.

Jones said: “I started writing this book five years ago. I was going through a really hard time — I lost my home and everything I owned — and the only way I got through it was by writing, and making myself laugh. I have always self-medicated with funny books, and wanted to write something that made women who might be miserable or cheated on or broke or feeling woefully unsuccessful feel a little better.

“The book is rooted in my reality: I always felt my life would start and I’d be happy once I reached my target weight. Then I got thin, and life was still rubbish and I still hated my body. I realised true happiness only comes with self-acceptance. So here it is. And I hope it at least makes you smile. And reach for that doughnut.”

Shaw said: “We are thrilled to be publishing Liz's debut novel, which is the lead title in our new fiction list. Liz is a consummate professional, with a justifiably large following. In addition to being outrageously funny often wicked, and certainly not PC, the book is underpinned by a serious message that will resonate with many female readers.”