Square Peg pre-empts Suleika Jaouad's guide to journaling

Square Peg has clinched The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad. 

Marianne Tatepo, publishing director, pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Alexis Hurley at InkWell Management for publication in April 2025, alongside Random House in the US.

Billed as a "guide to the art of journaling", The Book of Alchemy will feature contributions, prompts and essays from Elizabeth Gilbert, Esther Perel, Gloria Steinem, Jia Tolentino, Lena Dunham and Salman Rushdie. Inspired by Jaouad’s experience journaling while navigating illness, the book is designed to offer companionship and encouragement through challenging times.

Jaouad, the New York Times’ Life, Interrupted columnist, commented: "For me, journaling has been a life-altering and even a life-saving practice—it’s how I get creatively unblocked and how I grapple with the central questions of life. The Book of Alchemy contains everything I’ve learned about the art of journaling and how it can help us transform life’s interruptions and transitions into creative grist. I’m also honoured to share the words of 100 of the wisest writers, artists, leaders and unsung heroes I know, whose insights and creative prompts invite us to inhabit a more inspired life."

Tatepo added: "The Book of Alchemy is lightning in a bottle. This collection of hard-won wisdom is a generous offering which shows how journalling can save lives—as Jaouad experienced herself—and enable creative freedom, for all. We can’t wait for readers to embrace this practice as a balm in uncertain times."