May 4, 2017. Toronto, Canada –Penguin Random House Canada is proud to announce the signing of a four-book deal with renowned underwater explorer Jill Heinerth. The first of two adult titles, Into the Planet, is scheduled for publication by Doubleday Canada in Fall of 2018. The first of two children’s books with Tundra Books will follow in 2019. Literary agent Rick Broadhead of Rick Broadhead & Associates completed the deal.
More people have walked on the moon than have been to some of the remote places Jill Heinerth has explored on earth. Jill is a veteran of over twenty years of scientific diving, filming/photography and exploration, and her expeditions include the first dives inside Antarctica icebergs and record-breaking scientific missions in deep underwater caves around the world.
“As soon as I began reading Jill Heinerth’s story, I was completely drawn into her world. With courage, persistence, and drive, she goes deep under the surface of Earth to places that few have been before. Into the Planet promises to be illuminating and transporting; an unforgettable story about determination, focus, and facing down moments of danger. Doubleday Canada is hugely excited and honoured to bring Jill’s stories to readers,” says Amy Black, Publisher of Doubleday Canada.
Jill Heinerth’s children’s books will celebrate a strong female role model in a traditionally male-dominated field. The first book will be an autobiographical picture book based on Heinerth’s extraordinary diving experiences and the second a non-fiction picture book that explores themes of environmental preservation and the awe-inspiring world of underwater exploration.
“Jill is an exceptional individual and role model for children, especially girls, in a time when we need to empower young women. Her cave-diving brings together so many different aspects of science, history, cultural and environmental studies, not to mention creative thinking and character education. Tundra Books is delighted to share Jill’s riveting stories with young readers,” says Tara Walker, Publisher of Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have found a home for my stories with Penguin Random House Canada. Working with the editorial staff at Doubleday and Tundra is an absolute dream. Their passion for these projects will undoubtedly help me reach a wide and diverse audience with captivating and inspirational narratives,” says Heinerth.
Jill Heinerth has worked on projects with National Geographic, NOAA and television networks worldwide. In recognition of her lifetime achievement, Jill was appointed as the first Explorer-in-Residence for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Jill is a Fellow of The Explorers Club and a member of Women Diver’s Hall of Fame. Later this year, Jill will be honored with the most prestigious award in diving from the Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences.
For speaking engagement requests related to the book visit www.speakers.ca/speakers/jill-heinerth/. For more info about Jill Heinerth: http://www.intotheplanet.com/
