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Taylor Sheridan just announced his shocking first book, a darkly funny prison survival guide hitting shelves on June 23, 2026. The Yellowstone creator is teaming up with an ex-convict to write about surviving riots, lockdowns, and solitary confinement. This unexpected literary venture reveals an entirely new side to one of television’s most prolific writers.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Title: “How to Not Die in Prison” by Taylor Sheridan and Tom Nelson
- Release Date: June 23, 2026 through Simon & Schuster
- Page Count: 256 pages of practical, darkly humorous prison survival tactics
- Co-Author: Tom Nelson, an ex-con who served time for auto theft, robbery, and drug dealing
Why Is the Yellowstone Creator Writing a Prison Book?
Taylor Sheridan has never been incarcerated, a fact he openly acknowledges in the book’s introduction. His research draws from creating Mayor of Kingstown, a series centered around a fictional prison company town in Michigan. When researching for that show, Sheridan discovered how crucial it is to avoid prison altogether rather than survive it. The creative spark came naturally once he realized how much he had learned about carceral systems from writing about them.
In his introduction, Sheridan writes, “You might wonder what in the world gives me the knowledge or wisdom to write a survival guide to prison. Well, I’ll tell you, absolutely nothing. But, like every man, I’ve certainly wondered how I would survive if circumstances ever put me there.” This candid admission sets the tone for the book’s irreverent, humorous approach to an otherwise serious topic.
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Who Is Tom Nelson, the Ex-Convict Co-Author?
Tom Nelson brings genuine, hard-earned expertise to this unlikely collaboration. He spent much of his adult life in medium and maximum-security prisons for auto theft, battery, armed robbery, and drug dealing. After his release, Nelson reinvented himself as a personal trainer and successful author, turning his harrowing experiences into invaluable lessons. Nelson reflects that had he possessed this book during his years inside, his trajectory might have been entirely different. According to Nelson, “I wish I could’ve heeded Taylor’s advice all those years ago and read the book, but that’s exactly the point.” The unique pairing of a television genius and a prison survivor creates an authentic, darkly funny manual unlike anything published before.
What Topics Does the Book Cover?
| Topic | Description |
| Prison Riots | Survival strategies for institutional chaos and violence |
| Lockdowns | How to manage extended periods confined to your cell |
| Solitary Confinement | Mental and physical survival in isolation |
| Shanks and Shivs | How to make weapons from prison materials |
| Camp Food Recipes | Making edible meals, including prison ramen |
| Employment | Getting jobs and building respect inside |
| Mental Health | Techniques to avoid isolation-induced psychosis |
| Prison Tattoos | How to give and receive tattoos safely |
“There is no book of rules for life in prison, until now. How to Not Die in Prison teaches readers everything they need to know to make it out alive, from how to survive a prison riot, a lockdown, a stabbing, a hit, and solitary confinement to how to get a job, not go insane, make prison ramen, give a prison tat, and allegedly make a shiv.”
— Simon & Schuster, Official Book Description
How Does This Fit Into Sheridan’s Emmy-Winning Career?
Taylor Sheridan remains one of television’s most prolific creators, with an unprecedented number of projects in active development. While Marshals and The Madison premiere on Paramount+ in March 2026, Sheridan continues developing multiple Yellowstone spinoffs including Dutton Ranch. His recent deal with NBCUniversal could potentially net him up to $1 billion across film and television projects. The prison book represents his first published literary work and shows his creative appetite extends far beyond the screen. Unlike his television work, this book offers Sheridan complete creative freedom and a direct voice to audiences without network interference or studio limitations.
Will You Read the Book or Skip Prison Survival Altogether?
The release of “How to Not Die in Prison” on June 23, 2026 marks a fascinating moment in pop culture. Sheridan’s honest admission that he’s never done time, combined with Nelson’s authentic experience, creates genuine comedy and unexpected wisdom. Whether readers approach this as satire, practical knowledge, or simply darkly funny entertainment, the book’s premise is undeniably original. Pre-orders are already available through major retailers as interest builds toward summer. For fans of Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown, this book offers insight into the creative research behind Sheridan’s prison narratives. The question isn’t whether the book will sell, but rather how many unsuspecting prison enthusiasts will discover Taylor Sheridan’s unexpected transition to the literary world.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – Interview with Taylor Sheridan on his debut book announcement and co-author Tom Nelson
- Esquire – Inside look at why Yellowstone creator shifted to prison survival guide authorship
- People Magazine – Details on Simon & Schuster’s June 2026 release and book pre-orders
