Manrara's memoir goes to William Collins

William Collins has acquired former "Strictly Come Dancing" pro dancer Janette Manrara’s first book.

Commissioning editor Bengono Bessala acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada from Gordon Wise and Emma Bennett at Curtis Brown. Publication will be in autumn 2024.

The blurb reads: “Janette Manrara is the glamorous big sister we all need in our lives. In her first book – Tiny Dancer, BIG World (working title) – she shares a delightful blend of advice, inspirational stories and life lessons from her time on stage and screen. Each chapter offers a tenet of wisdom alongside techniques of how to implement it, complete with actionable goals.

“The result is a highly readable, applicable, motivational narrative to inspire readers to live their best life. In addition, she shares her own poignant stories, from her childhood in a large Cuban immigrant family in Florida and her decision to pursue a career in dance to her big break on ’So You Think You Can Dance’ and finally, ’Strictly Coming Dancing’.

"Full of magic and glitter and joy, Tiny Dancer, BIG World is a fun and practical resource for learning to embrace self-love and ambition and be your best self in every aspect of your life.”

Bessala said: “Janette has a genuine energy and enthusiasm that’s completely infectious and I can’t wait to share this with readers. Her strong working ethic and tenacity through the harder parts of her life make her the perfect person to write this book. She’ll bring her unique sparkle to every page and I’m delighted to be publishing her.”

Manrara, who was born in Miami, added: “Releasing a book has been a long-time dream of mine, and to finally share the news of it on my 40th birthday feels like the best present I could have asked for. I hope this book will create many smiles, inspire thoughts of joy, and help readers navigate the world we live in with courage and light in their hearts.”

She was cast as a professional dancer on Season 11 of  "Strictly Come Dancing". She became a host of the spin-off programme “It Takes Two” in 2021 and co-hosts the Strictly Live tour across the UK.

Alongside her husband, professional dancer, Aljaž Škorjanec, Manrara has toured her own headline show across the UK for the past seven years, where she showcases her dancing, singing, acting and directing skills.