You Never Forget Your First

Early Invite: Join my launch team

Your first pet. Your first kiss. Your first home.

There’s something really special about firsts.

My first book releases on May 6th, so I’m assembling my first launch team to help give it the best chance at a successful debut.

In our post-bookstore world, launch teams (also sometimes called street teams or ARC teams) play an important role in connecting new books with readers who might love them.

Bookstores used to play a huge role in this. Publishers knew they had a captive audience because bookstores were the only place to find a new book. You’d browse shelves by genre and chat with staff (and maybe other shoppers) to find your next read. If a store recommended a new book to customers by prominently displaying it or having staff talk about it, it had a good shot at selling well.

But now, in an online-dominated world where 8,000-11,000 new books are published every day, books rely on word-of-mouth, algorithms, and social media buzz to get noticed.

That’s where launch teams come in—it’s a group of people who help spread the word before and after the book is released. They write reviews, share on social media, and tell others why the book matters.

Basically, they help create momentum so the book doesn’t just disappear into the void.

Sign-ups for my launch team officially open on Monday. But you, my Substack friends, have been the most supportive and encouraging of this book (and of me).

So, I’m giving you dibs.

Why join the launch team?

It’s like a book club—but better.

You get early access -

Launch team members get to read the book before it comes out…like, almost immediately after you join the team.

You get bonus content -

You’ll receive free goodies and exclusive bonus content, such as photos, videos, instructions on making the most authentic Indian chai, and more.

You get community -

I’ll host weekly Zoom meet-ups (starting the week of April 20th) for my launch team to discuss the chapters and connect with other readers. These are optional, but as a former member of other launch teams, I can tell you that these virtual meet-ups are one of the best parts of book launches.

If you’re unavailable to Zoom, you can still chat, ask questions, and connect with fellow team members in a private Substack space I’ve created for my launch team. There, we’ll discuss, elaborate, and connect in the comments of weekly posts that will drop a few days before each Zoom meet-up.

If you’ve been planning on reading my book anyway (blush), consider joining the launch team for an enhanced, more connected reading experience. 

…and in return?

In exchange for early access to Tiger in a Lifeboat and all the extra content and community, launch team members are expected to complete as many of these tasks as they can:

• Post about Tiger in a Lifeboat on social media (don’t forget to tag me!)

• Leave an honest review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org when you’ve finished reading…just copy and paste the same review across all sites

• Request that your local library stock my book

• Follow me on Instagram if you’re not already. Like, share, and comment on anything I post that resonates with you

I will make it as easy as possible to do these things. They should only cost you a smidge of time and attention, but trust me when I say: they are immensely helpful for fledgling authors like me.

Are you in?

I hope this sounds fair and manageable. Heck, I hope this sounds fun! If you’re in, here’s how to join the team:

• Pre-order any version of Tiger in a Lifeboat sometime between now and April 20th. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org

• After you’ve pre-ordered, fill out the form at this link

Once you’ve submitted your form, you’ll get access to your ARC (advanced reading copy) of Tiger in a Lifeboat via email so you can start reading. You’ll also get an email letting you know you’ve been added to my exclusive launch team Substack space.

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For the busy ones…

If you’re living a big, beautiful, busy life and can’t even remember the last time you sat down and read an entire book, I want you to know:

You do not have to be a launch team member to support me and my book. You don’t even have to read it!

Books are like comfort food: they should always feel nourishing, indulgent, and delicious—and never like an obligation. So, if you’re full, please don’t feel you need to put my book on your plate.

Here are a few fast ways that you can support me (and other newbie authors) that cost you no money and very little time:

• Follow me on Instagram if you’re not already

• Like, share, and comment on anything I post (here and/or on Instagram) that resonates with you

• Post about Tiger in a Lifeboat (don’t forget to tag me!)

• If you want to buy a copy of my book, think about donating it to a Free Little Library near you so another reader can discover it

• Send me nice DM’s and tell me that no, I’m not annoying, and that the self-promotion of my book is thorough without being obnoxious, and that I get a gold star for never giving up on my dream. 🌟

No matter what works best for you, please know I’m deeply grateful for your love and support. 🧡