Steer's debut goes to Bloomsbury in three-way auction

Bloomsbury has won a competitive three-publisher auction for Slow Seasons: A Creative Guide to Reconnecting with Nature the Celtic Way by Rosie Steer.

Kitty Stogdon, commissioning editor for Bloomsbury Lifestyle, acquired world rights from Megan Staunton at Bergstrom Studio following three bids from publishers. Publication is set for October 2023.

Bloomsbury said: “Slow Seasons will be an illustrated collection of seasonal craft ideas, recipes and celebrations inspired by the Celtic Wheel of the Year – an ancient seasonal cycle that aligns with solar events. It is inspired by Steer’s own experience, when feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern city life she found solace and calm in the traditions she had been brought up with, influenced by her Scottish roots, that celebrated nature and observed the small, steady shifts in the seasons.

"The book will include nature notes on what to look out for as the days get warmer or cooler, ideas for seasonal activities like foraging and flower or fruit-picking alongside instructions for making sustainable Christmas decorations and recipes for seasonal baking.”

The publisher added: “Steer embraced slow-living and the ancient nature-centric traditions of the Celtic Wheel of the Year after suffering with her mental health. She set up her newsletter and platform on Instagram as a place to track small moments of joy through the seasons and has built a community of like-minded ‘old souls’.” The writer lives and works in Edinburgh.

Stogdon said: “When Slow Seasons first dropped into my inbox I knew it was a book that the world needed. Rosie explained how, when she was suffering with her mental health, living more simply, consciously and in tune with the seasons was instrumental in her recovery. We’re all aware of the healing power of nature and how even a simple walk can lift our moods, so we’re incredibly excited to publish Slow Seasons this autumn, and encourage everyone to embrace this slower and happier way of life.”

Steer added: “Being in nature, crafting and baking have all been hugely therapeutic in my life and following the Celtic Wheel connects me with the rhythms of the year. Many of the projects in Slow Seasons are inspired by my childhood and my Scottish surroundings, combining nature and nostalgia to recapture simple joys and a slower pace of life. Megan at Bergstrom Studio has been my unwavering champion and Kitty understood my vision straight away.”