As you may know, the new edition of my book, The Joy of Less, will be released on April 26 (three weeks from today!). I originally self-published it, and I’m just over the moon that Chronicle Books is helping me reach a larger audience. I know I’m going to cry the first time I see it in an actual bookstore…
In the last few months, I’ve learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes publishing world. And one of the most surprising things I’ve learned is the importance of pre-orders—that is, the number of copies ordered before the release date. Apparently, bookstores use this pre-order information to decide whether or not to stock the book on their shelves.
Say what? To put my naivete into perspective, I didn’t even announce my first edition until three weeks after I published it. Ha! Maybe that’s why I never ended up in any bookstores.
So…I’m trying to do things right this time. I think the time is ripe for minimalism to go mainstream, and I want to make the most of this opportunity to get our “less is more” message out into the world.
The more bookstores that stock The Joy of Less, the more likely it’ll reach a casual browser—someone who may be vaguely uncomfortable with clutter or consumerism, but would never think to google “minimalism.” Many of us have experienced this kind of serendipitous moment, and it can truly be life-changing.
But my book will only be on the shelves if pre-orders are strong. So I’m taking a deep breath, because I’m not very good at asking…but would you consider helping me?
If you’re thinking of buying the book (for yourself, for a friend, as a gift for Mother’s Day or even next Christmas), I will shower you with virtual love and kisses if you’d order it before April 26. It’s available for pre-order from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s Books, IndieBound, and your local independent bookstores. You can also pre-order from Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, and The Book Depository (free delivery worldwide).
But I want to give you more than a big {e-hug} for your support. As a special thank you, I want to give you a little extra help with your decluttering—something to make the process even easier and more pleasant.
So many of you have told me that you’ve highlighted, and dog-eared, and written out passages from the book to use as you declutter. And you’ve also asked me for more visual inspiration—beautiful spaces and images to support your resolve as you STREAMLINE.
So I’ve designed and created an exclusive bundle of decluttering printables (“cheat sheets,” if you will), pictured above. I’ve distilled the advice in the book into bite-sized tips, and paired them with inspirational photos for each room in the house. You can hang them on the wall (or on the inside of a closet or kitchen cabinet door) while decluttering, to give you that little boost of minimalist joy when (and where) you need it most.
I made one for each area of the house—living room, bedroom, wardrobe, office, kitchen, bathroom, and storage spaces—and one addressing sentimental items (just like the chapters in the book). I also included a visual of the STREAMLINE method (which is particularly useful for introducing family members to the concept!). And finally, I combined some lovely photos with inspirational quotes (mine and others) that would even be suitable for gifting or framing.
There’s a dozen in all—think of it as a little bouquet of decluttering inspiration.
If you’re new to The Joy of Less, these tip sheets will help you get a jump start on clearing out the clutter before the book arrives. If you’ve already read the first edition, they neatly summarize the most effective ways to declutter each area of your life (with some lovely photos for motivation!).
To receive yours, simply pre-order the book before April 26 and then fill out this form. A link to the 12-page PDF file will then be delivered to your email address (you can print them all, just your favorites, or enjoy them digitally).
Everything’s starting to bloom here, and if I could, I would gather flowers from my garden for each of you to show my gratitude. I’d like to do the next best thing, and offer you this digital bouquet of printables. I hope they’ll bring a similar joy and beauty into your life, and inspire you along your minimalist path.
Hi! Exciting news :-) Will this be available for Kindle? It seems to only be available in Hardcover?
Hi! The new content will be exclusive to the Hardcover until the end of the year. The revised Kindle version will be available in early 2017.
Thank you! I also don’t buy hardcover books any more, but I’ll buy the Kindle version next year :-)
Pre-ordered and looking forward to it as well as the “extras”!
That’s a pretty spring bouquet if ever I’ve seen one! Thanks for such a wonderful and generous gift, Francine!!
Hi is it available to preorder in the uk?
Yes, it is, and thanks for asking! Here’s the link (which I’ll also add to the post):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joy-Less-Minimalist-Declutter-Organize/dp/1452155186/
I simply don’t understand why the revised Kindle edition will take so long to appear. I’d preorder a new Kindle version. I simply don’t buy hard copy books any longer.
Will it be available in iBooks? I don’t buy hard cover books any more either.
Thanks francine, all ordered in the UK I had your first book (which changed my life – one day I will write a post about it) but I lent it to someone who hasn’t given it back! I am keen to read your new pages about children and their toys – thank you for the printables – I am still a work in progress so I need all the inspiration I can’t get
There is no pre-order option at amazon.ca Third party merchants are selling the book used at $40 and new at $50.
Hi Kelly! Here’s the full link to pre-order at Amazon.ca:
https://www.amazon.ca/Joy-Less-Minimalist-Declutter-Organize/dp/1452155186/
It’s available for CDN$ 20.22.
Maybe the third party merchants are selling the old (first edition) paperback?
I forgot to add — if it hasn’t been published yet, how are these two merchants able to sell copies?
Looking forward to the new edition of the book. Thanks so much for the printables!! You continue to be an inspiration!
Hi, Francine. Just wanted to let you know that I pre-ordered some weeks ago and am looking forward to your new edition with bated breath!
Hi, Francine. Looking forward to having my copy delivered in the not too distant future!
Thanks so much to all of you for your support, and hope you’re enjoying the printables! I’m using these in my own home, as visual reminders work really well for me. :)
I’d love to know what you think of them, and where/how you’re using them!
Hi Francine, isn’t there the possibility to pre-order in Italy? Amazon.it only gives the old version of your book (which I bought on my Kindle when it came out.)
Hi Alessandra,
Here’s the link to pre-order the English language hardcopy from Amazon.it:
http://www.amazon.it/Joy-Less-Minimalist-Declutter-Organize/dp/1452155186/
Please let me know if this works for you. (Some of my other international readers have also had difficulty with the pre-order links, and I’m wondering if I see them because I’m in the US).
Alternatively, The Book Depository is taking pre-orders and delivers worldwide for free:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Joy-Less-Francine-Jay/9781452155180
If you’re interested in the Italian translation – I don’t yet have a release date, but expect it’ll be available within the year!
If anyone is having problems with the pre-order links, please let me know! The international ones work fine for me, but I’ve heard otherwise from some of my readers. I’d like to be aware of any issues, and do what I can to get them fixed!
I loved the book and have been inspired to reference your book in a couple of my blog posts. I appreciated how you had a global perspective. I’m striving to cut out clutter in my life slowly – I’m making progress and it does feel good!
Hi Francine,
Will it also be published in other languages the 26th of april?
I would like to buy it in German. But Amazon just says English and Published in August 2016.
So I am kind of confused.
Maybe I should buy the book in English instead.
Your voice in my head is all the time talking in English. Maybe I am gonna miss that voice. In my mutual language it could be that it wouldn’t be the same.
Are there others which think the same? :)
Hi Nicole,
Yes, the book will be published in German! I don’t have a publication date for it yet, but expect it will be within the year. (That’s the case for the majority of the translations.)
I will certainly update on the blog as I receive release dates (and cover images!) for each country.
And if you do read the German edition, I’d love to know your opinion on the translation. :)
Hi Francine, I would like to obtain a set of your Decluttering Inspiration tip sheets as they look to be a quick and handy reference tool. I have purchased both your older and newer versions of The Joy of Minimalism, the workbook, and the kindle version of The Joy of Less (I really like your ideas and insight :) Thank you!
I’ve read all your books. We constantly give bags of things away. I asked a woman to give me magazines instead of tossing them. They are all going to the library. I kept 6 to look at first. I make collages and jewelry out of junk mail and greeting cards. I get empty glue bottles where I volunteer, add a drop of water and pour the glue together. The Christmas cards go to a nursing home.
I was visiting my sister in LA. She has magazines back to 1997. I pulled a stack out for my BIL to donate to a school or library. I sat with my nephew while he sorted books, papers, and clothes to recycle or give away. I told him a bag or two a week wouldn’t stress him out and would make a big difference. He is in his 20’s. He found 5 bags in one hour which was a good start. I have some clothes to give to my friend and some DVD’s for the library since I got home yesterday.