ASAP: As Slow as Possible

From Ann Handley, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Everybody Writes, comes a smart, timely, clear-eyed guide to knowing when to speed up, when to slow down, and when the shortcut costs more than it saves.

You already know how to go fast. What nobody taught you is when not to.

In ASAP: As SLOW As Possible, Ann Handley rebels against the false urgency baked into modern work and life—and shows you how to recognize Slowments: the moments when slowing down is not weakness, hesitation, or delay. It's the smarter move.

Because when everyone has access to the same shortcuts, the real edge is knowing when not to take them.

With research, brain science, vivid storytelling, and Handley’s signature wit, ASAP: As SLOW As Possible reveals the hidden speed traps that weaken our judgment, creativity, and original thinking—especially in an age when AI makes the fastest path feel like the smartest one—and gives you a practical way to know when speed is serving you and when it’s taking you farther from what matters.

You'll discover:

• The Hasty Progress Illusion—why motion can feel like mastery, even when nothing lasting is taking hold
• The ASAP Matrix—how to know exactly when to autopilot, when to pause, and when a moment deserves more of you
• The six Slowments in life and in work—the pivotal moments when slowing down changes what happens next
• How to protect your judgment in a world eager to outsource it
• When choosing analog leads to sharper ideas, wiser decisions, more creative approaches, stronger relationships, and meaningful work
• How to stop confusing speed with progress—and start choosing the pace the moment actually requires

ASAP: As SLOW As Possible reveals slowness as a generative force and for the first time gives you a way to harness life’s most important slow moments. Not by doing less, opting out, or becoming the kind of person who ferments things in a shed. But by knowing when speed helps—and when it hollows out the very thing you hoped it would serve.

It’s time to choose the long road when the shortcut costs too much.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs