Self-publishing The Grief Monster means I’m doing this without the support of a big publisher’s marketing team—it’s just me, this book, and the people who believe in it. YOU are my marketing team. Every review, every share, every conversation helps The Grief Monster find families who need it.
I created this book for Landon and Bryce. This isn’t about book sales at all; it’s a passion project and one I hope will help other grieving families. It’s a book I hope people will pick up and maybe they’ll see themselves in the pages and feel hopeful after they read it. If you’ve ever felt helpless watching someone grieve, are grieving yourself, or have struggled to find the right words for a hurting child, this book can help.
How YOU can help:
1. Leave a Review Even a few sentences helps more than you know. Reviews are the #1 way people discover books.
Not sure what to write? Here’s a simple template:
- What you liked about the book
- Who you’d recommend it for
- How it made you feel or what it made you think about
2. Buy a Copy (or Two! Or More!)
- For yourself: Even if you don’t have young kids, it’s a beautiful book and conversation starter. The illustrations by Robin Hann León are detailed, beautiful and personal.
- To gift: Know someone going through a hard time? A teacher? A school counselor? This makes a meaningful gift.
- To donate: Consider buying a copy for your local library, school, church or children’s hospital.
Where to buy: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Bookshop.org
3. Share on Social Media Post about the book and tag me! Here are some ideas:
- Share a photo of the book with a caption about why it matters
- Tell a story about talking to kids about grief
- Post a screenshot of your review
- Share my original announcement post to your story/feed
My handles:
4. Tell People Who Might Need This Book. This is one of the most impactful things you can do:
- Grief counselors and therapists (especially those who work with children)
- School counselors, teachers, and social workers
- Pediatricians and children’s hospital staff
- Clergy and spiritual leaders
- Librarians
- Funeral home directors
- Parents in your life who’ve experienced loss
- Anyone who works with children and families
Just this web page or send them a link to the book!
5. Request It at Your Local Library. Most libraries take purchase requests from patrons. Just ask your librarian to order The Grief Monster! Providing them with the ISBN number (9798993386607) will help them find it more easily. They can order the book through IngramSpark. (They’ll know what this is!)
6. Help Me Get Media Coverage. Do you know anyone at:
- Local newspapers or magazines
- Radio stations or podcasts
- Parenting blogs or websites
- TV morning shows
I’d love an introduction and the opportunity to talk with them about The Grief Monster, my experience helping children navigate grief and how grownups can talk to children about grief!
7. Come to an Event (and Bring Friends!) I hope to do some readings and author talks at the library, independent bookstores and organizations in the coming months. I’ll share details on my social media and on this blog as events are scheduled. (And if you have any ideas or places you’d like me to approach about doing an author talk, let me know!)
8. Simply Cheer Me On. Putting a book into the world is exciting and vulnerable. Your encouragement means everything. Send me a note, comment on my posts, or just send good vibes. I feel it all, and it matters.
The Story of Our Lives 