Canongate acquires World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker's collection about fatherhood

Canongate has acquired Tender: 100 Poems for the First 100 Days of LIfe by Harry Baker, a collection about fatherhood by World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker.

Editorial Director Helena Gonda acquired world English-language rights from Hayley Steed at Janklow and Nesbit following a five-way auction. Canongate will publish in hardback, e-book and audiobook in March 2026, with a paperback to follow.

The synopsis states: "Tender marks Harry’s evolution towards more vulnerable and raw material following the birth of his son."

Baker said: "This collection is a lifetime’s work. Specifically my son’s – admittedly short – lifetime at this point, but also my own years of practising paying attention to the tenderness and brilliance and wonder of the world around us, all of which have been intensified beyond belief in these first few months."

Gonda added: "I’ve long been an admirer of Harry’s work and the opportunity to bring him to Canongate was too good to miss! He knows poetry is for everyone and I’m excited for readers to see a new side to him in this collection. What started as a way to document the highs and lows of those hazy early days has evolved into something beautiful – a celebration of the vulnerability and euphoria that come with new parenthood."