Simon & Schuster Australia is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Antonia Murphy’s Madam. Associate Publisher Anthea Bariamis acquired UK & Commonwealth rights in a deal brokered by Alice Tasman and Cole Hildebrand at Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. 

Madam is a darkly comedic and poignant memoir about Antonia's experience opening and running an ethical escort agency in New Zealand, where sex work is fully decriminalised. Antonia’s business, The Bach, was an enterprise based on a philosophy of protecting women’s legal rights, emotional wellbeing, and financial independence. The memoir offers a window into the day-to-day workings of the agency, while tackling stigmas around sex work, poverty and disability.  

Antonia says, ‘People tend to think of sex workers in one of two ways: as helpless victims, or exotic, jet-setting courtesans – but the truth is far more complex and interesting. I’m thrilled to be able to tell the true story of my life as a madam, in all its vivid, poignant, ridiculous (and juicy!) detail.’ 

Publication will coincide with the release of a television series also titled Madam, based on Antonia’s story, and starring Rachel Griffiths and Martin Henderson. Madam, produced by Tavake and XYZ Films for Warner Bros Discovery New Zealand and FIFTH SEASON, is an official selection for the Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo Golden Nymph Award.  

Anthea says, ‘I feel so privileged to work with Antonia on her incredible memoir – her candour, heart and humour shine through every chapter, and I know readers are going to be so touched (and gripped) by her story. I can’t wait for them to meet the remarkable women of The Bach.’ 

Simon & Schuster Australia will publish Madam in late 2024. 

About the author 
 Antonia Murphy is an award-winning journalist and the author of Dirty Chick and Madam, which has been adapted into a television series. She is also the founder of The Bach, a legal, feminist escort agency. A San Francisco native, she lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her partner and two children.