Witness Books nets new book from naturalist and presenter Backshall  

Witness Books has netted a new book from naturalist and presenter Steve Backshall, his first to explore the planet’s ocean life. 

Publishing director Albert DePetrillo acquired world rights in Deep Blue: My Ocean Journeys and one other untitled book from Julian Alexander at The Soho Agency on behalf of Jo Sarsby Management. Deep Blue will publish in September 2023.  

The book documents Backshall’s most memorable oceanic encounters – from the evolution of ocean heroes like the blue whale and the great white, to the rapidly declining state of coral reefs – explaining what it all may mean for the future of our sea life. The publisher described it as “both a love letter to our oceans and a rallying cry for us to save them”. 

Backshall said: “The oceans have been my passion since I was a kid. I’m looking to bring our seas to life through the lens of the most iconic species that live there.” 

DePetrillo added: “Many know Steve Backshall’s ‘Deadly 60’ and his thrilling ‘Expedition’ series. He’s also one of the most talented nature writers I’ve had the pleasure to work with, and I’m thrilled to be publishing Deep Blue on the Witness Books list. It’s a book, and Steve is an author, tailor-made for Witness: a natural communicator in the Attenborough tradition, with stories that help you see the world around you differently. I can’t wait for readers to discover this truly wonderful book.”