In this episode of “The Peter Attia Drive” podcast, Peter is joined by co-author Bill Gifford to discuss the behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Peter’s new book, “Outlive, The Science and Art of Longevity.” They delve into the motivation, main themes, and challenges faced during the six-year writing process. From the book’s original working title to the cover design and the evolution of the content, Peter and Bill provide fascinating insights into the making of “Outlive.”
Peter Atia’s new book, “Outlive, The Science and Art of Longevity,” is the culmination of over six years of planning, research, writing, and editing. The book covers various aspects of the longevity process, with explanations for the inclusion and exclusion of specific details. The podcast played a crucial role in the book’s creation, pushing Peter to learn and prepare extensively for interviews and AMAs. The behind-the-scenes story of the book’s creation, including the challenges faced and the evolution of its content, is discussed in this episode.
The book’s cover art was meticulously designed to be elegant, timeless, and visually appealing. Renowned book designer Rodrigo Correll was chosen to create the cover, resulting in 30 different designs that captured the essence of longevity and living better. The chosen cover features a keyhole-like design with various colors, symbolizing different meanings to different people. The subtle theme of archery, a metaphor throughout the book, adds depth to the cover’s symbolism.
The book’s content went through multiple versions and changes in editors and publishers. The author’s initial section received mixed feedback, leading to the decision to bring in a co-author to make the book more accessible. The writing process involved knowing all the details but carefully selecting what to include, resulting in a three-part structure that covers the book’s scientific underpinnings and practical applications. Lessons learned from writing the book helped the author refine his medical practice and communication with patients.
While considering the possibility of writing another book in the future, the author acknowledges the need for an important message and a different life situation to undertake such a project. The editing process involved multiple rounds of proofreading and line edits, ensuring the book’s accuracy and readability. Recording the audiobook was a challenging yet rewarding experience, with the author ultimately satisfied with the outcome. The book’s creation, despite facing obstacles such as changes in publishers and the COVID-19 pandemic, turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
“The Peter Attia Drive” podcast episode provides an inside look into the creation of Peter Atia’s new book, “Outlive, The Science and Art of Longevity.” From the writing process to the book cover design and the evolution of its content, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of bringing the book to life. With its focus on longevity, “Outlive” aims to educate readers in an accessible and engaging manner, combining science, art, and practical strategies for living a longer and healthier life.