As you may know, the new edition of my book, The Joy of Less, will be released on April 26 (three weeks from today!). I originally self-published it, and I’m just over the moon that Chronicle Books is helping me reach a larger audience. I know I’m going to cry the first time I see it in an actual bookstore…
In the last few months, I’ve learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes publishing world. And one of the most surprising things I’ve learned is the importance of pre-orders—that is, the number of copies ordered before the release date. Apparently, bookstores use this pre-order information to decide whether or not to stock the book on their shelves.
Say what? To put my naivete into perspective, I didn’t even announce my first edition until three weeks after I published it. Ha! Maybe that’s why I never ended up in any bookstores.
So…I’m trying to do things right this time. I think the time is ripe for minimalism to go mainstream, and I want to make the most of this opportunity to get our “less is more” message out into the world.
The more bookstores that stock The Joy of Less, the more likely it’ll reach a casual browser—someone who may be vaguely uncomfortable with clutter or consumerism, but would never think to google “minimalism.” Many of us have experienced this kind of serendipitous moment, and it can truly be life-changing.
But my book will only be on the shelves if pre-orders are strong. So I’m taking a deep breath, because I’m not very good at asking…but would you consider helping me?
If you’re thinking of buying the book (for yourself, for a friend, as a gift for Mother’s Day or even next Christmas), I will shower you with virtual love and kisses if you’d order it before April 26. It’s available for pre-order from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s Books, and your local independent bookstores.
But I want to give you more than a big {e-hug} for your support. As a special thank you, I want to give you a little extra help with your decluttering—something to make the process even easier and more pleasant.
So many of you have told me that you’ve highlighted, and dog-eared, and written out passages from the book to use as you declutter. And you’ve also asked me for more visual inspiration—beautiful spaces and images to support your resolve as you STREAMLINE.
So I’ve designed and created an exclusive bundle of decluttering printables (“cheat sheets,” if you will), pictured above. I’ve distilled the advice in the book into bite-sized tips, and paired them with inspirational photos for each room in the house. You can hang them on the wall (or on the inside of a closet or kitchen cabinet door) while decluttering, to give you that little boost of minimalist joy when (and where) you need it most.
I made one for each area of the house—living room, bedroom, wardrobe, office, kitchen, bathroom, and storage spaces—and one addressing sentimental items (just like the chapters in the book). I also included a visual of the STREAMLINE method (which is particularly useful for introducing family members to the concept!). And finally, I combined some lovely photos with inspirational quotes (mine and others) that would even be suitable for gifting or framing.
There’s a dozen in all—think of it as a little bouquet of decluttering inspiration.
If you’re new to The Joy of Less, these tip sheets will help you get a jump start on clearing out the clutter before the book arrives. If you’ve already read the first edition, they neatly summarize the most effective ways to declutter each area of your life (with some lovely photos for motivation!).
To receive yours, simply pre-order the book before April 26 and then fill out this form. A link to the 12-page PDF file will then be delivered to your email address (you can print them all, just your favorites, or enjoy them digitally).
Everything’s starting to bloom here, and if I could, I would gather flowers from my garden for each of you to show my gratitude. I’d like to do the next best thing, and offer you this digital bouquet of printables. I hope they’ll bring a similar joy and beauty into your life, and inspire you along your minimalist path.
Related posts:
The Miss Minimalist Collection: A Request and a Giveaway
Minimalist Makeover: Beth’s Closet and Kitchen
Sinking the Boat (or Ancient Chinese Decluttering)