Happy Place Books signs Yungblud’s interactive journal 

Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Books has signed an illustrated, interactive journal by musician Dominic Harrison, known as Yungblud.

Senior commissioning editor Sam Crisp bought world all language rights to You Need to Exist directly from the artist, with publication in paperback scheduled for 15th August 2024.

The publisher says: “Yungblud is known for passionately voicing the concerns of his generation. Using his music to unite and empower the youth of today, he has an incredibly engaged audience. With millions of monthly listeners, billions of streams, global tours, two number one albums, a Louis Theroux documentary, and his own UK festival, ‘BLUDFEST’ announced for August 2024, he is a creative force to be reckoned with.

“You Need to Exist is an illustrated, interactive journal full of creative prompts, incisive questions and challenges to encourage the reader to dig deep, explore their identity, celebrate what makes them different and create in the way that only they can. Written and illustrated by Yungblud, the book includes exclusive art, unreleased lyrics and an insightful look into his own experiences and artistic process as he answers questions alongside the reader.”

Happy Place Books says it will be a global publication with deals already tied up in the US and Canada, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Spain and Portugal.

Yungblud said: “I have made it my mission to unite as many people as I possibly can. I wanted to make something that would go beyond the traditional idea of a book and bring as many people together as possible. I want this book to help you figure out who you are, even if you might have a pretty good idea already. It will encourage you to confess what you love about yourself, destroy your deepest insecurities, and face your darkest fears.

“This isn’t a book to sit quietly on your shelf,You Need to Exist is made to be scribbled in, painted over, broken, buried, thrown around a room with its pages ripped out before you send it out to the world. I want this book to be a place you find comfort, hope and ideas that you can carry with you every day. A constant reminder and a challenge to create without judgement. I can’t wait to see what you make with it!”

Crisp said: “With Dom’s infectious energy jumping from the pages and unflinching honesty throughout, this book is a brilliantly playful and creative work that pushes readers to explore and celebrate what makes them unique. Dom is a true disruptor in the music world and we are so excited to be publishing him!”

Fearne Cotton describes the book as “punchy, thoughtful and seriously helpful.” “Yungblud has created a new way to journal,” she said.