Hachette acquires Wilkinson’s debut historical nonfiction

Hachette Australia has acquired The Titanic Story of Evelyn by journalist, broadcaster and author Lisa Wilkinson, via the Fordham Agency.

The Titanic Story of Evelyn follows the life of South Australian Evelyn Marsden who studied to become a nurse while also becoming a champion rower. She and her husband, a doctor, were assigned to the Titanic’s maiden voyage. In the tragedy that followed, Evelyn survived while saving others with her rowing skills.

Wilkinson said, “Evelyn was a young woman with an adventurous spirit and a passion for selflessly serving others. She lived her life well ahead of the strictures laid out for the women of her time. As a champion rower growing up in South Australia, she strengthened herself by rowing against the tide – literally and figuratively – and I hope that her virtually unknown story of fighting against societal norms, her selfless courage aboard the Titanic, and how she found and then almost lost the great love of her life on that fateful night, will resonate with readers of all ages.”

Hachette head of nonfiction and literary Vanessa Radnidge said, “In telling Evelyn Marsden’s extraordinary story, Lisa is also giving a voice to many of the magnificent, and forgotten, women who were on the Titanic that fateful night. The result is an epic tale of a brave and bold young Australian woman who bucked tradition and convention, the tragedy of an ‘unsinkable’ ship, and an unforgettable love story. What is not fabulous about that!”

Hachette plans to publish The Titanic Story of Evelyn in April 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions