“The Layman’s Guide to Suicide” Seeks New Publisher

Authors Rob Cummings and Tod Weston are seeking a new publisher for their very humorous (if you don’t mind “dark” humor) book entitled The Layman’s Guide to Suicide originally published in 1995 by Paladin Press.

The authors explain that “[n]othing is worse than an ill-planned, haphazard, last-minute suicide.”  Here is a summary of the coverage of this book:

• Proper Suicide Etiquette  (what you don’t know can hurt)
• Income-producing ideas (to help fund better Services)
• Fashion Tips for the big day (based on technique)
• A fill-in-the-blanks Suicide Note (with blame checkboxes)
• Tips on writing your own Epitaph (fun at the services)
• Fun and creative suggestions for your Eulogy
• Advanced Techniques (if you have the time and energy)
• ‘Quickies for the Poor’ (for those strapped for cash)
• A list of people and things to die for
• How to place the blame on others (and let them know!)
• How to have fun with your Will (we call it ‘Will Power’)
• Tips on making your Services memorable & exciting!
• Writing your own Epitaph (see some standouts below)
• How (and when) to write and send your own obituary
• What to do if you fail (and are capable of another attempt)
• Much, much more (many more things to consider)

This book grew out of the suicides of the authors’ friends.  The authors believe that humor may act as a deterrent to actually committing suicide.

I don’t know if this is correct but it has been proven that “laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function * * *.  Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.”  Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter, Holisticonline.com.  Perhaps Rob and Tod are on to something!