Profile Books triumphs in seven-way auction for Le Cunff's Liminal Minds

Profile Books has triumphed in a seven-way auction for Liminal Minds: Predictable Success in an Unpredictable World: A Field Guide to Transitions by neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff.

Louisa Dunnigan, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) from Peggy Boulos Smith at Writers House, on behalf of Lisa DiMona. North American rights have been sold to Avery, French rights have gone to Éditions Eyrolles, and Brazilian rights have been snapped up by Editora Objetiva.

The book, which will be published on 3rd October 2024, offers a "radical reinvention of how we plan and achieve goals, and how we navigate the uncertainty of effort and ambition". The publisher’s synopsis said: "Liminal Minds shows how we can replace the old, linear model of success with a circular model in which goals are discovered, pursued and adapted – not in a vacuum, but in conversation with the larger world.

"Readers learn how to shift from being collectors to creatives and from reactive consumers to active participants in shaping their digital and real-life communities. Le Cunff’s ‘PARI’ model (Pact/Act/React/Impact) offers not only a tool to make sure our most vital work gets done but a guide to reawakening our curiosity and drive in a noisy, busy, disaffected world, so that we can discover, pursue and achieve our most authentic ambitions – all while making a meaningful contribution."

Dunnigan commented: "It’s exciting to read something that so deftly combines big new ideas with clear, practical application, a compelling voice with scientific thinking – and Anne-Laure’s work has it all. Insightful, elegantly written, rich with memorable examples, scientific grounding and personal charm, this will be a game-changing book for anyone looking for new ways to tackle transitions, productivity and success.

"I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I first read it, and I can’t wait to for others to encounter Anne-Laure’s inspiring insights into how our minds really work and how we can live, and thrive, in ambiguity."

Le Cunff is a "former Googler" and a PhD candidate in psychology and neuroscience at King’s College London. Her newsletter about creativity, learning and mindful productivity has nearly 70,000 readers.

She added: "Uncertain times can cause anxiety and paralysis. Based on years of scientific study and personal practice, this book will offer a desperately needed reframing: now is a precious time of unparalleled creative possibility. This is our most fertile ground for change and discovery.

"To harness this potential, people need new tools to support their growth – a radical reinvention of how we plan and achieve goals, whether professional or personal. The team at Profile have extensive experience publishing high quality mind-expanding books, and I’m delighted to work with them to share this new way of thinking with more people beyond my existing audience."