A funny, practical and crucial guide for women facing the life-changing prospect of returning to work after having children. Told by journalist, creative consultant and mother of two, Dolly Jones, The Ladder Down aims to be the definitive companion for parents navigating this complicated juggle (and for those thinking of doing so). When Dolly had her children, the idea of returning to work felt daunting. The thought of having to combine the challenges of career and family was unfamiliar yet, despite it being the experience of so many millions of women, she struggled to find material to help galvanise and reassure her; and to make her feel that anything was possible. In this book, Dolly aims to change all of that and provide women with practical advice, as well interweaving her own personal experiences. Told in an empowering and engaging way, The Ladder Down is a gift for the next generation of women taking on the trials, absurdities, challenges and general amusement involved in combining work and motherhood; one that will inspire and celebrate the women taking it on. Dolly will also combine anecdotal stories, life-hacks and guilt-avoidance strategies from a diverse range of women in a wide variety of industries - from fashion designers to taxi drivers, journalists to actors, lawyers to doctors, bankers, entrepreneurs and restaurateurs - to normalise the potential daily catastrophes in the life of a working mother. It will also feature serious advice from employers, employment lawyers and health specialists to boost knowledge and confidence; to act as a "ladder down" to the next generation of working women from a generation who have experimented their way to making it work.

Gold title Dolly is well-respected journalist and has a huge breadth of experience across a massive range of titles such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Tatler, Wired etc. We can utilize this experience and connections for endorsements and publicity. The subject is incredibly topical, comparison titles include She's Back - Lisa Unwin and Deb Khan, Mother's Work - Jessica Chivers, The Fifth Trimester - Lauren Smith Brody, What Happy Working Mothers Know - Cathy Greenberg & Barrett Avigdor, but this is the only one who is tackling it in a funny and engaging way. The book will include a brilliant list of high-profile interviewees which will help with PR and marketing. Competition: She's Back; Her Way to the Top; How to Own the Room; Lean In; The Skills; How Women Rise; Little Black Book; The Freelance Mum; The Successful Mumpreneur; The Fifth Trimester. Lisa Unwin; Annie Ridout; Mishal Husain; Sheryl Sandberg; Otegha Uwagba; Viv Groskop; Hira Ali; Debbie Gilbert.