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!
I love minimalism.
Enjoy reading your blog – would love to win a copy of The Joy of Less. Congratulations on the 20,000 copies sold!
Great news Francine. Well done! It is wonderful to see that when one has a clever and useful product (in this case you book) to sell, no expensive and loud marketing is needed.
As far as what I’d like to read about: organising finances in a minimalist/non-stressful/conservative(?) way. Once you do not have any other loans other than the mortgage, how to allocate your monthly savings? I would love to read about your average minimalist family where being either poor (having to take frugality to the extreme) or else wealthy (hectic life with career) is NOT their primary reason for minimalism.
Maybe a series of interviews with minimalist families?
(read Dave Ramsey’s book, Total Money Makeover on allocating your monthly savings)
Congratulations! Ik love reading your blog for especially with small children the stuff keeps adding up… You keep me inspired!
Grtz Carlijn
Congratulations!
It is inspiring and a alsways a pleasure to read your blog and I will get your books soon, when I have time for reading!
Regards, Max
Congrats on such a big milestone!
If you were to write another book, I would be interested to know more about how you identify the important things in life and how you know what is dispensable. Or maybe, how do you tell apart the things you know you need from the things society and/or marketing tells you that you need? Maybe a cultural take would be nice too, as in, what are the things that all cultures put into the absolute necessity category, and what things do particular cultures demand that are hard to do without in that cultural context.
Congrats on your book sales! It’s well deserved – the book is great and a must have read for those of us wanting to embrace the minimalist lifestyle. .
All the best for future books,
Tracey
Congratulations!
I’ve really enjoyed reading this blog and I’ve been most interested by the minimalist philosphy posts, particularly the one about getting rid of your Fantasy Self.
I’d like to read a book about consumer disobedience and the minsumer movement, as I think this is a really important message to get across to our stuff-obsessed society. After watching the Story of Stuff a few years ago i think its so important that we find a viable alternative to capitalism and consumerism, and I think that will have to start with a bit of consumer disobedience!
Awesome — I have the Kindle edition.
I’d be interested in a book all about wardwrobes – men, women, children, stay-at-home mom guide, business guide, etc. That is my biggest challenge.
Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed your site very much this year. Though not a minimalist, I’d like to be headed more in that direction. With a possible move in the next year or two, it would make all of life so much simpler!
Congrats, this is quite an achievement. Personally I would be interested in reading more on minimalism outside the home.
Congratulations, that’s amazing! I loved your book and lent it to a friend (waiting to get it back because I want to read it again and ask my husband to read it too).
I’m also interested in minimalist families, as I’m blogging about the subject myself :D J’s suggestion is also good.
I enjoy the site. Although I do not think I will ever be at this level of minimalism (nor am I striving for quite this level), I do think that generally as a society we have too much stuff and I am working on simplifying mine.
Love the idea of a simpler life and everything that helps you get there.
Congratulations!
I’ve just started following your web site yesterday but I would love to participate in this give away (a paper book).
This would be fab to have!!
And… I’m really interested in minimal travel.. I love your packing posts!
I would be glad to read your book. I’m just starting my road to minimalistic life:)
Congratulations.
Really, this is an amazing piece of work to get the word to so many people.
Congratulations and well done. I am commencing my journey of uncluttering our home and working towards minimalism. I’ve been reading the unclutterer forum and that led me to your blog and Brooks palmers clutter blog. All three site are my nightly bedtime read which is keeping me motivated.
Congratulations! Self-published and everything… that’s a great achievement.
If I had this book, I would give it to my parents. They can use it, because it would help them to understand why I’m doing what I’m doing. And it would be good for them to get rid of their junk. They already went through a difficult move, so it shouldn’t be to difficult to win them over (even if partially) to the minimalist side.
The book I’d love is a book about minimalism without the minimalist aesthetic –I know, seriously? I love the idea of slowing down, doing less, being able to say no, but all the inspiration is stark white walls. I’m not that person and it actually feels discouraging sometimes.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone. I started reading this blog at the beginning of this year. Unfortunately my local library doesn’t carry this book, but your blog has been very inspirational. I agree with the other posts, a book about minimalism in families would be very interesting.
Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed your site for some time and would love a copy of your book.
Congratulations Francine! I am pleased to say I have a copy and its sitting on my bookshelf in very good company (just favourites).
I would love a book about your symphony: To Live Content With Small Means. I imagine each chapter dedicated to each line, for example the first chapter would be titled “To Love Content with Small Means” which could then cover finance, livelihood, priorities.The next chapter would be “To seek elegance rather than luxury” and that could be about quality etc.
I love that quote and think you personify it, in a modern female’s perspective.
Interesting to read all the comments and suggestions.
Sara
Oh, Sarah, you have a great idea! I’d love to read a book like the one you describe!
Sorry, Sara, that extra “h” just jumped in there!
No worries Karen T! x
Congrats!
I would love to see a collection of photos of minimalism in action. Describing why every item is there in the picture.
Congratulations on such a milestone! Proof that lots of people are overwhelmed by their lifestyles.
What fantastic news on the sales!! Congratulations.
I would love to read something about a minimalist attitude on time, slowing your life down and taking time in life. Something I am trying to do more and more but feeling great guilt about. Stupid I know but there it is.
Congratulations! That’s a fantastic achievement.
I agree with Sara, I’d love to see your symphony expanded into a book. I have that post bookmarked and re-read it from time to time, absolutely love it. I also agree with the suggestions about how to prioritise what you have or don’t have. So many minimalism guides seem to be less for the sake of less. I don’t have a lot, but I’m not really interested in the no more than X amount of posessions mentality.
And also expanding on your capsule wardrobe. I have very few clothes, but I don’t feel like they go together in any kind of cohesive style at all. I pretty much have as much as will fit in my tiny London wardrobe, and get rid of what I like the least when I run out of hangers.
I bookmarked it too, its just such an inspiring quote & would love to hear Miss M break it down further. I think she would do a great job.
I too am not interested in living with xxx number of things, I also have two kids and a husband. So I am more interested in living that path from the heart… not from a list. Anyway, each to their own.
Sara
I scrolled through the comments nodding my head. “Yes, do that one!” and “Ooh, yes, that sounds good, too!” I’ll be excited to read whatever you come up with next. Congratulations on 20K!
I would like to read more about follow ups, maybe a year or more out and also, how it is impacting the Earth, the economies around the world, can it sustain? Thanks and congrats!!! : )
Congrats – those figures are pretty amazing!
I would like to see something about minimalist outdoor living, gardening etc. We are doing better at keeping our home a little more clutter free, but outside things are far more chaotic.
Congratulations. It’s great your message is reaching so many people.
I’d love the chance to read your book. I’ve been laid off and it’s time to make all those changes I previously didn’t have time for.
Thanks for sharing. Your blog is great.
I like hearing about the logistics of having little stuff. I have a lot less stuff than your average person, and I think I do a good job of not letting more in, but I don’t want to get rid of what I have.
I would love to win a copy of your book. I am trying very hard to live with less.
Even with two copies of the book circulating in my local library system, there were several people with holds on the book so I had to wait quite some time before I got to read it. I just checked the online catalog and there are FOUR copies of your book, all checked out, with a fifth copy in processing!
As for your next book, I agree with those (especially Sara) who say it should be about living according to the minimalist philosophy that you are such a proponent of. Your more philosophical blog entries are so inspiring!
Congratulations on such a fabulous milestone! You’ve inspired me, and now my husband and I are in the midst of some serious editing and decluttering in our apartment. I can’t wait to officially call myself a minimalist.
I’m not sure, but I think it’s because of my initial interlibrary loan request that my library system began purchasing copies. There are STILL holds on your books, almost a year since it came out. :)
Congratulations! Your ideas are inspiring and very well written, too, which makes them even more wonderful to read. I would love to hear your thoughts on minimalist living with children–from babies to teens.
I bought your book more than a year ago and I’m planning to give copies to some family members.
I’m most interested in reading advice about how to look well groomed and well dressed (I don’t mean trendy or expensively, but rather just a general polished appearance) without having a large wardrobe and dozens of beauty products and how to prepare simple, healthful meals without having hundreds of items of kitchen equipment. These are the areas that I find challenging in paring down to the basics.
The blog posts I most enjoy from you are the ones with pictures of things you actually own. Thank you for inspiring me and congratulations on selling over 20,000 copies of your excellent book!
Congratulations! I have several friends who have gone the self-publishing route and it is wonderful to see a book such as your succeeding.
I would love to read more about minimalist wardrobe and clothing, especially for people like me who have to have a work attire wardrobe, in addition to an every day wardrobe.
I would also like to read more about living a financially sane life–especially for those of us who have rather small incomes, need to save for retirement etc. etc.
Keep up the great work. I love reading your posts. This topic fascinates me.
Congratulations! I’m new to your blog and would love to win a copy of your book! I think a lot of people I know could stand to read it!
Francine,
I have loved your blog, and the book. Its been a continual inspiration and motivator. The whole publishing process is just another example of minimalist living ….. :-) I would like a book on “what to do after the dust settles”. You have thrown out, donated, sold everything your gonna get rid of …. you are in maintance mode, you have sorted your schedule and work, then what ….. what do you do with the all the time/space … how do you figure out whats next, when you are totally stuck? How does an individual/family take steps to really set yourself free?
Thank you
Pam
Personally, I would like to live in a Japanese tea house in a garden: one table, one futon, one library book, one seasonal picture, etc. But since this is not possible in real life (especially with a family, which I would NEVER give up!) your book is a source of inspiration to create what space and calm I can. You are a kindred spirit. Thank you!
Here’s to 20,000 and counting….
Congradulations on your sales milestone. I love reading your blog, so it doesn’t completely suprise me that your book is popular.
Thanks for sharing your insight on living minimally!
I requested the book for my library system to purchase and have checked it out twice since. I turn to it whenever I feel like I need some minimalist inspiration. It has made a difference in my life – I’ve struggled for a long time feeling like I was just a messy person, but now I’ve realized that I can change. I now know that I can live simply. I feel so much happier every night when I come home to my serene apartment!
I, too, would be interested in reading a book about minimalism from the perspective of other cultures. Especially how what is “essential” varies from culture to culture.
How about a compilation of minimalist stories from around the world, like Chicken Soup for the (Minimalist) Soul, or a simple list of 1001 ways of being happy without buying new stuff?
Congratulations on your milestone! :)
Congratulations!! You are such an inspiration. I absolutely love your blog and loved your book.
I love reading your blog. I am a minimal in the works grown out of a family of sentimental keepers. I love having less stuff! I haven’t read your book but would really love to!
I am reading your blog since the beginning of this year with great interest as I myself trying to walk on this road with tiny baby steps. I love the chance to read your book..If I am lucky enough to win, kindle edition pls, as I am following you rather from the other side of the world :))
PS: I love the parts about Real Life Minimalists on your blog. They are sooo much inspiration for me..
Congratulations! I already have the Kindle version of the book and re-read it from time to time. I will probably work on a few more spaces this weekend! I haven’t read anything else like it on the subject. I was perfect for me. I’m not sure what should be next but I’ll keep thinking about it and post if I come up with anything.
You can exclude me from the giveaway :)