Selling Out an Initial Print Run (and More)

Named a Best Indie Book of the Year in 2018, A Year of Living Kindly was an immediate darling of national media and reviewers, earning a coveted starred review by Kirkus Reviews. As the contentious 2018 midterm elections were setting fire to national headlines, author Donna Cameron’s warmth and authenticity became a sought-after perspective as she examined the transformative power of civility.

Positioning a Debut Author as a “Kindness Expert”

Books Forward maximized Donna’s visibility by positioning her as a “kindness expert,” securing placement for her guest articles in The Washington Post, Elephant Journal and other major outlets. We helped craft and amplify a brand identity around her message of radical civility, creating buzz that grew with every media interview, feature story and news article.

Donna’s robust blog — launched a year prior to publication — served as a foundation for cultivating her audience. Our publicity campaign expanded on that success, securing media placements that introduced her message to a national readership and reinforced her authority, as as an expert in the field of kindness, in a crowded nonfiction space.

Tangible Results — and Lasting Impact

The buzz didn’t stop with publication. At the start of 2019, Donna’s voice continued to make waves across new outlets, including a feature in Weight Watchers Magazine. Her continued media presence extended the book’s relevance well beyond its initial publication date.

Thanks to the strength of our campaign and Donna’s compelling message, A Year of Living Kindly sold out of its initial print run within a few months. The book has continued to thrive: it’s had at least six printings, with the fifth printing exhausted in only three months. Tantor also acquired the audiobook rights, reflecting continued demand and market interest.

Donna said: “I am so happy to be part of the Books Forward family. I credit much of YOLK’s success to Angelle’s great work and the tremendous foundation she laid for the book.”

We’re honored to support powerful books — and powerful authors — that make the world a kinder place.