Orion Spring signs psychotherapist Fletcher’s book in six-figure pre-empt

Orion Spring has bought And How Does That Make You Feel? by Manchester-based psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher, known as @anxietyjosh on Instagram.

Publisher Pippa Wright bought UK and commonwealth rights in two books for Orion Spring in a six-figure pre-empt from Rachel Mills at RML. Publication of And How Does That Make You Feel? is scheduled for March 2024.

US rights were pre-empted by Mauro di Preta at William Morrow for simultaneous publication, and translation rights have been sold in a further eight territories. Television rights have been optioned by West Road Pictures.

Fletcher’s previous self-published books, Anxiety: Panicking About Panic and Untangle your Anxiety, have sold over 120,000 copies according to Orion Spring.

The publisher says: “His new book is a departure from straight prescriptive publishing [and] takes readers on a candid and human journey into the individual therapy sessions of four patients – Levi, Zahra, Noah and Daphne – sharing their self-discovery and recovery as they engage in therapy for the first time. And, alongside, Joshua Fletcher lets us into the inner thoughts of a therapist, from shock and sympathy while in session, to how it feels to run into a former client on a messy night out.

“Interspersed with straight-talking advice on common issues such as anxiety, OCD and panic attacks, as well as a therapist’s guide to how to find the right therapist, And How Does That Make You Feel? is darkly funny, illuminating and full of promise that a better future is always possible.”

Fletcher said: “The team at Orion Spring has passion and enthusiasm that has reflected my own throughout this enthralling journey. I hope this unique take on therapy will not just captivate readers, but also lead them towards a better relationship with themselves and others.”

Wright said: “And How Does That Make You Feel? has a sharp, self-lacerating wit and is the perfect stealth-help read, demystifying therapy and mental health in a compelling what-happens-next narrative which you simply can’t put down.”