There’s some big news to report on the book front.
I have learned that Penguins Can’t Fly +39 Other Rules That Don’t Exist will officially be published on June 23, 2015. (That’s the cover right there!) It will be published as paper-over-board, which is basically a hardcover book without the dust jacket. And it will cost $16.99. It was originally going to be $14.99, but after doing a more thorough cost estimate, St. Martin’s Press decided to raise the price rather than cut corners on quality. They are really committed to making a beautiful book, which I couldn’t be happier about.
The manuscript is complete, surviving several rounds of edits and proofreading. I have been busy finishing up the art and layout of the book. In the world of traditional publishing, it’s incredibly rare for a single person to be responsible for the writing, the illustration, AND the layout of the entire book. It is a privilege I am incredibly grateful for.
As I’ve been building the book in Adobe InDesign, it’s become clear that in many ways, this book is my magnum opus. Especially at this point of my my career. When the book is officially realized, Kim and I will have been at this for exactly fifteen years, one month, and three days. It’s been a long road. This book has artwork that’s literally fifteen years old (I did that painting of Super J up there in 2000) as well as some that’s about fifteen minutes old. It’s the culmination of fifteen years of excruciating lows, amazing epiphanies, best practices, stories collected, jokes refined, and profound lessons learned, packaged in all its full-color glory.
It’s got humor and insight and hope. Quite simply, it’s my heart and soul on display.
And it feels like the final exam of a class that was thirty semesters long.
It also feels like it’s the end of a long beginning and a beginning of something even better.
I can’t wait to share it with you.
Congrats, Jason! All your hard work is coming to fruition. Wishing more great things in the future!
Thanks Marilyn! You’ve been around since pretty much the beginning :)
Congrats Jason on your latest achievement! I am so inspired by your commitment to honestly make people laugh and enjoy all that life is! So glad I have had the opportunity to know you these past couple years and following you! Thanks for always keeping it real!
Thanks Krista! I’m inspired by how far you’ve run with so many of these ideas! What a great Adultitis fighter you are!
I know what my friends and family are getting for Christmas of 2015!
Ho ho ho!
Jason, this post made me cry. So happy for you, on so many levels. Love to you and Kim and your fam! xo Kelly & Jim
Wow, thanks Kelly!
Cry… Yes I will second that!! It is very touching what you have written about your journey, which many of us have been along for the ride!
It has been fabulous seeing where your dreams have taken you and we are SO proud of what you and Kim have accomplished.
You have opened yourself up to us, invited us in, have given us great inspiration, and we have enjoyed you all these years as if you are family! And that, my bro, brings tears to my eyes.
Congrats!
Thank you Anita! It’s been fabulous having you along for the ride. :)