NEW YORK, July 13—Cecile Richards, featured speaker at the Women’s March on Washington, and nationally renowned leader in women’s health, reproductive rights, and the progressive movement will publish a book with Touchstone. To be published in spring 2018, the yet-to-be-titled inspirational memoir will draw on Cecile Richards’ personal stories of fighting for social justice throughout her life, from growing up as the daughter of Ann Richards to her early experiences as a labor organizer, to her leadership role as President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its advocacy arm, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and beyond. An audio edition will be simultaneously published by Simon & Schuster Audio.

“I’m excited to share my story, and the lessons I’ve learned over the years from making trouble and organizing for change,” said Cecile Richards. “In a moment when so much of the progress generations have fought for is on the line, we are witnessing the most exciting outpouring of grassroots organizing many of us have ever seen. Now is not the time to wait for instructions—it’s time to get to work, and be bolder and braver than ever before. I am thrilled to work with the phenomenal team at Touchstone and Simon & Schuster to write a book that will show readers that activism can be inspiring, fun, and funny—and introduce you to people who will change your life and the world.”

“We are so proud to publish Cecile Richards’ memoir,” said Susan Moldow, Publisher of Touchstone and President of the Scribner Publishing Group. “She has arguably become the face of the progressive movement today. Ms. Richards is an inspiration to women, girls, and people of all ages who look to her as a role model for how to lead and be of service—and do so with joy.”

“Cecile Richards is a brilliant storyteller,” said Lauren Spiegel, senior editor at Touchstone. “Her experiences will inspire readers to share their own stories and affect change in ways big and small.”

As president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Cecile Richards is a nationally respected leader in the field of women’s health and reproductive rights. Since joining Planned Parenthood in 2006, Ms. Richards has expanded its advocacy for access to health care and ensured that Planned Parenthood plays a pivotal role in shaping health care coverage and services for women under the Affordable Care Act. Before joining Planned Parenthood, Ms. Richards served as deputy chief of staff for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. In 2004, she founded and served as president of America Votes, a coalition of national grassroots organizations working to maximize registration, education, and voter participation. She began her career organizing low-wage workers in the hotel, health care, and janitorial industries throughout California, Louisiana, and Texas.

Lauren Spiegel acquired world and audio rights from Meg Thompson and Cindy Uh of the Thompson Literary Agency.

 

 

Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Touchstone, Adams Media, Threshold Editions, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

 

Contact: Brian Belfiglio

V.P., Director of Publicity

Touchstone

(212) 632-4945

brian.belfiglio@simonandschuster.com