Aurum, an imprint of Quarto, have acquired BBC radio presenter Sharon Hartley’s self-help guide to giving up alcohol. The Life-Changing Magic of Quitting Alcohol is a practical, holistic guide to making the change, and is described as “the best friend for anyone looking to cut down and give up alcohol”.

Nira Begum, senior commissioning editor, acquired World English Language rights from Hannah Ferguson. The Life-Changing Magic of Quitting Alcohol will be published in January 2025.

Sharon Hartley presents the daytime show on BBC Radio Lancashire, as well as co-hosting “Over the Influence”, a podcast about removing alcohol and leading an alcohol-free life. Hartley said: “I used to think a life without alcohol would be dull. That’s until I gave myself a chance, put down the bottle and went for it full throttle. I want people who pick up my book to know it’s ok to say ‘no, thank you’ to alcohol and that sobriety is something to be celebrated loudly! It’s nothing short of a dream come true to be working with Nira and the Aurum team and I am beyond excited about this opportunity that would not be happening if I’d stayed on the hangover hamster wheel.”

Begum said: “Sharon’s alcohol-free journey is one not without its ups and downs and she takes us on a whirlwind ride of how she did it, but more importantly how others can do the same. In her new book, she will be able to reach a generation of drinkers with different habits who want to understand the mechanics of desire and temptation and want to change and give up for good. I’m very excited to be to publishing it.”

Photo credit: www.jonosymonds.com