Simon & Schuster acquires Vasiliou’s “Better Man”
Simon & Schuster Australia (S&S) has acquired world rights to Better Man by Ben Vasiliou, in a deal negotiated by Daniel Pilkington of The Pilkington Agency.
The “practical guide to foster healthy masculinity” will “tackle the big, contentious issues, such as toxic masculinity and the manosphere”, and unpack the problems at the core of them, according to S&S. The publisher said the book will share real-life examples of men “who’ve experienced shame, or insecurity, or been close-minded”, and how the author’s work helped them grow into emotionally aware, healthier people. It will also outline how to grow in this way through both broad principles – such as avoiding blame and shame – and specific tips.
Vasiliou is the father of two teenagers and CEO of The Man Cave, which aims to help boys and young men build emotional strength, self-awareness and healthy relationships. His experience includes 7 years as CEO of Youth Projects, where he worked with young people facing homelessness, addiction and complex disadvantage.
“After years of sitting in rooms with young men and hearing the things they rarely say out loud – about pressure, identity, violence, loneliness, fathers, shame, love, sex, fear and the mixed messages about what it means to be a man – I wanted to take that conversation beyond the room and onto the page,” said Vasiliou. “This book doesn’t offer easy answers. It offers honesty. And I think that’s where change starts.”
“We hear so much about toxic masculinity and what boys and men should not be. I wrote this book because I believe we need something more hopeful, more honest and more useful. A pathway forward for masculinity and modern manhood that gives boys and men real stories, real ideas, new tools, and permission to celebrate the best of who they are.”
Simon & Schuster publisher Kristy-Lee Lorraway said the book offers “practical guidance at a time when conversations about masculinity have never felt more urgent”. “Better Man is the kind of book I wish every parent, teacher and young man could read.”
S&S plans to publish Better Man on 1 September 2026.
Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions
