We are so happy to start this week by announcing the 14th pre-publication deal for Frank Martela’s A WONDERFUL LIFE! Ediciones Urano acquired the World Spanish rights at auction, and the deal was brokered in collaboration with MB Agencia. Urano’s acquiring editor is excited:
Frank Martela has written an extremely interesting book which invites us to deeply reflect. Based on extensive research, the book demonstrates a great knowledge of philosophy, psychology and cultural history. I especially liked the author’s central thesis: instead of looking for the meaning of life, we must look for a meaning in life, one that highlights the importance of daily experiences and interactions. It is an accessible read that connects with the reader, but has a certain rigorousness as well, since it is not a practical guide with “recipes” to find the meaning of life. I personally liked it a lot, and I think A Wonderful Life is an important and very necessary project for our times.
– Marta Sevilla, acquiring editor at Ediciones Urano.
Ediciones Uranos has published nonfiction about well-being and personal growth for over 30 years now. They have a strong presence in Spanish book market both in Europe and in Latin America.
The book will be first published in the U.S. by HarperCollins/Harper Design on 24th of March 2020.
Advance Praise for A Wonderful Life by Frank Martela
“The search for life’s meaning is perhaps the most important quest we can undertake. And for any quest, it’s essential to have a guide. Philosophically probing yet eminently readable, A Wonderful Life is a book you can refer to again and again on your journey toward purpose.”
— Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of When, Drive, To Sell Is Human, and A Whole Mind
“We are happiest not when we have more things or accolades but when we have more meaning, research shows. A Wonderful Life is a witty and inspirational guidebook to helping you live a life of meaning. By expertly drawing on psychology, philosophy and literature, his book will entertain you as much as it enriches you.”
— Emma Seppala, author of The Happiness Track, Science Director, Stanford Center For Compassion And Altruism Research And Education. Co–Director Wellness, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
“This book is not only a delight to read, but it is a tour-de-force of research. Martela brings together some of the most fascinating ideas from history, philosophy, and psychology to address the most urgent question of all: What makes life meaningful? Too many people today doubt that their lives matter. In this uplifting and thoughtful work, Martela offers practical tips for we can each find more meaning in our lives.”
— Emily Esfahani Smith, author of The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed With Happiness
Rights sold:
UNITED STATES: HarperCollins/Harper Design (orig.)
CROATIA: Planetopija
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FINLAND: Gummerus
GREECE: Klidarithmos
JAPAN: HarperCollins Japan
KOREA: Across Publishing
LATIN AMERICA: Ediciones Urano
LITHUANIA: Obuolys
NETHERLANDS: Ambo Anthos
NORWAY: Gursli Berg Forlag
RUSSIA: Bombora
SPAIN: Ediciones Urano (World Spanish)
TAIWAN: Crown
TURKEY: Orman Kitap