41 Comments

DAN. I was absolutely blown away by this case study!! Opening my email today and seeing how thoughtful, deep, and engaging this was really hit me right in the solar plexus :) And on a day (a few days before launch) where I really needed it. THANK YOU for sharing about our story and the story of my book. You got the memo Dan! Go deep, be intentional, make it personal. (I see what you did here....you did that very thing in this case study and it just shows how brilliant you are at what you do!) I love that you noticed the sticky glue and the frayed edges amongst all the things. It feels really wonderful to be seen. I've gained a whole bunch of new followers because of this but more importantly I hope it inspired a bunch of talented writers to know that there are ways to use our digital universes as catalysts for offline connections.

And if anyone wants to help Dan help me by getting my presales up before Tuesday (gah!) I would be so grateful. You can see options to preorder from any of your favorite book retailers here:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711835/raising-hell-living-well-by-jessica-elefante/

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Dan, I love the photos you included with this post. Everything from what was inside the pizza box to your family. There are such small details that connect us to each other, regardless of distance or time. What encourages me most about this specific article is that I'm noticing more and more creative people who are taking steps away from the technological current in our society and bringing back the simple things that delight others, that add a personal touch to everyday life.

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Dan, this may have been a long post, but I didn’t notice. Why? It was so engaging! The many photos was a part, but the excitement of receiving the ‘pizza box’ was at the core. Have a beautiful weekend.

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This is so cool! I love that authors are treating book launches more like influencer makeup launches. The unique touches and packaging make it so fun and exciting.

Also, a few hours before reading this, I happened to write and share about my incredible recent experience attending Chuck Palanhiuk’s book launch event in Miami, in which he hosted a Kangaroo game show rave, and it made me realize that most authors are doing book launches so by the book, pun intended, when they are actually huge opportunities for creativity.

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Analog is in the air! I also just sent out last week a Zine to celebrate my 1 year on Substack 😉

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Oct 6Liked by Dan Blank

"All the sticky glue . . . " Dan! This is so spot on! It's as if you know a writer's heart, our soul, and having known you this long, I know that's what resonates deepest with you--and what makes your message and work resonate so perfectly with us. Like every writer, all I want to do is write, but like every writer I also struggle to organize the disparate parts of my book marketing, those "sticky" parts that create burnout and (your word here, Dan) "overwhelm." As a student of your platform building program, I'm grateful (and lucky) that was my starting point as a new author. Keeping my journey fun and human centered and, as Jeannie Ewing says, in summary, "connecting and refocusing on friends and family," is the direct result of having worked with you.

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This is so fun and inspiring. My brain is buzzing now about how I can use some of this mojo for myself!

Also, what Lego set is that, and did you participate in its construction?

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I love that you shared this! And that you didn't shame the rest of us 😂 Seriously, it's inspirational to see what other people's minds come up with!

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Love these book launch ideas! So much unique thought and attention!

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Oct 6Liked by Dan Blank

Dan, Jessica's party box was an exceptional gesture, and as you explain, it's an expression of personality—and so personal! (I think she could have included one piece of pizza, shellacked.) Thanks for the great post!

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This is SOOO cool. What a beautiful gift and acknowledgement, a celebration. I love the personal, connected feeling. Congrats to Jess (and you!).

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Thank you for your encouraging post.

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Oct 6Liked by Dan Blank

It's true - I have never considered all the sticky goo that is required for a successful book launch — Doh! That stops now. Excellent piece again, Dan :)

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Dan, thank you for sharing the what and why of this book launch detail, this teaches me so much. Jess's book launch package beautifully highlights what she wants the reader to experience and makes them feel special. I'm so impressed!

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Did someone say zine? :)

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Jess is incredible! Love seeing that you two know each other. Unwrapping my pizza box is one of my fav book mail experiences ever!

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