Seven Dials and Hachette Children’s land two from Euros champion Beth Mead 

Seven Dials and Hachette Children’s Group have snapped up two titles by Euros champion Beth Mead.

Vicky Eribo, executive publisher of Orion’s Seven Dials, and Laura Horsley, editorial director of HCG’s Wren & Rook, acquired world rights to the books, respectively, from Nick Walters of David Luxton Associates in association with Mags Byrne at First for Players.

The first book, Lioness: My Journey to Glory, will be published by Seven Dials in hardback, e-book and audiobook on 10th November 2022. Mead will be working with the Athletic journalist Katie Whyatt to write the memoir.

The second, titled Roar: A Football Hero’s Guide to Dreaming Big and Playing the Game You Love, will be published for a younger readership by Wren & Rook on 25th May 2023 in paperback handbook format.

Mead, Gol/-2022 and a nominee for the 2022 Balon d’Or, said: “I’m very excited to be sharing my story through Orion.

“I’m eager for the world to know me in a new way and for people to learn more about the challenges, sacrifices and dedication that go into winning a major tournament. I feel very proud and honoured to be among the first female footballers to be able to tell their story in this way.

“I am also really looking forward to working with the team at Wren & Rook to publish a book for children which I hope will inspire girls and boys to play the sport they love, dream big, work hard and never give up. But most importantly, I hope it encourages them to pursue the things they enjoy the most and have fun while they do it.”
Eribo, who described Mead as “an absolute legend” and “an inspiration”, said: “Like the rest of the nation, I was glued to the Euros this summer, watching with awe as Beth and the Lionesses delivered their historic victory.

“The story of Beth’s journey, the challenges she overcame and how she reached these incredible heights is utterly essential and I could not be more proud to have the opportunity to help her take it to an enormous readership this autumn.”

Horsley also commented: “When only 63% of girls can play football in school, there is work still to be done. We are therefore honoured to be publishing this book by the sensational Beth Mead, empowering girls and inspiring boys to play the sports they love, overcome the hurdles that might be standing in their way and achieve their dreams. I know this is a book I wished I’d had growing up, and many will feel the same too. We can’t wait to publish it.”

Whyatt added: “It is a real honour to be working with Beth, and I’m equally happy to see our women footballers being given the opportunities they deserve after such a groundbreaking summer. I am looking forward to bringing Beth’s story to life and setting down her achievements and character in print.”