News

« Headlines

Collins pays £200,000 for O'Connell

09.04.08 Graeme Neill

Collins has paid £200,000 for a two book deal with Virgin Radio DJ Christian O'Connell. The publisher hopes to build Christian O'Connell into an observational humour brand like Chris Moyles or Jeremy Clarkson.

The first book, The Trouble With Men, will be published in hardback in October. It will explore "male-dom, celebrating all that is great about being a man and unravelling the mysteries of masculinity that have stumped women for centuries".

"The Trouble With Men is a roadmap and compass for men," said O'Connell. "It will reveal what the male species really fears (other than their lucky pants being thrown out). It will explain why asking directions is a crime against all men and the complex rituals men never talk about that go on in men's toilets. I think it's about time someone stood up for men. Women have Bridget Jones. Men had no one. Until now..."

The book was acquired by commissioning editor Claire Kingston from Andy Hipkiss, formerly of USP Content. "Christian is that rare combination of talented public figure and natural writer," she said." His observations about men and society are brilliantly funny. We're very much looking forward to building Christian as a writer over the coming years and look forward to introducing him to an even wider audience than his award winning breakfast show gets."

O'Connell hosts the breakfast show on Virgin Radio and broadcasts to 1.4m listeners. He has won seven Sony industry gold awards during his career.

HarperCollins Rights deal Graeme Neill Christian O'Connell

See Also