HarperCollins acquires Bailey memoir
HarperCollins has acquired world rights to Flamingos Aren’t Born Pink, a memoir by Robin Bailey.
Described by the publisher as “a moving and uplifting memoir on heartbreak, grief and finding joy”, Flamingos Aren’t Born Pink draws an analogy between the author’s “transformation through the great loves and losses of her life” and the natural phenomenon through which flamingos acquire their colour as the gradual result of interaction with their environment.
“Robin’s world fell apart when her husband and father of their 3 boys, Tony Smart, died by suicide, and she was left to parent alone through her grief in the most public of ways, on commercial radio. Years later, she found deep happiness again with radio executive Sean Pickwell, only for him to die from an aggressive cancer just 11 months after their wedding.
“Robin’s story grapples with the darkness of her experience, but it’s also about joy, love, hope and a family forged in the fire of grief to become stronger, more vibrant, more loving humans – colourful and proud.”
Based in Brisbane, Bailey is a radio personality whose 35-year media career has included stints with Kiis FM, The Project, Nine News Now, Mamamia and Triple M.
She said, “This book has been 10 years in the making. I started writing to make sense of what had happened to the boys and me, but by the time I’d got it down on the page, I realised that my journey and everything I’ve learned might also be helpful to others.
“That’s my big hope for this story, that parents read it and see that no matter what your kids go through in their childhoods, if you meet them always with love, they can become amazing adults.”
Publisher Roberta Ivers said, “This isn’t a grief memoir – her story is all about how to find your way and really live when the chips are down, and it’s just brilliant. The fact that she’s the granddaughter of Florence James, the co-writer of Come in Spinner, shows through on every page too – Robin can really write.”
HarperCollins plans to release Flamingos Aren’t Born Pink on 31 March 2026.
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Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions
