It’s not every day you receive an advance reader copy of a soon-to-be-published book from a stranger.
I scan the message for clues of how we know each other—nothing—then the social media post where said stranger announces the release of his children’s book. No luck there either.
His profile picture doesn’t reveal much, so I swipe to see older ones hoping for a face I’d recognise. Finally: success.
The author, Brett, is someone I met in a bar seven years ago. We’d added each other on social media, and have had zero interaction since.
As I compose my reply to tell Brett, now that I’ve established he’s no stranger after all, how honoured I am to receive his advance reader copy, I think of all the things I can do to help make his first-ever children’s book launch a success.
Let me know what I can do to support your book, I type, then hesitate: What if I don’t like his book?
I made the offer anyway.
Acts of courage
I made the offer because, though I barely know Brett, I have tremendous respect for what he’s done.
Not only has he exposed his innermost beliefs to the often cruel whims of the public by way of his book, he has decided to ask strangers to pay him for it, and reached out to what appears to be his entire network, given that I was included, to solicit support.
These are acts of courage. The courage to be seen and criticised, to demand compensation for hard work, to ask for help in an industry where success is never guaranteed.
What I realised, in that moment of hesitation, is that it doesn’t matter one bit what I think of Brett’s book. What matters is that he has taken the plunge, and I want to be the kind of person who practices what I preach.
Because my quiet admiration alone isn’t going to sell his book. So here I am telling you about Toby Scott and the Timekeeper’s Gift: A Tale of Bullies, Friendship, and Frozen Time, available now on Amazon. I’d love for you to check it out.
A little help…
I am perpetually astounded at how easy it is to help someone succeed, how big an impact a small action can have.
In the age of social media, the difference between a business thriving and dying a swift death could be one five-star review that goes viral, a tag on a flattering Instagram story that gets seen by the right people.
It takes so little to ensure someone’s livelihood—two minutes to post a story with a nice caption—there is no good reason not to do it. And so I always make sure I do.
If I’m at a café and enjoying their flat white, I post a story to showcase their latte art and tag the owner so they can repost it as a satisfied customer’s testimonial. If I have a massage that blows my mind, I leave a gushing review on Google Maps for the spa and my therapist.
If I get sent an advance reader copy of a book someone has poured their heart and years into, the least I can do is share it with my readers so you can judge his work for yourself.
All this is to say, Brett has written a book, and if you have a minute, I’d love for you to check it out.
What do you think?
What I’ve done for Brett, I will do for you. No questions asked.1
Have you published a book?
If you have, congratulations! You have my utmost respect and admiration. And if you’d like me to promote it, be it in this newsletter or on my social media (I’m active on Instagram and Threads), just reply to this email and we’ll take it from there—I read every response and I’d love to hear from you. If you want, share this post with a friend who’s about to publish a book and could use a free and friendly platform to share their labour of love.
Until next Friday… Stay thoughtful,
Val
OK, there is a caveat. If I read your book—I read everything I share—and deem it harmful to humanity, then obviously I won’t promote it. You understand.
One day, Val!
This one is a beauty! Of kindness and generosity. Art and exposure. Visibility. What is tender… Empathy. Vulnerability. And it makes me think. Let’s take it from here!