Sphere bags Bark’s ‘game-changing’ guide to masturbation

Sphere has signed This Book Will Make You Feel Something, a collection of 25 erotic stories designed to be masturbated to and 25 tips on “how to make the most of masturbation” by Florence Bark.

Emily Barrett, publisher at Sphere, Little, Brown Book Group, acquired world rights from Agnes Carlowicz at Arc Literary Management for publication in paperback, ebook and audio in May 2023 alongside “an unmissable marketing and publicity campaign”.

Barrett described the book as being “as unique as it is amazing", saying: “Sphere is committed to publishing books that cover everything a reader might enjoy, and that includes ‘book porn’, something I believe we’re the first publisher to do.

“There have been lots of interesting books about the vagina and a few revelatory books about the female orgasm – but how many books can you think of that explain the ins and outs (literally) of how to masturbate and also gives you the material to masturbate to? Now you know one! Was editing this book in the office while my colleagues walked by the strangest and most unsettling thing I’ve ever had to do in my career? Absolutely. But it was worth it because this is one of the most game-changing books I’ve ever acquired.”

The synopsis reads: “Masturbation is proven to release serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin (all the good things) in our brains. It also helps us to learn what gives us pleasure – which can enhance our external sex lives – and with the right encouragement it can improve the way we feel about our bodies. And yet, despite all these benefits, most women report feeling uncomfortable confessing to it.

“This book is on a mission to blow that taboo away. The more we talk about and normalise masturbation, the better we’ll get at it, and the more of its benefits we’ll enjoy. Whether you use this book for some much needed ‘me’ time or to spice up your sex life with a special someone, it will give you the tools to not only feel something, but to feel everything."

Bark, who co-created the sex and relationships YouTube channel "Come Curious" and co-hosts the podcast “F*cks Given”, said of her first book: “When I say I cannot wait for people to get their hands on this book so they can unlock 25 new doors in their journey to sexual liberation, I couldn’t mean it more.

“I feel so excited to be releasing a book that not only teaches techniques to pleasure yourself more, but also contains my debut erotic fiction. My whole life revolves around helping people connect with love in their lives, and it all starts with how we love ourselves and our bodies. I hope this book can make millions feel something... something extremely pleasurable! I know I was certainly squirming in my seat, turned on 24/7, whilst writing it.”