S&S snaps up psychologist's manual in seven-way auction

Simon & Schuster is to publish A Manual for Being Human by clinical psychologist Dr Sophie Mort, scooped in a seven-way auction. 

Editorial director Fritha Saunders bought world rights including e-book and audiobook from Abigail Bergstrom at Gleam Titles, as part of a two-book deal. 

Mort, who styles herself "Dr Soph", has a masters in neuroscience and a doctorate in clinical psychology. She has worked on the frontline of mental health treatment at a London hospital, and, after "losing faith in the system" set up an online clinic to assist the "human-curious, psychology-curious and therapy-curious".

Commenting on the acquisition, Saunders said: "At a time when many of us are struggling with our mental wellbeing, we’re extremely pleased to be publishing Dr Soph’s soothing words. Her impressive knowledge and expertise will provide invaluable insight, support and reassurance to her readers."

Bergstrom said: "Dr Soph is a talented clinical psychologist with a unique approach and an engaged following. A Manual for Being Human will offer a framework for those of us lost at sea in today’s troubling times, a literary lighthouse to underpin and explain our human experience."

Mort said: "I am beyond thrilled that I will be working with Fritha Saunders and the team and Simon & Schuster to publish my first book. A book that includes all the information you need to understand your psychology and what it is to be human.

"I truly believe that people shouldn't have to wait until they are struggling to find out how to manage and understand their emotions, and other deeply normal aspects of being human, and I am hoping that this book will mean that they won't have to."

A Manual for Being Human will publish in hardback, e-book and audio on 27th May 2021, with an untitled second book following in  2022.