Three buys for Square Peg

Square Peg has made a trio of acquisitions from Rachel Thompson, Stephen Moss and Amy Thomson.

Mashable journalist Thompson's book Rough “is a revolutionary, taboo-breaking non-fiction work about how violent sex is hurting women”.

World English rights were acquired from Florence Rees at AM Heath by assistant editor Mireille Harper, for publication September 2021.

Its synopsis explains: “A book for anyone who’s ever experienced something during sex that made them feel uncomfortable, frightened, small or embarrassed, Rough covers the grey area of sexual experiences that is often not discussed. Bringing together the latest scientific research, commentary from leading experts and interviews with over 50 women, Thompson explores what rough sex looks and feels like, the long-lasting damage it causes and what needs to change.”

Thompson said: “I want to break the silence about the reality of our sex lives. This is a book for anyone who’s ever had a bad sexual experience and didn’t have the words or space to talk about what happened. These are the stories we didn’t share with our friends, the ones we stowed away in the backs of our minds and tried not to think about afterwards. This is the book I wish had existed when I was growing up.’"

Second buy The Swan is the latest in Moss’s series of giftable bird books. “The swan is not only the largest British bird but it’s also one of the best-known and best-loved,” the blurb says. “Along with his insights into the life of this beautiful bird, Moss weaves in the swan’s place in popular culture and literature across the centuries, from old symbolism (love, fidelity and purity) to modern myths (the ‘mute’ swan).”

World all languages rights were acquired from Broo Doherty at the DHH Literary Agency by Mireille Harper, for publication in October 2021.

Moss said: "The swan is not just Britain’s largest and heaviest bird, it is also one of our favourites. Indeed, to many people, the swan is not so much a bird as a national treasure—like an avian version of the Queen! I look forward to revealing the mysteries of this familiar and well-loved species, and to delving into its fascinating behaviour, folklore, and place in our literary and popular culture.”

Meanwhile, Thomson's Moody “is every woman’s guide to managing her hormones and reclaiming her life”. Thomson is founder of the Moody tracking app and her book has contributions from experts in the field.

“This book will endeavour to explain how our hormones affect us, how you can harness them to the best out of your career, relationships and more, and ultimately how to understand your body better,” the publisher said.

UK and Commonwealth rights were acquired from Charlie Brotherstone at BCM, for publication in 2021.

Thomson said: “Hormones are just about to take centre stage in the world’s new focus on preventative health and wellness. I am thrilled to be working with the brilliant team at Square Peg on Moody. Bringing hormones into the mainstream with this book and the Moody app is hugely exciting.”

Vintage imprint Square Peg is currently under the editorial helm of assistant editor Harper and acting publishing director Liz Foley.