I have some exciting news to share with you today!
As many of you know, I self-published my book, The Joy of Less. Back in the day, there wasn’t a lot of mainstream interest in minimalist living, and it was the most expedient way to get my book into your hands. Thank you for reading it, and spreading the word to your friends and families! We all know I’m not much of a marketer, and I’m eternally grateful to all of you for making it a success.
Self-publishing was a wonderful and empowering experience, save for one drawback: while you could buy The Joy of Less from Amazon, or check it out at your local library, it was never available in bookstores. I haven’t been able to reach those would-be minimalists browsing the local shelves for inspiration or decluttering tips. I haven’t been able to share the STREAMLINE method with them, or the lightness and freedom that comes with finding your “enough.” To a large portion of the book-reading public, The Joy of Less simply didn’t exist.
Well, that’s about to change! I’m partnering with Chronicle Books to release a revised edition of The Joy of Less this spring. We’ve been working hard over the last few months to streamline the text, add new content, and design a beautiful new volume that can stand proudly on bookstore shelves:
With my self-published book, I did the best I could with the resources I had—and it wasn’t too shabby. ;-) But goodness, I had no idea what a difference a professional editorial and design team makes! I’m beyond thrilled with the new edition—it really is so much better than I could do on my own.
Furthermore, my perspective has changed in the last few years. I’ve gone from being a carefree world-traveler to a homeowner and mother, and know first-hand the challenges of getting partners and children on board the decluttering bandwagon. I’ve written a brand-new chapter called The Clutter-Free Family, in which I outline an action plan that works for households of all sizes—in essence, a family-friendly power boost for the STREAMLINE techniques.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous about working with a traditional publisher. Chronicle, however, is fun, edgy, and creative—definitely more indie than stodgy. What’s more, they’re truly passionate about the message of the book and have the resources to convey it far and wide. I think they’ll be the perfect partner in bringing minimalism to the masses.
And look at that beautiful cover they made! I liked the simplicity of my first one, but this cover just radiates joy. The vibrant yellow perfectly captures the sunlight that pours into your space, and soul, when you clear out the clutter. And see those dandelion seeds? They represent the exquisite lightness to be found in letting go.
Can you tell I’m excited? I honestly want to stand out on the sidewalk with a big stack of books and hand them out to passersby.
If my book is one of your Treasures (and I’m truly honored if it is), this volume is for you. It’s perfect for those who keep it on hand and reference or reread it from time to time: the advice is more streamlined and easier to follow, and the hardback format will better stand the test of time (my own paperback copy is a bit worse for wear at this point). If you want Just One copy, what to do with the old? Well, those rare first editions are fetching $24+ on Amazon now. ;)
So now for the hard part: the waiting! The book will be released on April 26—that’s nearly three months away (though it’s already available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Powell’s Books). I’m going to try to make the waiting easier by putting together some fun giveaways and other features in the meantime. I’m excited about introducing the book to a larger audience, but want you to have the first look and first copies. (In fact, I’m hoping to have some advance copies for early readers/reviewers—be sure to sign up for my email list to receive the announcements.)
More incredible news: the book will be translated into 17 (and counting) foreign languages. I’m in awe, and ever so grateful, to be able to spread our less-is-more philosophy worldwide. And for all those people who’ve requested it over the years: there’s finally going to be an audio book!
Again, I just want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. This blog, and this book, would not exist without you. One by one, over the years, you stumbled onto my blog and were kind enough to stick around and chat. You shared your opinions in the Comments and sent me such lovely emails. You asked me to write a book, and when I did, you read it and told your friends about it. You spread the word so magnificently that a real publisher now wants to put it on real bookshelves in real bookstores. So with any luck, even more people will read it and fall in love with minimalist living.
I feel like The Joy of Less is our baby, all grown up now and ready to go out on her own. And I look forward to having you by my side as we send her off and welcome more people to the wonderful world of less!
It looks beautiful- I love the dandelion cover design! How exciting that it will soon be in bookshops everywhere!
Congratulations!
Fantastic cover! I suppose it wouldn’t be very minimalist of me to buy a second copy…but I’m already imagining who I could gift this to :)
It’s stunning, Francine! Definitely going to pick up a copy. Congrats!!!
Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you!
How lovely! Congrats!
Congratulations, how exciting for you! I do LOVE the new cover!
I am excited to see you are adding a chapter for families :-)
That’s great – I look forward to the German version as I am sometimes frustrated when trying to convey your message to those around me! ;)
That is so exciting! The cover is beautiful.
Congratulations!
SO proud of you Francine!!!! The new cover is gorgeous. Can’t wait to read the new version. I will have just TWO — the original and this one. :)
Will you be reading the audio book?
just bought my advance copy. wooohoo! wish we were on the same coasts to celebrate with some bubbly.
Awesome! Congratulations! :)
Congratulations!!! Love the cover! Wondering how the mandarin copy will look like! If I see it, I will definitely share with my fellow Chinese!
congratulations!!! i’m looking forward to getting this newest addition to add to my collection. loved the first edition and this sounds like it will be even better. :)
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read the family chapter, that’s where I need help!
Ooh, a hardcover, I’m happy to see that. I’m thinking Mother’s Day gift… :)
Great idea. I’m getting this for my wife.
This is wonderful news! I am happy for you and for all those who will now additionally benefit from your wisdom, Francine!
I am so happy for your new book ..
Iwould like to see it translated in spanish
Your blog has changed my life..
Today i am so happy with less..
….Mrs Eva..
Please Please Please make it available on Audibel!!! We all can drive and listen to your words of wisdom and it will sink in more and more every day :-)))
P.S. I loved your book and it changed my life.
Congratulations, Francine! Onwards and Upwards!
How fantastic! I love the look of the cover and anticipate how beautiful the interior will be, too. I liked your comment about professional editors and design folks and the difference they make — so true. Can’t wait to purchase!
I hope there will be a French edition!
Congratulations Miss Minimalist! Your books (The Joy of Less, Miss Minimalist: Inspiration to downsize, declutter and simplify) and your blog continue to inspire and motivate me to simplify my life.
Thank you!!!
Congratulations Francine! I have read the e-book countless times and will be sure to get the latest edition!
CONGRATULATIONS! I just pre-ordered it on Amazon and cannot wait! i guess i will have to get rid of another book before it comes into my house! (not the first version of your book, i have notes written everywhere in it)
Thank you so much for all your kind words! It really means everything to me to have your support as this book goes out into the world.
And extra hugs and kisses for those pre-ordering the new edition. Apparently, the number of pre-orders has a huge influence on whether booksellers choose to carry it. So every one of those early purchases is a YES! vote to getting it on the shelves, and I’m especially grateful for that!
that is SO wonderful! i’m excited for you – i’m excited for me (just pre-ordered)! beautiful book, beautiful blog…i can’t wait!
Looking forward to getting a copy of this book. Thank you for writing it, and for this inspiring blog!
This is great, congratulations! ?
I am just coming around to the minimalist way of life in my more nature years. I have quite a way to go.
I had read your book in the past and am excited about its new reincarnation.
And I also love a good giveaway.
Shameless self promotion, I do review each book I read.
Hello Francie
congratulations. How exciting. In the spirit of minimalism, would Chronicle or Miss Minimalist donate a number of copies to public libraries to reduce perpetual consumerism? That would be amazing. This would be wonderful to reduce social stratification too. I have the original edition. An on-line addendum would be a great product available to purchase for those invested in the original edition to keep the first version yet add the additional insights of the added chapter. The process of re-publishing is testimony to the notion that we all change over time, so taste, ideas, values become re-assessed – this in itself challenges static minimalism. All the very best, it looks beautiful.
With warm wishes,
Marc
Love this! Your book sits on my coffee table so I can pick it up at any time and refresh my mind with your great topics and help! I’ll love having the new hardbound book with the gorgeous cover!