A&U acquires new Mackay nonfiction

Allen & Unwin (A&U) has acquired world rights to a new nonfiction title, Just Saying, from author and social psychologist Hugh Mackay.

Just Saying follows on from Mackay’s 2024 release, The Way We Are: Lessons from a Lifetime of Listening (also A&U). According to the publisher, the forthcoming title is ‘a collection of his reflections on quotations, ancient and modern, from Socrates to Sontag, Einstein to Steinem, examining 25 pearls of wisdom passed on to us by some of our greatest thinkers and wordsmiths.’

Based in Canberra, Mackay has released a range of fiction and nonfiction titles, including The Good Life: What Makes a Life Worth Living? (2013, Pan Macmillan) and The Kindness Revolution: How We Can Restore Hope, Rebuild Trust and Inspire Optimism (2021, A&U). In addition to his career as an author and social researcher, he also worked as a weekly newspaper columnist for 25 years. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2015.

A&U commissioning editor Tom Bailey-Smith said of the acquisition: ‘A hallmark of Hugh’s distinguished books is his exploration of profound sayings and quotes to interpret our world and inspire us to do better. Just Saying distils this into a beautiful volume perfect for Hugh’s many fans, or any lover of words and language. It’s a pleasure and an honour to continue publishing Hugh’s works.’

A&U plans to publish Just Saying in November 2025.

Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions