Trapeze scoops books from historian Akpan and UK women’s correspondent Oppenheim

Trapeze has scooped books by authors historian Paula Akpan and UK women’s correspondent Maya Oppenheim.

Non-fiction editorial director Katie Packer has acquired UK and commonwealth rights in The Pocket Guide to the Patriarchy by Independent correspondent Oppenheim, who is represented by Rachel Mills at Rachel Mills Literary Agency. Packer also acquired world rights to When We Ruled and another work of non-fiction by Akpan from Abi Fellows at The Good Literary Agency in a two-book deal.

Meanwhile, fiction editorial director Sareeta Domingo has acquired world rights in a collection of high-end erotic stories from pseudonymous author Lucy Debussy via Daisy Parente at Lutyens & Rubinstein due to publish in February 2024. Editor Serena Arthur has also acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Laura Williams at Greene & Heaton to a debut by Shelly Jay Shore about "a clairvoyant and Jewish trans man dealing with his messy family’s drama and the ghost of his new crush’s late husband". 

Oppenheim’s The Pocket Guide to the Patriarchy will be published on 17th August 2023. It is described by the publisher as a "the handbook to combatting continued injustice, exploring everything from the criminal justice system, policing, the far right, sexual violence, abortion rights and much more".

When We Ruled by Akpan will be published on 4th July 2024, offering insight into the lives of the African women who have ruled corners of the continent throughout the ages.

Meanwhile Debussy’s Erotica Collection (working title) will be published on 8th February 2024, and Shore’s debut novel will be published in paperback original on 22nd August 2024.

Packer said: "Building on the epic Trapeze list has been an absolute dream and I have absolutely loved working with Sareeta Domingo, Tierney Witty and Serena Arthur to really amplify our message and create an imprint that prioritises accessibility, representation and innovation.

"We have big plans for the future, and I can’t wait to publish these incredible books by Paula and Maya that have the ability to reach readers in all corners of the world. Trapeze has always had community and empowerment at its heart, and I’m grateful to be able to work with authors that bring so much joy."

Domingo added: "It’s been hugely energising to work alongside Katie Packer and our brilliant team at Trapeze to see the list take boldly shape, with our aim to blaze trails and amplify stories that feel unique and rule-breaking. I’m so excited to be able to take our readers into new spaces with these books, and I’m thrilled to nurture and support the incredible authors whose careers we’re launching or developing, giving them a versatile home and building them into the brands of the future."