Burston is the founder of the Polari literary salon and the Polari Prize, the UK's only book prize for LGBTQ+ writing. He grew up in a small town in south Wales, before arriving in London at the start of the AIDS pandemic, and building a career as a journalist, TV presenter, novelist, activist and advocate. He almost died of an overdose at 38, and became sober in January 2021. His memoir charts this journey.
Editor Victoria Haslam said: "From the moment I started reading Paul's memoir, I was completely and utterly blown away by what a powerful story he has to tell. Working with Paul on this very special book feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am humbled to introduce a memoir to our readers which contains so much passion and has so many learnings to take away."
Burston said: "I'm delighted to be working with Victoria, who really understands where I'm coming from and what I set out to do in this memoir. It's a deeply personal book and one that covers some sensitive subjects, so it was important to find just the right editor. With Victoria, I know I'm in safe hands."
Mouncif Faqar of Amazon Books Europe said: "We are delighted to welcome Paul Burston to Amazon Publishing's Little A list. The Little A list was originally created to shine a light on undiscovered stories, particularly those which have an emotional, perspective within bigger conversations, and I cannot imagine a better fit than We Can Be Heroes."
Headley said: "Paul's story is quite enthralling, incredibly moving and touching. I was gripped by Paul's narrative from the beginning and I think that it is going to be an important publication and will be the success that it deserves. I cannot thank Victoria enough for her passion, which she has shown from the moment she read the manuscript."