Ten Steps To Nanette comes out next year

Hannah Gadsby has signed a UK publishing deal for her memoirs, Ten Steps To Nanette.

The autobiography – described as  ‘deeply personal, astutely observed, sometimes devastating but frequently hysterically funny’ –  is now due to be released by Allen & Unwin in the autumn of next year, shortly after it comes out in her native Australia.

Celebrity fan Emma Thompson has already heaped praise on the title, saying: ‘This hilarious, touching, and sometimes tragic book is all about where her fires were lit.’

The book describes the often shocking real-life incidents that made Gadsby reappraise her entire approach to comedy, as described in her stand-up show, Nanette, which has become an international hit after being turned into a Netflix special.

Allen & Unwin editorial director Clare Drysdale, who bought the rights,  said: ‘Seeing Hannah Gadsby perform Nanette in London was thought-provoking, uncomfortable and mesmerising, and I’m still marvelling at her honesty and audacity. 

‘It’s been thrilling to see the international reception to Nanette on Netflix, and we couldn’t be prouder to be publishing Hannah’s vital and extremely funny book on the Allen & Unwin list next year.’

As Chortle revealed back in 2017, Ten Steps to Nanette was originally set to be released in Australia earlier this year. However, the comedian put writing aside while she continued to perform the emotionally demanding show which she had intended as her stand-up swansong. She has since said she won’t be quitting comedy after all.

The new deal covers all Commonwealth nations except Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 

Last month, American publisher Ballantine secured the book for the States, while it has also been sold into Spain, Brazil, Germant and The Netherlands.

Nanette won the Barry Award at last year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival and shared the Edinburgh Comedy Award for best show with John Robins’s The Darkness Of Robins..

Published: 4 Sep 2018