After winning Canada’s Polar Medal in March, Jill Heinerth has followed up in April with a four-book contract. Heinerth, a well-known technical diver, filmmaker, writer and photographer will now have another vehicle to educate Canadians in conservation, exploring and increasing awareness of the planet and its challenges.
The first of two adult books, “Into the Planet,” will be published in the autumn of 2018 by Doubleday Canada. The first of two children’s books with Tundra Books will follow in 2019.
Heinerth is an accomplished explorer, especially in remote places. It has been said that more people have walked on the moon than have been to some of the places she has explored on Earth. In more than 20 years of following her passion, Jill’s 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, says Doubleday Canada publisher Amy Black. “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.”
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 her extraordinary diving experiences and the second a non-fiction picture book that explores themes of environmental preservation and the 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,” says Heinerth. “Their passion for these projects will undoubtedly help me reach a wide and diverse audience with captivating and inspirational narratives.”
Heinerth’s career has involved National Geographic projects, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and television networks worldwide. In recognition of her lifetime achievement, Jill is a Fellow of The Explorers Club and a member of Women Diver’s Hall of Fame. Later this year, she will receive the most prestigious award in diving from the Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences.