Transworld scoops 'empowering' roadmap for change from Martin

Transworld has acquired a new non-fiction title from author and activist Gina Martin, titled No Offence, But… publishing in July 2023.

Helena Gonda, commissioning editor, bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Abigail Bergstrom at Bergstrom Studio. Zoe Berville, senior commissioning editor, is overseeing publication. 

Featuring chapters from Aja Barber, Ben Hurst, Cathy Reay, Charlie Craggs, Daze Aghaji, Ione Gamble, Koa Beck, Mariam Kemple Hardy, Azadeh Hosseini, Nova Reid and Salma El-Wardany, the book aims to change the conversation around social justice issues and advise readers on how to navigate difficult conversations.

The synopsis reads: “From the persistent (’not all men,’ ‘I don’t see colour’) to the insidious (‘to play devil’s advocate...,’ ‘climate change is coming’), too often, antagonistic or problematic responses threaten to distract and derail our most urgent conversations about social justice issues. 

“Tackling 20 of the most enduring conversation-stoppers, No Offence, But... equips readers with the knowledge, tools and context to respond with confidence. Alongside other trailblazing writers, educators and advocates, Gina Martin helps us to unpick these phrases, understand why they are harmful and feel empowered to change the conversation.” 

Bergstrom described Martin’s book “a roadmap to help navigate the important conversations of the 21st century” while the publisher praised it as “practical and empowering”.

Martin added: “In my work, the most common question I see asked – especially from people who belong to dominant groups – is how to respond to enduring phrases that stunt constructive conversation. With the help of amazing writers, this book explores how people use these phrases, where they come from and looks to support readers in challenging the oppressive ideas that uphold them, both in themselves and with others.”