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 really enjoyed your book – I borrowed it from the library but would love to own my own copy as I’ve been meaning to read it again. :)
Congratulations! I would love to read this on my kindle-I’ve just gotten rid of 24 (or more!) 18 gallon tubs of books and am reinvesting in my kindle and the library.
Congratulations… what an amazing feat! Count me in, I would love to read the book!
Too awesome!
Congrats!
The book is on my amazon wish list. Not for long, I hope.
Keep on rocking!
Hi, I just purchased your book a few weeks ago after reading about it on a blog. For a while now, I’ve been naturally getting rid of “stuff,” because it made me feel so empty, stressed, and pressured. I read your book, and although I can’t apply many concepts right now, because I’m a teen,(so I obviously still live with my family), I did what I could. Your book really inspired me, and I’m glad to have read it so early in life. In the future, I plan to really apply minimalism to my entire life. Thank you so much for this book, and congratulations on reaching so many people!
Congrats!!! I love your book and have both the paperback and Nook versions. I would love to know more about minimalism around the world as well as the history of minimalism.
I am just starting my journey in minimalism – love your post about the couch. Look forward to having less & living more :)
Congratulations! Well done! I have read your book twice and, with (almost) daily de-cluttering have reduced the amount of stuff in my 4 bedroom house by about 1/2 in the last 10 months! I plan to read it a 3rd time to see if I can get my house reduced by 2/3. My goal is to reduce SO MUCH that I can live in a small, comfortable space and ENJOY my life rather than working for the next “thing” that needs to be dusted, maintained, and repaired. Thanks for bringing Minimalism out in the open and inspiring so many!
I would love to know how to minimize my yard …. as in less up-keep, less fertilizers, weed picking, lawn mowing, etc. There is a growing trend towards zero-scaping in our area but even that requires extensive weeding.
I also got into minimalism through a recent article in Sunset about a woman who lives a zero-waste lifestyle. So I started getting rid of my junk mail. Once I started getting rid of all the catalogs it made me realize how distracting I allowed them to be. It made me realize how much I welcomed distractions (checking my emails many times a day, etc) while at the same time longing for more free time. So applying minimalism to other parts of your life …. might be helpful.
I’m so happy to hear 20,000 people have gotten your book. I am loving my journey towards minimalism … it has been amazing at helping us spend less money and have more free time. It has also been an amazing spiritual journey for my family — one I would love to share with others.
With colder weather around the corner, I am hoping to resume dejunking, simplifying, and making my home more what I would like it to be. The Joy of Less is just the catalyst I need to get back in the swing of things after spending most of the summer outdoors. Please enter me in the giveaway!
The sum is truly greater than its parts. Reading your book has been life changing. While I had already considered and at times had practiced things you discussed in your book, The Joy of Less tied it all together. Because of it, I am more efficient, more consistent, and my beliefs and actions are more meaningful. Twenty-thousand times, thank you. Make you continued to be showered w/ gratitude.
Love your website and blogs! Would love a kindle copy of your book:)
Thank you so much for writing The Joy of Less…it has truly changed my outlook on life with stuff. I repeat many mantras to myself daily like “all surfaces clear”. I’ve shared your philosophy with my whole family. I especially enjoyed your post about your brother visiting and not being stressed out about the situation with his one dress shirt…amazing! Miss Minimalist, I absolutely adore your writing style and your sense of humor…it gives me so much hope for a carefree future with less stuff!
I would love to have a copy of your book on my Nook. Congratulations on copies sold.
Id love to read your book :)!!
I’d love a copy of your book. Thanks…
I’d love a copy of your book for my mother to read- xoxo
Way to go on the achievement! I’d love the chance to read it and pass it on. :)
What a sense of accomplishment you must feel about this milestone! Congratulations to you.
Congratulations on the success of your book! I haven’t read it yet, but love the ideas on your blog – it’d be great to have a Kindle copy :)
I see physically simplifying as round one. The next phase is proving much more difficult for me. Simplifying my activities and figuring out the purpose I want to build my life around. I dabble in many things but am feeling the need to focus and give back.
I would like to see you address minimalism as it applies to hobbies that can involve a lot of stuff. For example, various arts and crafts as well as woodworking can involve a lot of tools, supplies, and, patterns/information.
Congratulations on all your book sales! I certainly enjoyed reading it and was inspired to begin ridding myself of some of my possessions. It’s an ongoing battle and I certainly haven’t finished. My daughter has taken over my copy and is using the inspiration to fight her own battle with clutter. Wishing you continued success!
congratulations! It looks like a neat book.
Congratulations! That’s quite an accomplishment for a self-published book. Must be a good one, I’d love to have a copy to myself :)
I like how-to’s with photos. I’m nosy like that.
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I stumbled across your book today on Amazon.com. After reading all the reviews, I added it to my wish list. I Googled your name and I found your site! I would love to win a copy of your book!! I’ve been on the quest of a minimalistic lifestyle for several years now; and I have eliminated so many things. Although, I feel that I have more “things” in my life that weighs me down, that I need to get rid of. Thanks! I look forward to reading your book soon!!!!
Congrats on the book sales! I haven’t read the book yet so would love to win a copy!
Crossing my fingers!
Count me in.
Congratulations! That’s amazing! I’d love to read your book!
As a long time minimalist wannabe. I’ld love to read your book. Is lady luck on my side?
Would LOVE to read your book!
The Joy of Less is my favorite book and has been an inspiration to me. I enjoy decluttering my home and making it so much more peaceful and efficient. If I win your great book, I will share it. Your blog and the comments are awesome. I would enjoy topics such as minimalist philosphy and more how-to.
Great job. Enjoy your blog and encouragement! Congrats on your book sales!
I just found your blog through another blog–Get Rich Slowly. I look forward to learning more.
WE NEED LESS! :) Send me your knowledge please!
I would love to win your book!
Love your blog. I have a long way to go to declutter but it feels so good doing it. Would love to read your book.
Hi, love your cheerful, encouraging website! I’d like to read your book, and can’t buy it, because I own nothing at all – being a contemplative monk of the Byzantine variety: a rare sort of minimalist. Even so, I’m aiming to minimalize more: wants and needs, thoughts and attitudes, as well as things borrowed for use, can all be simplified further. Anyway, glad you’re there! (“Moderation needs to be learned gradually.” -Abp A.)
Congratulations on selling so many books! I’m starting my minimalist journey. Would love to win a copy of the book to guide me through the process.
I would loveeeeee to have ur book. I am a massive hoarder on my long road to minimalism. Sigh. Some topics I’d be interested in reading:
1. Minimalism for families. Coz kids add so much to the equation
2. minimalism for life. Not things
3. The minimalistic mind
Thanks for ur blog. Makes my day :)
Hi, I bought your book at the start of the year, and I did enjoy it, however even though the first few chapters were very inspirational, the rest of the book(although helpful) was just like any other de-clutter book. I was hoping for something to take me to the next level – maybe something a bit more extreme. If in your next book you could help come up with some more ideas to simplify the things we do use in a common family house, but still seem to take up too much time to pack away or clean. How do you decide whether or not something is worth the it’s time- saving ability compared with the space it takes up?
Hi Francine – since stumbling across your website thanks to an tip-off in The STM magazine (published here in Western Australia), I have enjoyed your point of view & that of your likeminded readers, learning to live a lifestyle with less. I have yet to read your book but look forward to doing so sooner or later!
Congratulations, Miss Minimalist! Your book is my favourite on the topic, for its simple style, warmth and intelligence. I enjoy your blog immensely.
I don’t have a particular topic that I’d like you to focus on next time. I look forward to reading whatever you come up with! Kind regards, Bettina
Congratulations! I wish I could read the book, so here I am…
I’d love to see a book about how real people do this. The Ultimate Cheapskate author did this w/The Cheapskate Next Door book (after surveying his email list of cheapskates). He came up with some fascinating trends & observations. I bet you could do this too.
I would love to read the ebook version. Enjoying your blog. Very inspiring and the journey is making me feel more abundance in my life.
I’d love to see more of your inspirations in minimalist interiors. I’m always checking your website for new pictures on that subject. Hope there’s more to come!
Congratulations! As far as the next book, I would love to hear more about how embracing minimalism has changed your life, the types of things you do now that weren’t possible before, and also some of the philosophical side of it. I love your philosophical posts because they are very accessible, but so thought-provoking at the same time.