Michaela Coel's 'agenda-setting' debut scooped by Ebury

A debut title from Bafta-winning actor and writer of “I May Destroy You” Michaela Coel, Misfits: A Personal Manifesto, has been scooped by Ebury Press.

Marianne Tatepo, commissioning editor, acquired world all language rights from the author in an exclusive deal negotiated with agents Michael Duff and Conor McCaughan. Misfits will be published on 7th September 2021 in A-format hardback at £9.99 by Ebury Press as a lead autumn title. Macmillan imprint Henry Holt, whose editor-at-large Retha Powers acquired North American rights from Ebury at auction, will publish simultaneously in the US.

The book is billed as a "powerful manifesto on how speaking your truth and owning your differences can transform your life".

Ebury said: “Drawing on her unflinching Edinburgh Festival MacTaggart lecture, Misfits recounts deeply personal anecdotes from Coel’s life and work. With insight and wit, it lays bare her journey to reclaiming her creativity and power, inviting readers to reflect on theirs. Advocating for ‘misfits’ everywhere, this timely, necessary book is a rousing and bold case against fitting in.”

Tatepo said: “Ever since I first watched 'Chewing Gum', I knew that Michaela was one of a kind. 'I May Destroy You' again proved this to be true, gathering fans everywhere and stealing the hearts of global icons from Adele and Seth Rogan to Barack Obama. By turns inquisitive, devastating, beautiful and hilarious, Michaela’s storytelling forever urges us to think again. Her debut, Misfits, draws on the same kaleidoscope of ideas and emotions as her hit TV shows, and will inspire readers to reflect on their own relationship to power. We are proud to be bringing Michaela’s unique voice to a whole new audience.”