Smaller Circles. Deeper Pools.
you're invited to a private launch community for The Way of Belonging
AN UPDATE: The launch community application is now closed. Thanks to everyone who expressed interest. The support alone means so much.
A few months ago, I began asking myself how I wanted to bring The Way of Belonging into the world. Over the years, I’ve watched authors navigate book launches up close and at a distance, and while I collected quite the handful of common practices, I knew that 1) I could not do everything and 2) I needed to find my own way.
So I asked, “What’s important, for me and for this book in particular?” and a few thoughts and themes rose to the surface:
Don’t walk alone. It seems self-evident that when you write a book about belonging, you probably should not try to release it all by yourself. But, let me tell you: I tried. All my firstborn, high-achieving ways did their best to convince me to muscle up and put my head down and power through. Yet the truth is that I need help. I am acutely aware of my limitations in this season, so I need a crew of fellow seekers and supporters willing to walk alongside me. (Hence: you are invited to my launch community…more on that soon.)
Give, don’t grasp. Selling in the traditional (sometimes schmoozy) sense kills my soul just a little, but it’s easy for me to feel like I have to be loud in order to be heard. And maybe that’s a little true, at least in the land of algorithms. But the only way I know how to fight against consumerism and its inherent scarcity mentality (culturally and within myself) is to go gently, to give without expectation, and to let it all go at each day’s end. (I hope the launch community reflects this.)
Choose substance over shine. There are a million and one ways to sell a book. And while, yes, I want The Way of Belonging to be purchased and read and held, I also want this book to have more than a moment in the spotlight. I want this book to grow roots and nourish connections, not only in the reading of it but in the release. In order to do that, I decided to put the bulk of my marketing/publicity energies toward in-person (or as up-close as we can be) events and activities, where we can have space for actual conversation and substantial connection.
Please hear that this is not a judgment on how anyone else is ushering a book into the world, but I knew that for THIS book in THIS season of life, I needed a smaller circle and a deeper pool. I needed a launch community where I could give more than my leftovers, while at the same time allow others to help carry the load.
And I would love for you to join me.
From April 30-June 11, I am hosting a private launch community for The Way of Belonging. Space is intentionally limited to 50 people (smaller circle) so we can make it more personal and sustaining (deeper pools). My aim for this group is to create a low-key, hospitable place for us to read through the book together, reflect, enjoy good conversation, and creatively spread the word about The Way of Belonging prior to its release on June 11.
Here are a few more details about what you can expect:
All launch community members will receive an advanced reader copy (ARC) of The Way of Belonging as well as a few extra goodies in the mail.
We will be hanging out in a private The Way of Belonging community on Substack. I’m rarely on Facebook and did not want to contend with algorithms and such, so Substack seemed like a better place for us to interact. You will get all posts in your inbox, and you can come/go as you please.
The commitment is casual. You can expect weekly reflection/discussion posts as well as one suggested “action” each week to help spread the word about the book. I’ll have a library of ideas and resources, if you want to do more, but know that all I ask is once a week.
Virtual meet-ups are every other week (beginning April 30) and will offer additional conversations, guests, and activities related to The Way of Belonging. All gatherings are optional and will take place on Zoom at 8 pm EDT on the following dates: April 30, May 14, May 28, and June 11.
To join, all you have to do is fill out the launch community application. The form will remain open until April 22 (or before, if all 50 spots are filled).
If you have any questions related to the launch community, the book’s release, or The Way of Belonging in general, you’re welcome to leave a comment or hit reply. You can also learn more about the book or pre-order your copy using the links below.
One last note: In a recent essay, I wrote how “books are not formed in isolation, and neither are we.” And I meant it. The Way of Belonging bears many fingerprints and will continue to do so, and I am grateful. So whether or not you’re able to join the launch community, know that your presence and support is felt.
So looking forward to being part of this with you, Sarah. Can't wait. Just pre-ordered...not sure what I've been waiting on, lol.
Count me in! It's been a challenging season over here, and "belonging" is a frequent topic of thought and conversation. Excited to read your examination of it!! 👏🏻👏🏻