August Books signs transformational guide to desire by sex therapists Lauren Fogel Mersy and Jennifer A. Vencill

Martina O’Sullivan, Executive Publisher at August Books has bought UK & Commonwealth rights to DESIRE: An Inclusive Guide to Libido in Any Relationship, at Any Age by Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy and Dr. Jennifer Vencill from Rachel Clements at Abner Stein on behalf of Taryn Fagerness Agency and Claire Harris at P.S. Literary. The book is published by Beacon Press in the US and August Books will publish a trade paperback edition in January at £14.99 with updates for a global audience.

DESIRE is a radically inclusive, sex-positive guide for anyone in any kind of romantic relationship. Difference in libido is a common issue, often leading to insecurity, conflict and communication breakdown. And yet, most research and advice on how to deal with this concernfocuses on a heteronormative one-size-fits-all approach which hinders our ability to build greater intimacy and enjoy sex fully. DESIRE cuts through this restrictive approach and offers readers an open, inclusive and accessible guide to sharing greater intimacy and pleasure.

Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and a certified sex and couples therapist. Dr. Jennifer A. Vencill (she/her) is an assistant professor, a board-certified clinical health psychologist, and a certified sex therapist.

Fogel Mersy and Vencill said: ‘So many people in relationships struggle with a sexual desire discrepancy. In searching for inclusive resources to share with our clients, we often came up empty-handed. We wrote the libido resource we had been looking for, a book that speaks to people of all genders, of any age, and within any relationship.’

O’Sullivan said ‘The vast majority of books in the sex and relationships space speak solely to readers in traditional heterosexual monogamous relationships and fail to address fundamental issues such as cultural shame, trauma, grief or the physical changes caused by pregnancy or menopause. I want August Books to be a home for genuinely progressive and helpful publishing in sex and relationships and DESIRE, along with BUTT SERIOUSLY which published earlier this year, is emblematic of that mission. This book is for everyone - and I know it’s going to help so many people embrace and enjoy their sexuality’

For further information, contact Kate@canelo.co