Transworld nets first book from ‘Instagram farming sensation’ Colville
Transworld has netted The Chief Shepherdess, the first book by “Instagram farming sensation” Zoë Colville.
Senior commissioning editor Lizzy Goudsmit Kay acquired world all language rights from Charlie Campbell at Greyhound Literary. The book will now be published by deputy publishing director Kate Fox and Bantam in hardback, e-book and audiobook in April 2023.
In The Chief Shepherdess, Colville writes openly about the steep learning curve she faced when she moved to a farm with her partner after suffering a personal loss. She also charts the lessons she has learned along the way about everything from mental health, social media and identity to surviving as a farmer in today’s modern world.
The publisher commented: “Zoë has been on an incredible journey, and the fact that she shares it so honestly on her social media has earned her a loyal, growing following. Her story is quite literally a breath of fresh air and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Colville addded: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been given this opportunity to open a window into life on the ground as a farmer. Farming is often misunderstood – I for one wasn’t the least bit interested why sheep got shorn when I was cutting hair in Soho – but you bet I wore wool. It’s so important for us to make informed decisions about what we eat, drink and wear, most of which wouldn’t be possible without our farmers. So I’m absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to open a window into life on the ground with chaos, humour and most importantly honesty.”
