We are entering the era of shameless self promotion

I have a book!

Would you like to learn how a person gets a book published? Sure, why not.

Picture this, Sicily, 1909.

Just kidding.

But actually, picture the fall of 2020. Here I am, I’ve been stuck (gloriously) in my house for months on end working exhaustively towards the election when I decide I want to write a book. Actually, I had always wanted to write a book, but now I know that it is time. I google “how to write a book proposal”, “how to get a literary agent”, “how to write a book”, etc. and then I sit down and over a weekend and write a 13 page proposal for a book about IDs. Then I spam everyone I know who has ever written a book and ask for introductions to their agents. Remarkably, several people actually say yes! More proof that you should ask for help as often as possible.

Although several friends are wildly helpful, especially Ben, Kelly, Amir, and Russ, in the end Lauren’s agent was the winner. Monika from Triangle House Literary is AMAZING. She has shown me why people have agents and thank goodness I have had her on this journey. And after signing on with her, the journey continued.

The next step is adding much more to the proposal before it is ready to send to publishers. That takes about 8 months, mostly because it is A LOT and I already have two full time jobs. But eventually it is done and then Monika sends it off to publishers and I pack for my month long European vacation. While I am in my first city I interview with two publishers. One is super nice but wants me to change everything about my book and publish in an undetermined number of years. The other is with Amistad, Harper Collins’ imprint for black authors. Patrik, the editor, is wildly enthusiastic and intelligent and has an incredible resume and is just really lovely and I know immediately that I want to work with him. I am also really thrilled with the idea of working with an imprint at a major publisher that is specifically built for black authors and that represents some of the most amazing black writers of our time. Fortunately, they feel the same and as I am checking in to the second to last hotel on my European journey I get the greatest email of my life- I have an offer!

Negotiations, etc. followed and in a few months I am officially a signed author.

Then I have to sit down and, you know, write a book. But it turns out, it isn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I am writing about the thing I care about the most, and never stop talking about, and am very very proud of. So it just sort of pours out of me. By the end of summer, I have finished my first book, American Identity Crisis!!!

Then more waiting. The publishing industry is slooowwwwww.

And then, finally, A RELEASE DATE AND A PREORDER LINK! And here we are! We have a book! On September 19, 2023 my very first book will be published. I could not be more thrilled. Unfortunately for you, this means you will be hearing about this book nonstop for 8 months- 80 years or so. I will never shut up about it. I will also never stop asking you to preorder it. This book is my way of getting everyone in America to understand that there are over 26 million American adults who do not have ID in this country and that we can and must solve this problem. It is my best next step to get the IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act passed. It is the best way to make sure that every American has an ID.

Also shout out to Supercreator for writing this really lovely piece about my book! I recommend subscribing for great political coverage.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Watch:

Close (limited theatres)- I would never voluntarily watch a movie about adolescents but it was free at Soho House so I went and you know what? It was great. I can see why it already has people talking. If you can’t find it in theatres, just wait, I’m sure it will be streaming somewhere soon.

All The Beauty and the Bloodshed (limited theatres)- First of all, F the Sacklers. Seriously. But also, wow, what a documentary. Navalny will win the Oscar but this one will definitely be up there. Highly recommend.

The Pez Outlaw (Netflix)- This is a very fun docu with relatively low stakes and zero anxiety for those of you just looking for a light viewing experience.

Listen:

Skyline Drive (podcast)- This fun podcast about astrology that’s really not about astrology is a heartfelt journey that I am really enjoying.

The Missing Crypto Queen (podcast)- Now that this lady is in the news again, I’m reposting my recommendation about this pod which is both fantastic and ABSOLUTELY WILD.

Beethoven (podcast)- Lydia Tár was right! I just found out that PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO CANCEL BEETHOVEN and I literally cannot. Sure, let’s blowtorch one of the pillars of Western civilization because of some misguided wokeness. I hear Aristotle was a real dick, let’s throw him out. Darwin? I don’t know her. I don’t like it here!!! So please give the 5th a spin in honor of an MVP.

Read:

Oh hi so not a big deal but SCIENTISTS CAN REVERSE AGING NOW!!!!!!! I have been absolutely losing my mind about this and I need everyone to panic with me. EXTREME IAN MALCOLM VIBES.

ALSO SCIENCE CAN DO THIS NOW!!!

Oh yeah and remember when I told you about how WE HAVE SOLVED CLIMATE CHANGE but no one wanted to pay for it. WELL THEY’RE PAYING FOR IT NOW!!!!