Transworld acquires 'authoritative and compassionate' book on confidence by Groskop

Transworld has acquired an “authoritative and compassionate” book on confidence by award-winning stand-up comedian, broadcaster and coach Viv Groskop.  

Lucy Oates, senior commissioning editor, bought world English language rights to Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident at auction from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown. It will be published by Torva in June 2023. 

The synopsis says: “Demystifying the art of effortless confidence, Happy High Status will help readers handle self-doubt and minimise insecurity, in all parts of their lives. Far from the grandstanding of politicians or bulldozing of business leaders, Happy High Status is an authentic and innate sense of capability, self-esteem and the belief you can do anything, no matter who you are. 

“This feeling is usually only fleeting, but in her signature style, Viv Groskop shows there is a way of commanding it on demand. She combines the latest analysis and research, observations from psychology and neuroscience, and broad examples from the worlds of film, comedy and politics, to help anybody harness this everyday superpower to give them strength and energy, whatever they’re faced with.” 

Oates said: “I have found Viv Groskop’s authoritative yet compassionate guides immeasurably valuable, so I’m thrilled to be publishing her new book on something we all want a bit more of: confidence. A trusted voice in the personal development space, Viv’s smart advice will help so many readers embrace their own innate and authentic confidence, not only boosting their performance, but improving the way they feel about themselves too.” 

Groskop added: “Of all the ideas and tips in How to Own the Room (Bantam), the question I receive most from readers both at events and on social media and in emails is this: ‘Where can I read more about happy high status?’ Happy high status is an idea I touched on in passing in How to Own the Room, in describing Michelle Obama’s style. This is about broadening out the concept of confidence and minimising insecurity. How can you feel ready to take on anything? How can you feel ‘enough’? How can you step up when you are unprepared or underprepared? Happy High Status is the answer to all these questions.”