Taylor Sheridan writing book on surviving prison

The 'Yellowstone' co-creator has never been incarcerated, but is teaming up with a former inmate to offer a 'darkly funny survival guide' to maximum-security life.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Oscar-nominated screenwriter and 'Yellowstone' co-creator Taylor Sheridan is set to release a new book titled 'How to Not Die in Prison' on June 23. Despite never having been incarcerated himself, Sheridan is collaborating with Tom Nelson, who spent over a decade in medium and maximum-security prisons, to provide a 'darkly funny survival guide' to life behind bars.

Why it matters

Sheridan is known for his gritty crime dramas and thrillers, but this book represents a new creative direction as he explores a world he has not personally experienced. The collaboration with a former inmate lends authenticity, while Sheridan's storytelling skills could make the book an engaging and informative read for those curious about the realities of prison life.

The details

Sheridan's book will draw on his 'morbid curiosity' about how he would survive if imprisoned, despite never having been incarcerated himself. His co-author, Tom Nelson, provides the firsthand experience, having spent over a decade in medium and maximum-security prisons. The book is described as a 'darkly funny survival guide' to navigating the politics and dangers of a maximum-security facility.

  • The book 'How to Not Die in Prison' is set to be released on June 23, 2026.

The players

Taylor Sheridan

An Oscar-nominated screenwriter and co-creator of the TV series 'Yellowstone', who has never been incarcerated but is writing a book about surviving prison.

Tom Nelson

Sheridan's co-author, who spent over a decade in medium and maximum-security prisons and is providing firsthand experience for the book.

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What they’re saying

“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. I've never been to prison. But, like every man, I've certainly wondered how I would survive if circumstances ever put me there. That morbid curiosity sent me on a journey to understand the politics and dangers of prison.”

— Taylor Sheridan (Simon & Schuster)

“Hey, one of us has written hit TV shows and Academy Award-nominated movies, and the other has spent much of his adult life behind bars in medium and maximum-security prisons. If that's what makes for good wisdom and entertainment, I'll take it.”

— Tom Nelson (Simon & Schuster)

What’s next

The book 'How to Not Die in Prison' is set to be released on June 23, 2026.

The takeaway

This book represents a unique collaboration between a renowned screenwriter known for his gritty crime stories and a former inmate, blending Sheridan's storytelling skills with Nelson's firsthand experience to offer readers an engaging and informative look at the realities of prison life.