Cornerstone Press has announced the acquisition of Xand van Tulleken’s insightful investigation into wellness products, titled “The New Snake Oil: Health and Wellness in the Age of Confusion,” set for publication in 2026. The deal includes UK and Commonwealth rights acquired from agent Zoë Waldie at RCW. Rights have also been sold to Crown in the US and Knopf in Canada, with discussions ongoing in Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
The publisher highlighted the dramatic evolution within the healthcare sector over the last decade, noting a surge in innovations such as drug design, genomics, and diagnostic technologies. Concurrently, there has been an influx of consumer health services, including the supplement industry and wearable tech, all claiming to enhance well-being rather than to treat or prevent actual diseases. Licensed to challenge our perceptions, the book will explore the implications of prioritising wellness over health.
Van Tulleken, an awarded broadcaster and honorary associate professor at UCL, intends to investigate whether the surge in wellness culture is truly beneficial. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Helen Conford at Cornerstone, aiming to guide readers through the chaotic sea of conflicting health claims that saturate modern life.
Conford commended the book’s potential, indicating that “The New Snake Oil” would combine rigorous investigation with humour, showcasing original reporting. She noted van Tulleken’s expertise and engaging style promise to deliver an essential guide for readers overwhelmed by the myriad of wellness propositions in today’s world.
Cornerstone Press will publish “The New Snake Oil” by Xand van Tulleken in 2026, exploring the rise of wellness claims in health. Rights have been sold internationally. The book aims to unravel the confusion surrounding wellness versus health, combining rigorous investigation with humour.
In summary, Xand van Tulleken’s forthcoming book will delve deep into the confusing wellness landscape, providing clarity amidst the cacophony of health claims. With the backing of Cornerstone Press, the publication aims to balance humour with serious inquiry, addressing the implications of the wellness trend on health policy and personal understanding. This promises to be a vital exploration for all seeking to discern fact from fiction in health and wellness.
Original Source: www.thebookseller.com
