S&S acquires Ita Buttrose’s memoir

Simon & Schuster Australia (S&S) has acquired memoir Unapologetically Ita by Ita Buttrose.

Unapologetically Ita ‘reflects on [Buttrose’s] time as the chair of the ABC, the changes in the workplace during in her lifetime, and her years of advocacy work for causes she strongly believes in, such as HIV/AIDS, dementia, macular disease and cancer,’ said the publisher. ‘In her frank and fearless style, with trademark wit and positivity, Ita tackles diverse subjects such as leadership, menopause, sex and the older person, planning for life changes and the importance of looking after your brain.’

Buttrose created Cleo in 1971 and became the youngest editor of the Australian Women’s Weekly in 1975. She was the first female editor of the Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Telegraph.

She said of the acquisition, ‘This book has allowed me to revisit important events in my life and career and to set the record straight in a couple of incidences, an extremely satisfying experience. Over the years I have climbed a few mountains, and right now I’m in the middle of climbing a challenging personal mountain. It isn’t easy, but I won’t ever give up.’

S&S publisher Julie Gibbs said, ‘Since I was growing up and reading the Australian Women’s Weekly, Ita has provided me with great inspiration, and I never could have imagined that I would have become her publisher for her books. We have done many books together, and it is a great honour. Ita constantly surprises me with her talent, her insights, her wit and her compassion for other people.’

S&S plans to release Unapologetically Ita on 28 October 2025.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions