Piatkus pre-empts two books from TV presenter Julia Bradbury

Piatkus has pre-empted two books by TV presenter Julia Bradbury, with the first, Walk Yourself Happy, to publish in hardback in September 2023. 

Jillian Young, editorial director at Piatkus non-fiction, acquired UK & Commonwealth rights to the two books from Anna Dixon and Amanda Harris at YMU Group.

The publisher says Walk Yourself Happy will explain the elemental link between our own health – both physical and mental – and the natural world.

Its synopsis continues: “Julia knows first-hand the profound impact of nature: it has helped her survive breast cancer, overcome infertility and continue through failed IVF treatments; it balances the soul and acts as a confidante and therapist. Through science-backed information, practical tips and Julia’s own story, Walk Yourself Happy will explore how nature can soothe anxiety and stress, how a mountain or a tree can keep you company in times of grief, and the importance of building nature into your everyday life, so you eat well, sleep better and move more.

“Walking, one of the most accessible activities for most of us, is the fastest and easiest way to embed yourself in nature. You don’t need expertise or equipment; you just need to put one foot in front of another. You don’t need an epic landscape either, you can walk down the street or in your local green space. Though, as you will learn from this book, a walk in the park is rarely just that.

“We all have shocks and surprises that stop us in our tracks, make us question who we are and why we are here. In walking, we have the power to change our pace. And when we do that, we can find union with nature, camaraderie with friends and a form of intimacy with self.

“We can walk ourselves happy and we can walk ourselves healthy, and we can rekindle the innate bonds, all-but extinguished by modern living, that we have always had to our natural environment. We can start today."

Julia Bradbury was co-presenter of  BBC One’s "Countryfile” for five years and has also presented series including "Watchdog” and "Top Gear”. She is also an ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy and The National Trust, a champion for Ordnance Survey, and co-founded The Outdoor Guide, which is an online resource and space for outdoor inspiration.

The publisher says her passion is the outdoors and more recently, following her cancer diagnosis and surgery, “she is dedicating her time to supporting the benefits of healthy living and the virtues of nature therapy.”

Bradbury said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Piatkus on these two books. Their enthusiasm and commitment has been inspiring and I feel grateful to have this opportunity. Sitting down at my desk after my daily walk to write about topics close to my heart is a joy and I can’t wait to share some of the practical and powerful tools that I’ve learned throughout my life.”

Young commented: “Not only is Julia so warm, genuine and positive, she is also fiercely passionate about health and the benefits of the outdoors. Through her own stories of various walks in her life and how they have helped her, Julia will guide readers to a path of healing, both mentally and physically. We are ecstatic to work with her on not one but two books, and we can’t wait for the world to find out and reap the benefits of walking with her.”