Joe Wicks has signed a £1 million deal with HarperCollins.
The 32-year-old ‘Body Coach’ has agreed the seven-figure multi-book deal with the publishing giant, to create a number of books for adults, and picture and activity books for younger readers, according to The Sun.
Joe told The Bookseller.com: "I can’t wait to start developing new adult books with HarperCollins and to create children’s books for the first time. I’m on a mission to get the world fitter, stronger, healthier and happier. Books play a crucial part in that."
Joe has moved to Harper Collins from Bluebird after the publisher snapped up world rights from Bev James at Bev James Media Limited.
Bev said: "With the HarperCollins teams, Joe has found his new publishing home. With their expertise and his talent, Joe can cement his position as a leading international lifestyle brand and launch his own range of children’s books."
HQ executive publisher Lisa Milton said: "I couldn’t be more delighted that Joe is joining us at HQ for his adult publishing. I’ve been a massive fan since before he published his first book. He has already transformed the nation showing us how to lead a healthy lifestyle, and now he’s leading the next generation. I can’t wait to join him on his journey as he becomes a global star."
HarperCollins Children’s Books executive publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh added: "Joe radiates positivity and passion in everything he does and is a great inspiration for children. His daily PE lessons have connected with families across the nation and I am thrilled that he has chosen us to launch his children’s books. I look forward to bringing Joe’s zest and energy to the children’s book world."
Bluebird publisher Carole Tonkinson said: "Joe is a legend – and we wish him all the best. It has been such an adventure working with him at Bluebird. It started in 2015 with the hugely successful ‘Lean in 15’, which has now sold over 1.3 million copies, and over the course of eight books we have collaborated to establish Joe as the UK’s foremost lifestyle coach. It is wonderful to be celebrating the current success of Wean in 15 – one of four Bluebird titles in this week’s top 5 manuals chart. We are looking forward enormously to publishing Joe’s next two books, out in December 2020 and June 2021, and to continuing his mission to help people adopt healthy habits."
Joe has won legions of new fans through his ‘P.E With Joe’ series on YouTube, which he started to help children stay active amid the Covid-19 pandemic.