Jot! book update and audition tips βοΈ π β€οΈ
Published 13 days agoΒ β’Β 6 min read
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Hello Reader,
It has only been a few weeks since I announced the next volume of the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration, and I have been overwhelmed in the best possible way.
Jot! has really resonated with a lot of you... over 900 books have been pre-ordered, which is absolutely amazing. I am grateful for your enthusiastic support and vote of confidence.
For those of you who missed the announcement or are new to UPPERCASE (thank you to Sketchbook Revival!), I've included all the updates in this message today.
If you'd like to be considered for inclusion in this book, I've extended the book audition through the weekend. Please review the audition details below. Auditions close on May 4 at 5 pm MT.
This uplifting book will be about journaling, note-taking, sketching, book-making, handwriting, and other ways of jotting down our thoughts onto paper.
This book concept is one I've been exploring for some time (you might see some similarities in theme with it and my Sketchbook Revival "text" book session). I am consciously and purposefully incorporating hands-on elements into my creative life: spending more mindful time with my notebook and jotting down ideas. More time playing with text and typewriters, finding meaning in word play. And discovering methods for turning swirling ideas into concrete creative action.
Jot! will include profiles of artists, makers, writers and designers who share their creative process, as well as the people and companies who make the journals, notebooks and writing implements that are part of our daily lives.
In a world pushing artificial intelligence, Jot! is a hands-on celebration of originality, inspiration and the beauty of ideas.
Like all previous volumes in the Encyclopedia, the production of this book relies on your pre-orders. I'm also introducing a new option for avid supporters to become a Book Patron.
I hope you're excited about this next volume and look forward to adding it to your UPPERCASE library. Thank you so much for your ongoing support of independent publishing! β
Finished books planned for December 2026. We can ship to Canada, USA, UK, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. The book will also be available through my UK distributor in early 2027.β β βCA$65 / US$55
The book will include profiles of artists, makers, writers, and designers who share their creative processes, as well as the people and companies who make the journals, notebooks, and writing implements that are part of our daily lives.
If you have a particular area of expertise or interest, have a good story related to the theme, or a unique entrepreneurial or creative venture, I'd love to hear from you!
Here's a list of topics to get you thinking.... β β...agendas, bookbinding, commonplace books, diaries, doodles, drafts, experimental writing, graphology, historic handwriting, ideas, ink, junk journaling, journalling, jotters, written knowledge keeper, letter-writing, logbook, long-form writing by hand, labels, list-making, marks on paper, mail art, notebooks, nibs, napkin notations, note-taking, pen pals, postcards, shorthand, sketchbook, signatures, stationery shop, typing, writing/authorship, zines...
Audition tips
The audition form is where you can introduce yourself with a brief written description and 4-8 sample photos or images. β
Gather your thoughts before you begin to submit everything. Consider what makes your method, artwork or product unique. What makes it particularly interesting or special as it pertains to the Jot themes? β
What are your best images of work that demonstrate these unique qualities? β
Including links for your website or Instagram is not necessary, but list them if you do have them, since this is a quick place I can go to see more. β
If what you've described in the audition suits the direction of the book, I will be in touch for more information. β
Don't email any submissions or additional files! β β
Make sure you spell your name, location and email address correctly (if your email address is incorrect or some spelling is atrocious, and I have to choose between submissions, this lack of attention to detail could be a deciding factor). Check your spelling, please. That being said, absolutely no AI on anything submitted to UPPERCASE, ever. β
Everyone will be notified about the status of their submission. Please be patient for the results of your audition. Reviewing everything will take many weeks.
Thank you for taking the time to share a bit of yourself and your work through this audition. I appreciate it.
I'll send Book Patrons a selection of patterned papers, the last remaining Everyday Notebooks from my archive, a handmade Eclecto notebook from the early days and more paper goodies.
UPPERCASE magazine is a quarterly print publication for the creative and curious. The current issue explores the creative self, as well as texture in art and craft. The magazine is fully supported by readers through subscriptions. Use the code creativeself for $10 off subscriptions and renewals.
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Volume A: Art Supplies
The enduring appeal of art-making ingredients, materials and accessories to inform and inspire your creativity!
Making Zen is on now!β β This online event is always a favourite with UPPERCASE readers: Making Zen features 40 expert artists sharing their handmade craft techniques and mindful stitching ideas. It's free to sign upβyou have access to each day's sessions of videos for 24 hours, or you can invest in a VIP ticket to retain access to the recordings to watch at your leisure (plus other bonuses). β
UPPERCASE is a media partner for Making Zen and earns a commission on sales resulting from these links. Thank you.β β
