Quercus pre-empts Forbat’s ‘candid account of coming of age on the internet’

Quercus has acquired Bad Influence: Reflections on a Life Lived Online, "a candid account of coming of age on the internet", from Oenone Forbat.

Former Quercus non-fiction publisher Katy Follain pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights from Francesca Zampi at The Found. The book will be published by non-fiction editor Nina Sandelson in hardback on 31st August 2023.

Forbat is an influencer, podcaster and comedian. Her Instagram account started off as a fitness and wellness page, but has since evolved into a hub for other 20-somethings navigating this uncertain time in their lives. Her podcast “Adulting” — about all of the things we never got taught in school —- has been downloaded over four million times.

The publisher says that “in this humorous meditation on her digitised life, Oenone chronicles the pits and peaks of coming of age online”, adding: “Grappling with modern-day issues on a public stage — from body image and personal boundaries to the limitations of online activism, Bad Influence examines what happens when your day-to-day reality becomes #content — and that #content pays your bills."

Forbat said: “I am thrilled to be publishing my debut with Quercus. As an avid reader, writing this book was not only such an honour to write, but also the most terrifying experience. Having been online for so much of my life, I have been exposed to, and learnt so much from, the people that have supported me along the way. I really hope that readers will be able to take away a deeper understanding of not only what it means to be an influencer, but also relate to, or find comfort or reassurance about any of the topics that Bad Influence touches on. And if not, I just hope I make you laugh, at least once."

Sandelson added: “Bad Influence is a brilliant memoir full of sharp insights about social media and the influencer economy, written with all the humour and honesty that Oenone’s fans love. We’re delighted to be publishing her debut at Quercus.”