September scoops 'agenda-setting' reflections on parenthood by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

September Publishing, an imprint of Duckworth Books, has acquired rights for The Republic of Parenthood by Guardian columnist and author Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett.

Editorial director Clare Bullock acquired world English-language rights from Eleanor Birne at PEW Literary, and the book will be published in Demy hardback August 2025.

The book will feature a new essays by Cosslett, as well as illustrations by Pia Bramley.

The synopsis states: "The Republic of Parenthood will draw essays from Cosslett’s popular Guardian column of the same name to examine the role of parents in modern society, combining discourse on the philosophy, politics and culture of parenthood with Rhiannon’s personal real-time story of new motherhood."

Bullock said: "’m a long-time reader of Rhiannon’s column, and I can’t think of another writer of her generation who interrogates the unique complexities of becoming a parent today with such wit and intelligence [...] I felt so fortunate to publish Pia Bramley’s beautiful Pandemic Baby [Icon Books] a few years ago, and it is a joy to work with her again; her candid and moving illustrations are the perfect visual complement to Rhiannon’s words."

Cosslett added: "When I became pregnant and gave birth, I wanted to devour everything that had ever been written about the experience by other authors. I had been interested in the subject before and had read much about it already, but there was an intensity to my desire to read that I think was borne of suddenly feeling part of a communal experience. Other readers have told me the same thing, and it is feeling part of this community of parents and readers that has felt so special about writing this book."