Smith tackles Ed Sheeran in next biography

Singer songwriter Ed Sheeran is the next subject of celebrity biographer Sean Smith, in a deal for HarperNonFiction.

The imprint’s editor Zoe Berville bought world all languages from Gordon Wise at Curtis Brown, with publication slated for 15th November.

Ed Sheeran promises to be a “fascinating and revealing insight into Ed Sheeran the man and his music”.

The Sunday Times bestselling biographer travelled to the “quiet Suffolk backwater that Ed still calls home and follows in the footsteps of Ed’s amazing journey from the boy who could barely hold a tune to the man who sold out Wembley Stadium”. Smith has spoken to the popstar’s, friends and mentors, revealing how they encouraged Sheeran and inspired his songs.

“Ed Sheeran was fifteen when he recorded his first album in his bedroom,” a HarperNonFiction spokesperson said. “But while he was well known for performing his own songs in local pubs and clubs before he was even old enough to drink, he was not ‘discovered’ or groomed for stardom.”

According to the blurb, the musician’s fortunes changed when he was taken on by Elton John’s management company. Through the biography, Smith “explores the joy of a record deal when past rejections were forgotten, the song that changed everything and how he conquered America with a little help from Taylor Swift”.

Following his sell-out stadium tour and with three number one albums under his belt, Sheeran is now the biggest earning music star in the UK and the richest under thirty, worth more than £80 million.

Smith is the author of six Sunday Times bestsellers including Cheryl, the definitive biography of Cheryl Cole. His subjects have included J K Rowling, George Michael, Adele and Kim Kardashian among others.

He said: “I am fascinated by how Ed Sheeran came to be such a huge star so quickly. Of course, like all instant successes, he worked tirelessly for years to achieve his goals. He is a rare combination of talent and dedication, confidence and courage – and it’s a pleasure learning how he’s achieved so much.

“I’ve seen for myself the sunset over the “Castle on the Hill” and it’s inspiring – just like Ed.”

Berville said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Sean again on what promises to be another compelling and revealing book: his research and the sensitivity with which he crafts his biographies are second to none.”

The news follows the announcement last month that Cassell Illustrated had signed “an intimate portrait of Ed Sheeran” by music photographer Christie Goodwin, with a foreword and captions by the singer’s father, John.