The many (book launch) thoughts running through my head

Less than two weeks before the release of my book, Heart Centered Business: Healing from toxic business culture so your small business can thrive, and I have so many different thoughts running through my head that I want to share with you.

For instance, I wanted to warn you about how hard it is to launch a book really well. It takes up a LOT of time and energy, and it is work that is absolutely separate from running the business. And, although I’ve really appreciated my publisher, a lot of the promotion has been on me personally and on the Heart of Business team. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a substantial, critical amount of work being done by our publicist- jointly hired by us and by the publisher, and she’s been amazing.

And, it’s a LOT. And I feel like there’s so much more we could be doing.

Another thought is how many times I’ve been reduced to tears by the kindness and care that people have extended toward me around this book. I’ve asked people to say good things about it, to share it with folks, to interview me… and I keep hearing from people I love and respect, as well as people I barely know, how just the excerpt of the the book has brought healing to them, or those who have had an advanced reader copy, how often they’ve cried, or had insights into their personal life, and not just their business.

I’m deeply moved, but not terribly surprised, because the time I was learning Sufi healing at the feet of my teachers I was crying pretty much continuously through the healing journey. I cry less now, but is it because of the healing I’ve done, or because I’m all dried out from the tears spent?

Yet another thought is how much doubt arises in me. When I’m tired, doubts rise much more easily, and I’m so stretched by a full life expanded even more by this book launch. Holly, my wife and partner in Heart of Business, and I are having ridiculous arguments, which were really worthy conversations that collapsed into anger just because of fatigue. And conflict brings up doubts…

Finally, but not really finally, the deep peace of resting, of returning to remember, over and over again, how I don’t need to carry the stress and worry, that I can ask for help externally and internally in my heart. How I find a sense of deep rest and peace in myself, a deep sense of connection to Holly, to the book, to the team, and to you all.

This reminds me that I’m not trying to create an outcome, my only job is to show up with love and care when I can, rest when I can’t, and find joy through it all.

About the book itself.

I’ve come across so many books by happenstance. Usually because someone I respect recommends it.

Everything that thrives in this world does so because it’s had heaps of help. In the Jewish tradition, it’s said that every blade of grass has its own angel standing behind it, encouraging it, “Grow! Grow!”

This book has had heaps of help from so many people, and yet it needs more to truly spread its wings. it’s easy for me to ask for help when it’s someone else’s work that is doing amazing things. For instance, Abigail Rose, whom I know through social media but whose presence is really incredible, her own book “Returning Home to Our Bodies: Reimagining the Relationship Between Our Bodies and the World– Practices for Connecting Somatics, Nature and Social Change” will be released in January, and I’ve already pre-ordered it. 

Don’t you know it’s a cardinal rule in the world of business to not distract the potential buyer with other offers? Well, that’s not how we’re going to weave a world of love and possibility and healing and justice. If you’re more drawn to Abigail’s book then mine, or you want both, please, do what’s in your heart, meet your own needs.

And, if you have space to add to the wind under my book’s wings, I would dearly appreciate it.

If you go to the book’s website, you can find links to pre-order it. Or, you can start just by downloading an excerpt. You can also see some of the things people have said about the book that reduced me to a puddle on several occasions.
https://www.heartcenteredbusinessbook.com

Last week, when I asked for help then, too, many people offered to help spread the word. If you are willing to help spread the word, and you have an audience, or circles to share it with, you can go here:
https://heartcenteredbusinessbook.com/help-promoting/

Yes, getting as many orders as possible by October 3 is amazing support. And, truthfully, the promotion of this book will be at least over the next year, so if your timeline doesn’t fit the launch, I’m happy to accept help later in the year that allows the book to soar far and high.

Hit reply and let me know if you want to interview me for your newsletter, podcast or other, or if you want our support in sharing this with your people.

And if you pre-order, and that’s what you do, that is such a deep blessing as well.

with love and gratitude,
Mark Silver, M.Div.
Heart of Business, Inc.
Every act of business can be an act of love.