Coming soon to a bookstore near you

Publications

The world is an especially awful place right now, although in many ways, it always has been. But there are bright moments in the midst of it, and I’d like to share one with you: my first book, co-authored with Roxane Gay, is publishing this June.

I’ve had the pleasure of working for and with Dr. Gay for a little over three years, first as a freelance editor, and then beginning in 2022 as her project manager. Last year, she asked me if I’d like to work on this project with her, which is out in June with Leaping Hare Press, an imprint of Quarto Books. We’ve been quiet about this as we’ve prepped it for publication amidst working our way through a host of other projects, but I’m excited to tell you a bit about it now.

DO THE WORK is more of a guide than anything. Our goal was to give readers a framework for better understanding power and how it shapes our lives and our communities. It features overviews on theories of power, examples of and commentary on power dynamics and imbalances evidenced in our society, questions to help readers think more deeply about power, pages for reader reflections, space for readers to articulate action steps that they can then enact to reframe their relationship to power and to help empower others, a short reading list of other texts offering insight into power, and vibrant, evocative illustrations by the talented French graphic artist Aurélia Durand.

We wrote this first for readers who are looking to improve their knowledge and understanding of power dynamics and their relationship with social justice issues. We also wrote it for people who are interested in becoming involved with local organizing efforts in their community but aren’t sure where to start. So many of us have good intentions when we enter organizing spaces, but success in those spaces requires a certain level of self-awareness, a shared social justice framework, and a community mindset rather than one that's hyperindividualized. I hope this guide will help folks begin to do the work on their own to become more supportive, aware, and community-minded collaborators in organizing spaces and any place where people are seeking to disrupt power imbalances and reclaim power. 

One final note: you all might notice my name appears first on the cover. That ordering was at Roxane’s insistence; the truth is, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to write a word of this manuscript without her invitation. Co-authoring a book with her is an honor. I’m humbled by and grateful for the trust and confidence she’s shown in me.

DO THE WORK is out in the U.S. on June 18 and in the UK on June 20. I hope you’ll pre-order a copy, share this post with someone who might be interested, or ask your local library to order a copy.

Thank you in advance to those of you who choose to become readers of our new book. It’s a relationship I value, and I don’t take it lightly. I look forward to talking more with you all about this book as we get closer to publication.

And thank you for reading.

As always, I’m right here with you.

(Apologies to anyone who received this twice as an email. Substack was apparently a bit glitchy this morning!)