UQP acquires Melissa Lucashenko's first work of non-fiction

UQP is delighted to announce the acquisition of Melissa Lucashenko’s first work of non-fiction, Not Quite White in the Head, in a deal made via Alex Adsett of Alex Adsett Literary.

In this striking collection that ranges over two decades of essays and journalism Lucashenko reflects on being caught in a siege, on the marginalised lives of prisoners and the urban poor, on Blak identity, Australian literature and on meeting her writing idol.

Publishing Director Madonna Duffy says:

‘Like her novels, Melissa’s non-fiction is deeply engaged with politics, activism, culture and social (in)justice. Reading this book is the most marvellous companion to her fiction. For new readers, it is also the perfect introduction to the work of one of Australia’s
greatest writers.’

Melissa Lucashenkosays:

‘Not Quite White in the Head is my take on Australian life as a Blak, GenX Feminist. Some of these pieces I
wrote when cranky, some when I was exuberant. Several I wrote when shit-scared of the reaction I'd cop. But
they were all written while I was Blak and paying attention.’

About Melissa Lucashenko

Melissa Lucashenko is a Goorie (Aboriginal) author of Bundjalung and European heritage. Her first novel was published in 1997 and since then her work has received acclaim in many literary awards. Her novel Too Much Lip won the 2019 Miles Franklin Literary Award and the Queensland Premier’s Award for a work of State Significance. Her most recent novel, Edenglassie, won eight major awards, including the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Fiction, the Indie Book Award for Fiction, the ARA Historical Novel Prize and the Queensland Premier's Award for a work of State Significance. Melissa is a Walkley Award winner for her non-fiction, and a founding member of human rights organisation Sisters Inside.

UQP has acquired ANZ and translation rights and will publish in November 2025 as a C-format hardback at
$39.99.

For more information, contact UQP Marketing & Publicity Manager Jean Smith on jean.smith@uqp.com.au.