Update, Monday 5pm EDT: The giveaway is now closed. Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments and suggestions; I’m so grateful to have you as readers! Stay tuned—I’ll announce the winner in the next day or so. :)
A Milestone
I have some exciting news to share with you today: in the first year of publication, my book, The Joy of Less, has sold 20,000 copies! And I want to celebrate with you, my wonderful readers, because you made it happen.
You were the ones who bought my book, requested it from your library, and recommended it to your friends. You were the ones who reviewed it, blogged about it, and tweeted about it. You were the ones who embraced minimalist living, spread the word to others, and transformed it from a quirky lifestyle choice to a mainstream movement.
You were the ones who decided to dejunk, declutter, and live more lightly on this Earth—and used my book as a guide to do so. And for that, I’m eternally grateful to each and every one of you.
People are often surprised when I tell them I self-published The Joy of Less. Why did I choose the indie route? Because from the moment I finished it, I was so excited to share it with you—and the 12- to 18-month time frame of traditional publishing seemed a terribly long time to wait. Furthermore, minimalism was such an offbeat topic at the time, I didn’t think a publisher would touch it with a ten-foot pole (ironically, I’ve now heard from several interested in acquiring the rights). Finally, I wanted to make sure that the message stayed true—and wasn’t transformed into “buy more containers to organize your stuff.”
So this has truly been a grassroots effort. I haven’t had a public relations department, an advertising budget, or any of the marketing muscle of a traditional publisher. I’ve had virtually no coverage in major US media (just a brief mention in the Chicago Tribune). These sales weren’t driven by hype or promotional campaigns; they occurred quietly, one by one, by word of mouth (both online and off). I love that, and wish I could thank every one of you personally for your support!
Furthermore, it’s more than just the sales that make my heart sing—it’s the fact that 20,000 people are actually interested in minimalist living! 20,000 people want to reduce their clutter and consumerism, and are taking the steps to do so. How wonderful is that? It gives me great hope for a kinder, gentler, more sustainable future.
A Question
Now I have a question for you: what would you like to read next? Is there a particular aspect of minimalism you’d like to see covered in more depth? Or a topic related to minimalism that you’d love to learn more about?
If you could pick the subject of my next book, what would it be? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
A Giveaway
What would a celebration be without a giveaway? (Certainly not as much fun!) So if you haven’t yet read The Joy of Less, here’s your chance to win a copy (your choice of paperback or Kindle). Even if you’ve read it, perhaps you’d like to pick one up for a friend; it could make a great gift for the packrat in your life!
To enter, simply leave a Comment below (just one comment/entry per person, please!). If you’d like to leave a Comment, but don’t want to enter the giveaway, just note that in your post.
I’ll keep the giveaway open until this Monday, Sept 12, 5pm EDT. As always, I’ll use the random number generator at Random.org to choose the winner, and make the announcement next week. Please be sure to use a legitimate email address, so that I can contact you to obtain your mailing information.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart. I never dreamed I’d be able to make such an announcement (my original goal was to sell 1,000 books!), and I couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to growing this community, this movement, and this commitment to a beautiful life with less stuff.
Best of luck to all who enter the giveaway!
Congratulations, I have been reading your blog and slowly decluttering my life for quite some time now. Keep up the good work.
I would like to start this journey while my husband is deployed right now. I would love for him to be able to come back to a less cluttered home and be able to concentrate on reintegrating with the family instead of taking care of stuff.
I am so wanting this book. I need the Joy of Less.
I would love a copy of your book to aid in my journey toward life simplicity and minimalism.
How about minimalist travelling :) I went to cambodia with 9 pounds for a month but would like less
excellent articles! the book would make a great gift!
I have not yet had the chance to read your wonderful book, but I’d love to see you write more about minimalist fashion! I’ve loved reading your posts about simplifying your wardrobe, and would love some more guidance in this part of my home.
This is not a second entry into your contest. I just very much agree with Clara. I have a 1920’s size closet, and would love to look and feel great, with MORE style, and LESS in my wardrobe. YES! Tell us!
20,000 copies when self publishing is a great achievement – congrats! Have read a sample of the book on my kindle and was planning to get it, so would be thrilled to win a copy.
Wow. Congratulations. I spent time in the past trying to learn from the “internet marketing people”. It was awful. They weren’t real. They were teaching people how to sell nothing, how to supposedly prosper by taking money for a lie. I left. It wasn’t me.
I’m so happy to find the real people. Those who really have something to contribute. The world is a better place because of people like you.
And it makes me want to contribute more. More of the real stuff!
Would love a copy of The Joy of Less.
Aloha Wags!
Incredible! I’ve recently read about your success on Kindleboards and found it so inspirational. May you go from strength to strength :)
It goes without saying that I would love a copy of The Joy of Less.
Please submit for contest… Would love to read your book.
Ideas for next book….
1. Delve into the habits that need to be developed in becoming a minimalist.
2. Expand on travel- how to experience a culture as a minimalist through low cost, safe, and fun ways vs touristy way.
3. expand on food. Take one food item and use it in several different recipes that uses it up and saves money and time.
I’d like to win a copy of your book.
It seems like every spring and fall I have a huge urge to minimalize and declutter. It’s not easy with a family, to get everyone on board. Probably the most difficult is Hubby–a collector by heart, a salesman of collectible things (that has paid for much of our lifestyle), and a frugal man (that can’t get rid of slightly damaged, unattractive, or still valuable/yet unused things). Heck, it’s probably why he’s kept me around for over 27 years! ;)
I am hoping that with your book as our guide, we can partner through this decluttering, and make our home more inviting, happy, beautiful, and stress-free. (And make a little cash on the side from one heck of a garage sale!) Goodbye unitaskers!
Congrats on the success of your book. While I think it is a stand-alone book that doesn’t need embellishment, If I had to I think of a next topic for your upcoming book, it would be, besides “living better with less,” it would be, how to use items we already have for a multitude of other uses. Thanks, and continued success!!!
Would love, love, love to get a copy of your book! I’m taking my first steps on the minimalist track but need a little help to keep me going.
This weekend my family and I started the process of de-cluttering. What a relief and freedom to have our kitchen organized and easy to find everything. Then today I stumble on to your website. I will be reading more. Thanks
Laurie
I’d love to read more about minimalist travel. :)
Hi! Please enter me in your giveaway – I’d love the chance to read your book!
It’s so encouraging and inspiring to know that soooo many people are turning towards a simpler and more fulfilling way of life. Congratulations!
Congratulations! 20,000 copies is amazing! I’d love to win a copy.
I just finished your “miss minimalist” on kindle, very inspiring! I am clearing things out today. I would love the chance to read your book and then pass it on! thanks for all the ideas.
Congrats! Would love to read it myself.
I have just started project333 or a version of it, using the nine times table (very geeky).
And yes, I’d love a copy of the book.
What to write next? A blogging guide?
Congrats, Francine! 20,000 copies is amazing! Thank you for all of your hard work–for continuing to be an inspiration and providing a platform for discussion! All the best in your future adventures!
Cleaning things out, decluttering life and moved into a love shack on wheels…would love to read your book!
fingers crossed!
I just recently started on the road to minimalism. I gotten rid of three trash bags worth of stuff.
thanks
I would love to win a copy of The Joy of Less. Thanks for the having the giveaway and congratulations on the milestone!
Just an update that the giveaway is now closed!
To be honest, I didn’t expect so many people to participate. I’m honored, and so grateful for your enthusiasm, and will announce the winner shortly!
Re: A Question: please please tackle minimalism w children! The world bombards us w characters and advertising. Please!!
I have read both your books and the Marie Kondo books. Most of my friends buy 24 rolls of toilet paper at a time and huge packages of everything. I have at most 6 rolls of toilet paper and a month’s supply of cat food. I am trying to go from one bag of garbage a month to half a bag per month. I am trying to use less of everything.