Read This If You Want Your Book Out NOW

When Lauren Marie Fleming sent her first book out to publishers, she was rejected over and over and over again. 

People loved what she had written, but the universal rejection was, “go work on your platform.”

And of course they had no advice on how to do that. 
(Luckily, you have me, because I do.)

What Lauren decided to do — in addition to the usual stuff, like making sure her website looked good and her social media was updated — was to connect with people. 

She started purposely and intentionally creating relationships with colleagues and competitors. 

She was purposely kind, supportive, and generous. Connections became friends and those friendships became reciprocal, even deeply supported. Working in the film industry and for celebrities, Lauren recognized that there was power in the relationships she had built with the colleagues she saw every single day in her “normal” job.

Over time, friends became community. And that community became part of her author platform.

Lauren knew that platform was key because the friends she had who published books without an audience, without significant marketing, and without a plan in place — went nowhere. So she decided to double-down on community, building her network and overall reach as the biggest part of her author platform. To this day, she’s only got a few thousand followers on Instagram.

That community supported Lauren and kept her going — after her second book idea got rejected because she wouldn’t include diet advice in a book that helped readers love their bodies.

And when she wrote another novel?  

You know her community supported her when she sent queries to more than a dozen literary agents — and 13 rejections came back. 

What I want you to notice about Lauren’s story is the timeline.

• She started writing her first novel in 2004

• Her first book was rejected in 2012 because she didn't have a platform

• She started building her network as an author platform in 2014

• Her second book was rejected in 2016 for BS editorial reasons (my language, not hers)

• She drafted another novel that she nearly gave up on. When Lauren did send that novel to agents in 2019, most deemed her work as unsellable — or asked her to make substantial changes, including making the book “less queer” — (eye roll from me)

• Her next book went to 13 literary agents in 2022 before someone was interested

Ultimately — 

Eight agents were interested in Lauren’s novel, and she ended up with her dream publisher. 

Not to mention a massive first printing, tons of 5-star reviews, and movie interest.

Keep in mind — 

Lauren spent 20 years believing in her dream of becoming a traditionally published author. 

And I’m sending you this email about her and for her because she’s my friend. 

And because her book — Because Fat Girl — comes out tomorrow. Click here to order it.

This email is a reminder to never ever stop believing in yourself or your book.

As Lauren said herself: 
You never know when the next yes is coming. 
Sometimes, you’re ahead of the curve.
And sometimes you’re just not ready.
You just gotta keep asking.