You did it. Your support for homeschooling pushed it to #1.
My book, Home Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child With Confidence is the #1 New Release in Christian Homeschooling resources on Amazon and I am overwhelmed. I've been ugly crying all week. My husband is starting to get a little concerned.
(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)
In fact, this book was never supposed to be published.
Two years ago, when my literary agent began shopping this idea of homeschooling with bravery around to about a dozen of the biggest Christian publishing houses in the country, the outcome didn't look so good.
She received this kind of message from most of them. “Great writing. Should Jamie write anything else, we’d love to see it. But, we’re gonna have to pass on this one because homeschool books don’t sell. It’s a fringe market.”
At first, I thought their words were just a brush-off, something the acquisition editors say just to be polite. But then I began to look at all the most popular books published by homeschoolers or about homeschooling in the last ten years. With the exception of one recently published nonsecretarian (or secular) homeschooling How-To book, there hasn’t been a traditionally-published book about homeschooling in quite some time.
Yes, several homeschoolish books have hit the shelves--books containing themes of “read to your kids” or “parent well” or “get organized.” But not one of them has had a message specifically written for homeschooling moms or about homeschooling.
The most popular homeschool-themed books have either been self-published or have come from smaller, curriculum-based publishers like Apologia or BJU Press that do not have the influence or advertising dollars to land the book in the public square. That’s not to say that these books haven’t done a lot to move the needle in favor of homeschooling. I know they have. You know they have. Many of us would not be homeschooling if it weren't for these books. But the traditional pub houses that received my work-in-progress didn't seem to see it that way.
But, in God's great Providence, my book baby just happened to land on the desk of an acquisition editor at Moody Publishers.
His name is John. He's a great guy. But what's even more interesting, he's a homeschool dad. That's right. His wife sits in the same seats as you and me. She's faced the same fears and has had the same doubts that have draped over each and every one of us.
His name is John. He's a great guy. But what's even more interesting, he's a homeschool dad. That's right. His wife sits in the same seats as you and me. She's faced the same fears and has had the same doubts that have draped over each and every one of us.
As he sifted through my words, John didn't see a "fringe movement." He saw you. He saw how much you matter--how much homeschooling matters.
John and all the wonderful people at Moody took a chance on me when they offered to publish my book, but even more than that, they took a chance on homeschooling.
Needless to say, leading up to book launch day, I felt a significant amount of pressure to make sure my Homeschool Bravely was well-received. I knew that book sales would drive the decision makers to take note of our voices.
And you came through! You plunked down real cash money to buy a copy. You spread the word. You shouted from the curb.
You made it plain to all the big wigs behind the publishing curtain that homeschool moms matter. And I thank you!
I wish I could say that this is it--that we can all dust off our hands and lay down our work because the job is done. But I can't. The truth is there's still more to be done. And so, I'm asking for your help.
If you value homeschooling resources--if you want to be more encouraged and equipped or allow future homeschoolers the same privilege, would you consider joining me in any/all of the following? Consider this a game plan to swing the publishing doors wide for homeschooling messages.
Grab an extra copy
Have you already purchased your own copy of Homeschool Bravely? Great! Thank you. Would you consider making another purchase for a friend, perhaps for that one homeschool mom at your co-op who's considering a surrender? Or for that young mom at your church who's just not sure if homeschooling is the right choice.
Give your opinion
If you've read my book, would you take just a few minutes and leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, Christian Book.com, Barnes & Noble, or any other site where books are sold. Reviews and ratings are what online retailers use to put books in order on a search page. The better received a book is the more it is apt to appear towards the top of a category.
Here's what others are saying:
"This has to be the most encouraging book regarding homeschooling that I have ever read. Her words resonate deep within my heart and act as a bold reminder of why I love homeschooling so much.”
~Julie
"This is the book every beginning homeschool mom needs to read. AND every veteran homeschool mom who needs that shot-in-the-arm, the refresher on why she is doing what she is doing, the reminder of what is important, and Who is really the Head of her school. I've been homeschooling for 20 years, and I needed to be reminded of everything Jamie wrote here.”
~Barb
Use the hashtag
If you're ever sharing on social media about your own personal journey to homeschool with bravery, would you mind using the #homeschoolbravely hashtag? It allows other moms to see that they are not alone--that there's a growing tribe of mothers who understand the daily struggles they face and who stand in their corner.
Share the love
Remind fearful moms that bravery is within reach by sharing one of the book quotes or the book trailer with them.
Book quotes and trailers not your thing? No problem. There's plenty of other things worth sharing.
For instance, I've had so many wonderful people link arms with me in the last few months to spread the word about what it means to homeschool with bravery. I am so grateful for their generosity and support. Would you help me thank them by spreading their messages in your spheres of influence? In doing so, you'll not only be planting seeds for Homeschool Bravely, but you'll also help the idea of homeschooling grow deep roots across the publishing landscape.
Here is a list of fellow homeschoolers who have had something to say about what it means to homeschool with bravery.
For instance, I've had so many wonderful people link arms with me in the last few months to spread the word about what it means to homeschool with bravery. I am so grateful for their generosity and support. Would you help me thank them by spreading their messages in your spheres of influence? In doing so, you'll not only be planting seeds for Homeschool Bravely, but you'll also help the idea of homeschooling grow deep roots across the publishing landscape.
Here is a list of fellow homeschoolers who have had something to say about what it means to homeschool with bravery.
Podcasts
The Smiling Homeschooler: I joined popular humorist and homeschool dad, Todd Wilson and his son Ben to talk about the struggles of homeschooling with tots.
The Homeschool Solutions Show: I unpacked my strong feelings about the importance of manners training with my friend, Pam Barnhill.
School House Rocked Podcast: Listen in as I shared about letting go of "school" in order to educate with excellence.
Cultivating Grace Audio Blog: If your best friends are books but you just can't seem to spend enough time with them because busy seems to always be riding shotgun in your day, take note of my top 5 tips for squeezing more personal reading time into the day.
The Busy Mom Podcast: I teamed up with author and popular conference speaker, Heidi St. John, to discuss what it means to homeschool with bravery.
Homeschool With Moxie Podcast: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the impetus for Homeschool Bravely. It's a long story with a happy ending!
Joyfully Homeschooling Podcast: I sat down with fellow homeschool blogger, Mystie Bailey to discuss my own personal homeschooling fears.
The Homeschool Sanity Show: Dr. Melanie Wilson asked the tough questions about homeschooling and schooling-at-home.
The Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network: I talk about what it means to teach through life with Life as a Lifeschooler host Danielle Papageorgiou
Simply Living for Him: Karen DeBeus and I talk about how we can walk bravely on this journey because we are called to this mission by God.
Legacy Homeschool Reflection: This interview is packed with Scriptural truth about both parenting and homeschooling.
Finding Beautiful Here: Hear a father's take on homeschooling with bravery as well as some thoughts on meeting with God each day, even during busy seasons of mothering and homeschooling.
Radio Interviews
Airing the Addisons with Wil and Meeke Addison
Ken and Deb Mornings on Moody Radio
Blog Posts
The Fail-Proof Response for the Homeschooling Naysayers on the iHomeschool Network blogNo More Moanful Motherhood on Heidi St. John
The Simple Productivity Hack I learned from Caroline Ingalls on Simple Homeschool
Write about it
Do you have a blog or online space? Would you consider reading the book and writing a longer online review? If so, be sure to tell me about it. Tag me on social media or place a link here in the comments. I'll be sure to promote your work by sharing it around the internet and by putting it on this list. The same goes if you decide to host a giveaway of my book.
Yes! You Really Can Homeschool With Bravery! on Heaven Not Harvard
Homeschool Bravely With Confidence on This Bit of Life
Homeschool Bravely by Jamie Erickson on Heather Fiedler
Homeschool Bravely a Book Review on Jump Into Genius
How to Fight Your Biggest Homeschooling Fear on Heart-to-Heart Homeschooling
Homeschool Bravely Book Review on Life in the Mundane
Homeschool Bravely by Jamie Erickson on Heather Fiedler
Homeschool Bravely a Book Review on Jump Into Genius
How to Fight Your Biggest Homeschooling Fear on Heart-to-Heart Homeschooling
Homeschool Bravely Book Review on Life in the Mundane
A final word
I wrote this book to help other moms quiet the voices of "not good enough" and to remind them of the courage that is there's all along in Christ. Yes, I want it to sell. Yes, I want to open the doors for other books and resources for homeschoolers. But even more than that, I want to see other moms homeschooling with bravery. 1/3 of all new-to-homeschool moms quit after the first year.
That's not OK.
Homeschool Mamas, let's not let one more mom forfeit on our watch. Let's be authentic. Let's share our struggles. Other moms want to know that they are not alone in this. Despite the opinions of so many publishing execs, homeschooling moms deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. Doesn't everybody? Homeschool with bravery, encourage others to do the same, and together, we'll turn the tide on fear.
That's not OK.
Homeschool Mamas, let's not let one more mom forfeit on our watch. Let's be authentic. Let's share our struggles. Other moms want to know that they are not alone in this. Despite the opinions of so many publishing execs, homeschooling moms deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. Doesn't everybody? Homeschool with bravery, encourage others to do the same, and together, we'll turn the tide on fear.
Congratulations, Jamie! The Christian homeschooling community is blessed and encouraged by your strong, uplifting, Christ-centered words about home education - both in your book and here on your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jessica!
DeleteThank you for this book. I really hadn't planned on purchasing it, but really wanted the Quick Start Guide to Brave Homeschool Schedules. So I pre-ordered it. I just got it about a week ago and I just finished it Sunday! I couldn't put it down.
ReplyDeleteI am a homeschool mamma of 3 and this is our 4th year! Our oldest two were in public school for a few years.
Your words of encouragement were refreshing. Many of your words were words I have thought or have said to myself, especially on the not so great days. Or the words of praise that remind me of why we chose homeschooling in the first place.
On the hard days and even the great days, I smile when God allows one of my kiddos to shine and He reminds me once again, why we chose to homeschool. It's not always been an easy road, but it has been such a rewarding road.
To see my children gain confidence in their learning. To hear my daughter say she likes algebra, something I thought I'd never hear uttered from her lips! To see my son able to write with such description, when only a few years ago getting any amount of words to paper was a struggle. Teaching my youngest to read, he's my all home grown. I love seeing his progress this year, it amazes me each time he reads! Or finding ways for my kids to learn in their way and seeing the light bulb go off. Knowing they can do it, we just needed to find the right key!
Keeping my eyes on the target, that is what I need to do. This has been our best year yet, PRAISE GOD! He has brought us through so much and we have learned so much! I just told my kids today I have learned more about the human body by being their mom and teacher than I ever did in school. I totally related to your comment on this with your daughter! We mom's will go to the ends of the earth to understand our kids.
I will continue being the "purple sheep" that God has called me to be. I will continue to teach my kids that it's okay to be "purple", to be like Daniel. It's not easy and sometimes it can be lonely, but it's all worth it! We just need to be Brave and allow God to lead us.
Thank you for the work you are doing to encourage homeschooling families!
God Bless
I'm so glad the book was an encouragement to you. I hope the eGuide was helpful too! Thank you so much for ordering both. Keep on with courage!
DeleteI just finished the last page of your book, Homeschool Bravely. Thank you Jamie for writing this book. I couldn't put it down. It is encouraging, well written, and honest. This book made me laugh and it made me cry. God is so good, I'm so thankful for the opportunity we have to homeschool our children. I love the reoccurring theme of trusting in God for our children's future, for eternity. He will never leave us, or our children. We need to trust in Him always. He is faithful to do the work, we just need to obey. Thank you for your wisdom and thoughtfulness throughout this book. If you are on the fence about ordering this book, buy it, you will not be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely endorsement of my book! It's so nice to know there are many moms out there who recognize God's hand in their children's story.
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