It's official. My first book has a cover, new title, and is ready for presale. (I can't believe I'm saying that.)
Before I share all of the above with you, a quick update is in order.
Editing: Both Harder and Better Than I Thought
My last newsletter was from early-February with a request for advanced readers. I was already neck-deep in editing my manuscript, but I had no idea the intensity of the work that was ahead of me.
I tried to total the number, but all I can confidently say is that I poured HUNDREDS of hours into editing throughout February and into early-March.
Truthfully, I found editing to be a far harder process than writing the whole book, and in ways that surprised me.
That's in due part thanks to the mental gymnastics required to accept feedback and be open to criticism, piecemeal what needs to stay and what needs to go, and improve the entire book--word by word. That all requires time, especially when you multiply that by the number of advanced readers who are offering up their suggestions.
I was lucky to have advanced readers who similarly poured into the book: my husband, Brad (who really is the better writer of the two of us), my friend and editor Heather Oyler, and members of the Book Launch Committee: Ashley Busby, Aubrey Klein, Candace Little, and Jennifer Criego. (There were FAR more applications to be an advanced reader than I expected. If you were one of them, thank you so very much!)
While editing was extremely challenging, the results of doing do were also better than I expected. I'm so much prouder of where the book is now, and confident about what it can do for busy women in search of supportive habits.
This whole experience taught me an important truth: no big goal is ever achieved alone. Prior to this whole editing process, not a soul besides me had seen the manuscript. It felt vulnerable, stretching, and at times scary, but thanks to several rounds of constructive criticism, the book is where it deserves to be.
What's Next: Timeline + Where You Come In
The manuscript is currently under the careful eye of a copy editor from the publisher. I'll review those edits early-April. The manuscript will then get formatted into a pdf file that looks like an actual book. I'll review that file as well before it's off to get printed in July. My offiical pub date is September 8th.
This is where you come in.
Presales are extremely important. They signal to the publisher that their bet on an author was worth taking. If presale numbers are good, the marketing team will be encouraged to invest more into advertising the book on places like Amazon.
Speaking of publicity, that's almost entirely on me. This is typical for a first-time author, especially one who doesn't carry a big name like Mel Robbins.
I'm doing everything I can to get on as many podcasts as will have me. I am also already making plans for press boxes and planning an in-person launch party, but I know much more is needed.
I've hired an assitant to help with securing podcasts, but for radio, news, magazines, and TV, I don't have the first clue on how to spread the word.
I could hire a publicist (many first-time authors do), but that's at minimum a $5K a month committment. While much of my advance is going into marketing the book myself, that bigger investment is something I simply can't afford.
My shameless plea: what connections do you have that can help promote the book? Maybe you have a family member who works at a local NPR station, a sibling in magazines, or you yourself work at a talk show. If so, I'd so appreciate any introductions you can make on behalf of me and the book. My email is [email protected].
Finally, just like podcasts, books often take off thanks to organic word of mouth. Examples: The Miracle Morning, The Martian, and The Correspondent. Grassroots publicity is a special kind of "magic in a bottle," and it's not one easily orchestrated. But, I'm going to try anyway.
The Book Launch Committee has more power than you know to create that magical kind of organic publicity. If each person here shares about my book with even 3-5 people, we would reach thousands more than I ever could on my own.
To sum up how I need you, starting now:
1) Buy the book as part of the presale
2) Connect me with folks you know who can help me with press
3) Organically share about the book, yes even during the presale (I recommend sharing this URL: https://stickyhabitsbook.com)
Thank you in advance!
Book Title and Cover Reveal + Presale Details
Now, the moment you've been waiting for!
Here she is:
Sticky Habits: A Woman's Guide to Reclaim Happiness, Ditch Perfectionism, and Create Habits that Last.
I have so much to tell you about the behind the scenes with both this new title and the cover. But, I'll save it for another newsletter (sooner rather than later, I promise).
I'll tell you this for now: While I was really sad to lose the original Happy Habits title, I now feel really content with Sticky Habits and love how the cover turned out.
Now, for presale details! Here is the official presale page (hooray!).
You can buy the book now AND get special bonuses, to boot. Those include:
For the Book Launch Committee only, I'm throwing in a special bonus:
An invitation to my backyard Garden Party I'll be hosting this August, an event typically reserved to members of the Supporters Club.
To get your bonuses, you simply fill out the form on the presale page after buying the book. I'll have those last two bonuses ready for you ASAP, the virtual launch party details will be shared leading up to the offiical pub date, and the Garden Party invitation will likely be sent out in July.
A helpful note on presales: some online sellers, like Amazon, honor the best pricing on launch day. So, while it looks like you're committing to the full-sale price now, Amazon will only deduct the best pricing available at publication.
If there are other presale offers or discounts, I'll do my best to keep you in the know.
You can also request your local book store and library order Sticky Habits now.
Before I sign off for today, a final request: if you have any feedback to offer up on the presale site, I'd really appreciate it. I plan to formally launch the presale to my full online community early next week. Your insight will go far in ensuring I meet potential buyers where they're at. So, from colors to messaging, what are your thoughts?
I SO appreciate the hundreds of you who have already risen your hand to support me and Sticky Habits. I feel both excited and extremely nervous for what's to come, but I'm relying on knowing that I don't have to do any of this alone.
XO,
Monica
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