Book fair week pre-empts for Nordic Kiss: the sisu book - Elina Ahlback Literary Agency - One of the leading Nordic literary agenciesElina Ahlback Literary Agency – One of the leading Nordic literary agencies

Sisu, a unique type of resilience or perseverance in the face of adversity. Sisu is a special courage, grit and determination – not just in the short term – it’s about being functional in the long run, too.” – Katja Pantzar

Following a very successful week at London Book Fair, we are very excited to announce five wonderful deals for Katja Pantzar’s upcoming Nordic Kiss wellbeing book. The non-fiction title, which is currently being written in English, introduces the Nordic lifestyle and the uniquely Finnish concept of sisu.We wrapped up the fair week with a nice World English preempt by Hodder UK, German rights to Bastei Lübbe, World Spanish to Roca, Italian to Marsilio/Sonzogno, in addition to a Polish deal with WUJ, who have been championing the top Scandinavian titles in their market.

Publishers were excited to secure the new lifestyle title for their respective lists:

“For us, Nordic Kiss is a prime example of the popular Scandinavian lifestyle, which Katja Pantzar introduces to us in a wonderfully charming way!” – Sabine Niemeier, Bastei Lübbe, Germany

“Nordic Kiss is the passport that allows you to jump in the deep end of yourself, finding a new wave – cold and cool – for your physical and emotional comfort. The book with which the Spanish readers will discover and embrace the power of SISU.” – Carol Paris, Roca Editorial de Libros, Spain

“With its beautiful sound, sisu is a magical word that will have tangible effects in your life, showing you the best way to deal with life’s hurdles and challenges. Energizing, honest, and ultimately inspiring, this original narrative from one of the happiest countries in the world will disclose to you the secret power of this untranslatable word. Forever grateful to Katja Pantzar for revealing us this inner need we’ll never want to do without.” – Patricia Chendi & Francesca Varotto, Sonzogno di Marsilio Editori, Italy

A proposal in English is available: click here to request reading materials!

RIGHTS SOLD:
GERMANY, Bastei Lübbe
ITALY, Marsilio/Sonzogno
POLAND, WUJ
SPAIN, Roca Editorial (WS)
UK, Hodder (WE)

READING MATERIAL:
English proposal
English sample chapters

Katja Pantzar

Katja Pantzar – Katja Pantzar is a Helsinki-based writer and journalist who swims in the Baltic Sea year round. Raised in Canada, with stints in New Zealand and England, she is the author of The Finnish Way (Penguin Random House/2018), a bestselling non-fiction book about Nordic well-being, winter swimming and sisu (resilience) that has been translated into 24 languages. Her second book on sisu, Everyday Sisu: Tapping into Finnish Fortitude for a Happier, More Resilient Life (Penguin Random House/2022) explores through expert interviews and research-based information how we can better support our mental and physical health while taking care of each other and our planet. Everyday Sisu has also been published in Japanese, Thai, and Indonesian. Pantzar’s work has been widely covered around the world in media ranging from Le Figaro, Le Monde, and El Paísto Vogue the Washington Post and the New York Review of Books. . She is also the author of three mini-guides to the Finnish capital, including 100 things to do in Helsinki (Siltala/2024).

About author

Katja Pantzar