Robert Webb to write autobiography and novel

Robert Webb is moving into writing books. He has signed a publishing deal to write his memoirs and also a debut novel.

Following a "hotly-contested" 13-way auction, Canongate and Audible have won the rights to publish the two books.

Talking about the Peep Show and Mitchell & Webb star, the publishers say the deal "will introduce Webb as a major literary talent whose writing has already been lauded by JK Rowling, Dawn French and Ian Rankin."

His currently un-titled autobiography is set for release in hardback, eBook and audiobook (narrated by the star himself) in the autumn of 2017. The publishers describe the book as: "A sincere but highly entertaining insight into Webb's childhood, the memoir skilfully explores themes of masculinity and gender stereotypes through personal stories about his relationships with his father figures. The book will form a valuable part of the ongoing national conversation about gender."

Webb with then write his first fictional novel, for publishing in 2018.

Robert Webb says: "After two years of casually mentioning that I've got a great idea for a book, the people at Canongate and Audible are now proposing to make me write it. Of course, I have responsibilities to those who will find themselves featured in this memoir. To my dead relatives I say, chillax - you're dead. To living relatives I say, look - it could be worse, you could be Adele's ex-boyfriend. I hope that reassures everyone."

Francis Bickmore from Canongate Books comments: "The brilliantly talented Robert Webb is about to land in the world of books in a big way and everyone at Canongate is thrilled that we are his UK publisher. His memoir promises to be an exceptional and even game-changing book. It is funny, moving and controversial, and will appeal to anyone who remembers the eighties, and anyone who is - or knows - a dysfunctional male. We look forward to working with Audible to make this a major event publication in the second half of 2017. We're also thrilled to have signed up a novel to follow, which will further develop Rob's career as a writer."

Tracey Markham from Audible adds: "We are thrilled to have acquired audio rights to two titles by one of the UK's best loved comedians and writers. This is a landmark deal for us, and we're really excited to work closely with Canongate on a major publishing and marketing campaign to bring Webb's writing to as wide an audience of listeners and readers as possible."

Ivan Mulcahy, who brokered the deal via MMB Creative, concludes: "The impact of Rob's book on those who read it is striking. I had anticipated strong publisher interest but it was a delight to see thirteen publishers offer, and in the process of meeting several of them it was a pleasure to see the instant emotional impact of his story. We couldn't be more pleased with Canongate's response to the book and their passion for ensuring that it reaches the widest readership. Audible also pursued the audio rights with an exceptional level of energy, and we are thrilled by the potential impact their release of Robert's reading of his book will have."

Robert Webb will next be seen on television alongside David Mitchell in new Channel 4 sitcom pilot Back.

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Robert Webb - How Not To Be A Boy

RULES FOR BEING A MAN
Don't Cry
Love Sport
Play Rough
Drink Beer
Don't Talk About Feelings

But Robert Webb has been wondering for some time now: are those rules actually any use? To anyone?

Looking back over his life, from schoolboy crushes (on girls and boys) to discovering the power of making people laugh (in the Cambridge Footlights with David Mitchell), and from losing his beloved mother to becoming a husband and father, Robert Webb considers the absurd expectations boys and men have thrust upon them at every stage of life.

Hilarious and heart-breaking, How Not To Be A Boy explores the relationships that made Robert who he is as a man, the lessons we learn as sons and daughters, and the understanding that sometimes you aren't the Luke Skywalker of your life - you're actually Darth Vader.

A sincere but highly entertaining insight into Robert Webb's childhood, this memoir skilfully explores themes of masculinity and gender stereotypes through personal stories about his relationships with his father figures. The book will form a valuable part of the ongoing national conversation about gender.

First published: Tuesday 29th August 2017

Hardback

eBook

Audiobook