I am so happy to finally share my self-publishing success story with you. Many of you have heard parts of this story over the years, but today I'm revealing everything! This is a triumphant story about overcoming rejection. It's a story that illustrates the importance of hard work combined with faith.
How did I go from a rejected author to a New York Times bestselling author? Find out in today's video.
One of my first book signings at Anthropologie, Santa Monica.
I often get asked about how I became a writer. Do you have to get a degree in creative writing? Do you have to come from a family of writers? Do you have to get picked up by a big publisher? No one's path to becoming a published writer is the same, but you will definitely glean insight from how I chose to become one.
Signing copies of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic at Barnes & Noble.
The main point I'd like you to take away from this video is that rejection from others does not have to be the end of the road for you. If you have a passion, find a way to do your passion, market it yourself and your audience or clients will find you. The cream always rises to the top and so will you. Hard work combined with passion and faith will get you places.
The following are some of the people and resources I mention in my video:
Writing class and information:
Al Watt's 90-Day Novel book, LA Writers' Lab and The 90-Day Novel Class
These are the bloggers who I mentioned in today's video. They have always been so supportive!
Easy and Elegant Life, M. Lane's Epic and Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
Visiting my literary agents in New York at Trident Media Group.
Japan News
Watch My Japan Diary from 2015 and My Japan Trip from 2016 and read the Wall Street Journal article on Lessons from Madame Chic being a #1 bestseller in Japan.
The following are the articles that my self-published book was featured in, leading to much of its success:
New York Times article, CNN , Daily Mail
I'm delivering my TEDx talk on the ten-item wardrobe in this picture, which has seen over 1.1 million views online!
Signing copies of At Home with Madame Chic at Pages Bookstore in Manhattan Beach.
News
My next book, Connoisseur Kids, will be released in the fall of 2019 from Chronicle books. I'm having so much fun working on this book!
If you are longing for more ten-item wardrobe inspiration, enroll in myeCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!
On Instagram
I love to share your Instagram photos of Madame Chic from all around the world. PinkJulep, an American Expat in London, shares the Madame Chic books and some other favorites...
Comment of the Week
Micaela writes:
Hi Jennifer, I really love your videos and over the past year I have collected all of your books. I came across your channel 2 or 3 years ago in my early university years and quickly became a huge fan! I must say that you have been a very influential role model for me to look up to. I will be graduating and entering my "real" adult life in only a couple of months and I feel like you have inspired me and prepared me for this transition. I have shown my sisters and my girlfriends your work and their eyes too have been opened to the importance of poise and living with purpose. Thank you so much for sharing your passion with the world. Love from Canada, Micaela
Hi Micaela, thank you so much for writing to me and for your kind encouragement. I am very excited to see where life takes you. Please keep us updated on the blog. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
Thank you for joining me for today's video. I hope it inspires you to go for your dreams. If you experience rejection, don't let it stop you. Be a maker. Be a doer.
Today, I would love to know what project you are working on. Are you a writer? An artist? A musician? A designer? What is your passion? Let us know in the comment section below.
Visit my Author Website
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Twitter @JL_Scott
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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
18 comments:
Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story! It truly is inspiring. I absolutely love your books, and am looking forward to reading connesseuir kids. I love to read and write. I'm particularly passionate about children's books, and reading to my kids. I have a dream to write children's books, and be a published author someday. I see the many childrens books at our local library, and think "why not?" All of these people have a book, I can too. I draw inspiration from Beatrix Potter, Dr. Seuss, Margaret Wise Brown, and many others! When I make my dream a reality, I'd live to send you my book/books. With love, Laura Fredlund
Hi Jennifer,
I loved listening to your story! Congratulations again on following your dream and achieving your success. You always remain so humble and gracious. I am an artist myself. I do watercolors, pastel, graphite, acrylic, charcoal, the list goes on! I studied Art History and current work in an art gallery but drawing will always be my first passion. I would love to be an illustrator, I have always been drawn to children`s books especially. My style is subdued and I prefer softer shades which I believe would suit a children`s story perfectly. For now, it remains a dream but it is nice knowing at any time, my watercolors, pencil crayons and paper are there waiting for me, like old friends.
Eman Husseini
IG @artbyemanportfolio
Thanks so much for sharing your story Jennifer. I love that you've remained so modest and down to earth despite your well-deserved success.
I'm working on a lifestyle book of my own, about the Italian lifestyle and your video has been hugely inspiring. I have 3 young kids too and find it difficult to fit in writing around them but your story has re-motivated me, so thanks again!
Sarah www.livechicandwell.com
I loved hearing your story! I do have a question that I've wondered about for some time. When you write about someone else, do you have to get their permission? Books and movies, even fiction, seem to always have a disclaimer.
Also, does MME Chic know you wrote about her and her family? And if so, how did she feel about it.
Thank you!
Dear Jennifer,
Thanks so much for this video. In general, I appreciate your longer videos. There's more to love! But this video is truly special, as it encapsulates the essence of your blog and books. I agree there is a larger force at work in the spreading of your message. It is so timely since "We are becoming a culture of barbarians," to quote the spiritual teacher Caroline Myss. Every day, I see, unfortunately, examples of the decline in our society, ranging from men showing so much of their underwear that one wonders why they bother with pants, to rude words on clothing, to children that are so poorly reared that is unbearable to be around them, and the list goes on. You know what I am talking about! To me, your books say, "Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater as we move into the future. There are many parts of the past that are very much worth preserving." Clearly, many people agree with you, including me.
I feel that my own successes lie in the accomplishments I've achieved in rearing my children; in holding my marriage together; in keeping my home as a pleasant refuge; in providing meals and traditions in such a way that my children are used to civilized behavior; in presenting myself in a way that I hope is inspiring to others. This is a lot, more than many others can boast, and it is enough for me. A quotation I like is, "Creating a beautiful life is the highest vocation." (from Dominique Loreau's "The Art of Simplicity") Since Jamie Cat Callan mentioned grandparents, I will say my parents and some of my grandparents were all elegant people. I am happy that I am following in their footsteps. I have you to thank for many of my achievements, and I am truly grateful.
Warm best wishes,
Alexandra
Favorite post ever! Thank you!
And congratulations, Jennifer!
What a beautiful story about your adventures in publishing. I love your books and this video provided a wonderful background about how it all came to be which I was curious about. I do a little bit of writing but have never pursued publishing any of it. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. You are one of my most inspirational influences.
Hi Jennifer! I think your story is what all artistic life should be about. The artist putting herself out there without fear and the audience responding to a lovely work. Someday I hope to make one of my first chapters into a novel. You will get a credit in the front of it when I do.
ML
PS. Thanks so much for mentioning The Epic!!
Jennifer, I love your self-publishing story! Thank you for encouraging all of us to not give up, to believe in what we are doing yet be humble and teachable.
I, too, have self-published two books. I wrote my first fresh out of high-school, while visiting my uncle in Ridgecrest, CA. I am from North Dakota, and my novel, "Called and Chosen" was set in a vineyard in Israel. However, I had never seen one, so my uncle offered to take me to vineyards in Southern California. What an experience! However, self-publishing was expensive just as you described, and after publishing my second book, "T'shuvah," I could no longer afford to keep it going. I didn't sell many books and started to doubt the quality of my work. It's been eight years since I began writing "Called and Chosen," and I've wrestled allot with being ashamed of my books instead of grateful for the experience and proud of what I accomplished.
Your story has encouraged me. Thank you and God bless.
-Makala (pen name: Hadassah)
Thanks for sharing the story of your publishing journey. I had no idea that you self published first. That took a lot of courage and perseverance! It's a good reminder to me that many of the best things in life don't come easily.
Thankyou for sharing Jennifer x
Dear Jennifer,
I am writting you for the first time. I am one of your fans from small country in middle Europe - Slovakia. I have your 3 books in my library and when I have time I read your blog. I would like to thank you for your inspiring video with your story. It has given me new strenght, new motivation to carry on...not to give up...
I like very much that you thank also to God in your video.
In October 2017 I wrote a book. Small book called LOVE, with my simple thoughts on love.
Like you I published the book by myself.
I agree with you that an editor is a good investition. I also did not hire anyone.
There are 3 reasons why I decided to write the book:
I wanted to fulfill my dream.
Another reason was that on maternity leave I felt little bit unuseful beeing at home and „only“ taking care of household and 2 small children. And the last reason was that I wanted to share my thoughts on love and give little spoon of love to the world, because I think that world today needs love.
I dont think that this book (book about love) will be bestseller.
I did not expect it and still I am not expecting it.
But your video gave me hope that there is still chance to write another - second book, that will be much better and also probably more successfull. The book that will bring pleasure also to my husband because it will deliver some money to our family budget:)
Thank you for this hope you have given me today.
Thank you Jennifer one more time for sharing your story.
Regards
Patricia Micuchova
Loved this video! I was one of those early ebook buyers who downloaded the original self-published version. I distinctly remember the day that you put up the youtube video announcing that you were going to be published by Simon & Schuster (!!!!). Just like everyone else, I had loved the book, was a total blog fangirl, and just couldn't believe it! Reliving the moment through your re-telling actually gave me chills!
What I love about you, why I continue to be a DC fan, is because you are real, kind, humble, adorable, and just awesome. Fame has not changed you!
I am always telling my kids that God gave us each unique talents, gifts that He wants us to develop, explore, and practice so that we can use them for His glory. And YOU, sweet Jennifer, are doing it.
Thank you, and God Bless you and your family always.
P.S. Would love a house tour and the love/wedding story of you and Mr. Connoisseur!
Hi Jennifer, I may have reviewed one of your books on my blog alovelyinconsequence.blogspot. I certainly loved this post and it was very inspiring to me. I have a good following on my blog and I love to write for my audience. I need a cohesive plan to market my essays into a self-published book. Not sure what my "hook" will be yet and that's what I will be thinking of over the next few days. The $3000 you spent on self-publishing, what were those expenses exactly? Do most self-published authors have similar expenses? You've given me more information than I've heard before...self-publishing seems like a mystery to me. Thank you so much!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you so much for your supportive comments. I have so enjoyed reading each and every one. I love to hear how you first found The Daily Connoisseur blog and the Madame Chic books. I truly appreciate every single one of you. We can all thank M. Lane, who has comment on this thread, for his encouragement for me to turn the blog series into a book. Thank you!
Donna to answer your question the cost of self-publishing was due to formatting the book and various other costs. Everything except for the editing, basically. Please look into though as that was back in 2011 and it might be more affordable nowadays to self-publish a book.
Dear Jennifer
Thanks so much for this inspiring video. I have written one book, (Green is Good - Smart Ways to Live Well and Help the Planet) published by HarperCollins. It did well in the Australian market (which is tiny!) and I'm now writing a new one. But I am struggling to have faith that I can do it. You have inspired me to keep going :)
I have been reading your blog for years - well before you were published - and I have enjoyed watching your journey. What I like most about your blog is your integrity. You approach life with a gentleness and kindness, qualities that I admire greatly. Thank you.
All the best
Rebecca
It was so fun for me to hear your story. I purchased your self-published book on the kindle way back when it first came out! I remember enjoying reading it while I was at my father's house in Charleston, South Carolina. I'd retreat to the guest room and read it in bed....very relaxing; I enjoyed the book immensely. I'm so happy that things have gone so well for you in the realm of writing and publishing, and I'm also happy to see how you give credit to One bigger than yourself, too!
I would also like to hear the story of her and Mr Connoisseur.
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