We already have 6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews on Goodreads... How many can we get this week? Now I have one small but powerful ask: Amazon/Goodreads reviews in the first 48 hours help determine how far this book reaches. If you’ve read even one chapter, would you take 2 minutes to leave a short review? It doesn’t have to be long. A sentence like: “This book expands how we think about women’s leadership.” is enough. Here’s the link to review: AMAZON: https://tinyurl.com/mrnhz9w8 (also QR code) GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249093744-femme-led Your words help other women find this book. Thank you for being part of this with me. 💛 #FemmeLed #WomenAuthors #BookLaunch @redthreadbooks

Thanks to all who turned out to celebrate & support the authors of this new book. Review the lessons, key learnings and personal wins.... as well as how to keep the momentum and generate new opportunities on the back end of publishing! Book launch celebration confirmed bestseller status, with authors sharing experiences with imposter syndrome and the rewriting process. Celebrating Publication and Imposter Syndrome The meeting opened with a celebration of the launch of the anthology "FemLead: Hard-Learned Lessons from Women in Leadership." Several first-time authors shared feelings of excitement about publication, alongside anxieties related to imposter syndrome, which was acknowledged as a common experience among the contributors. Achieving Bestseller Status The book was confirmed as a bestseller, an achievement considered significant given the strong market competition in the same category. The authors discussed their diverse writing processes, including challenges with voice dictation and extensive chapter rewrites, but ultimately validated the book as a necessary playbook for future female leaders. Post-Launch Strategy and Logistics Authors were advised to focus intensely on soliciting reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon to influence marketing algorithms and maintain momentum. Logistical discussions covered affordable shipping methods for physical copies and the challenges of producing an audiobook due to strict sound-quality requirements. - Welcome and Book Launch Celebration: Sierra Melcher opened the meeting to celebrate the launch of the new book, "FemLead: Hard-Learned Lessons from Women in Leadership," which was published as an anthology. They noted that the day also marked the sixth anniversary of the publication of Sierra Melcher's first book. - Sharing Feelings on Publication: Sierra Melcher invited the authors to share their feelings about seeing their book published. Several participants, including Tiffany M. Harris and Donna Marino, noted that this was their first published book. - Carol Britton's Experience with Writing: Carol Britton shared that they initially expected the second writing experience to be easier than the first, but they were surprised to find the same anxiety and strong feelings during the process. They expressed excitement about the book's release and thanked Sierra Melcher for their work in the writing community. - Acknowledging Imposter Syndrome: Following Carol Britton's comments, Sierra Melcher observed that the feeling of not belonging or not being "worthy" of inclusion was common among the authors, even within the group's leadership. Anna Dravland agreed with the sentiment of struggling with the feeling of belonging. - Donna Marino's Journey to Saying Yes: Donna Marino shared that they initially said yes to the project, then almost said no, but ultimately decided to participate, expressing gratitude for Sierra Melcher's patience during their internal conflict. They noted that they were currently experiencing imposter syndrome, which led them to undermine their contribution, but they expressed excitement about hearing from readers. - Tiffany M. Harris's Initial Reactions to Publication: Tiffany M. Harris shared that the first text message they received that morning was from a friend who had already read their chapter and loved it. They were happy for the unexpected positive feedback. - Jean Smarto's Experience and Chapter Title: Jean Smarto, who was invited to join the project by Carol Britton, shared that they loved every aspect of the experience but felt nervous about their chapter's title, "Fire That B\*\\*\*\\*". They noted that once people understood the reasoning behind the provocative title, they agreed with the message, and Jean Smarto appreciated being part of such an inspiring group of women. - Stephanie Mikulasek on Collective Power: Mikulasek emphasized that the authors, many of whom did not know each other, came together to write a "powerhouse message for women by women." They expressed excitement about the world seeing the work and hoped many people would be inspired by it, suggesting that "Fire That B\*\\*\*\\*" should be a keynote topic. - Anna Dravland's Unique Writing Challenges: Anna Dravland described a heavy struggle with imposter syndrome due to their non-traditional writing process, which involves voice dictation and complicated editing following a massive stroke. They noted that their chapter was short and less fluid than the others, but they felt permitted to be chaotic and acknowledged that Sierra Melcher's process allowed for that genuine expression. - Defining the Book's Topic and Origin: When Sylvia Wynans inquired about the book's topic, Janice Marquardt clarified that the book is titled "FemLead: Hard-Learned Lessons from Women in Leadership," offering various views on leadership and providing advice. Sierra Melcher explained that the project originated from the desire to read this kind of content, and that it brought together a synchronistic group of people who created the work in about three months. - Gratitude for Early Reviews and Support: Diana Frank shared that they felt immense gratitude throughout the process, especially when asking people in their network for early reviews. They were humbled by the time people took to make the request, and Sierra Melcher confirmed that they sent author copies to those reviewers as a gesture of gratitude. - The Book as a Playbook for the Future: Tiffany M. Harris shared that a major reason they said yes was for their daughter, intending the chapter to serve as a playbook to help her navigate life in corporate America and to know that she is not alone. Donna Marino was moved by this sentiment, noting that they have known Tiffany M. Harris since they were 12. - Realizing Permission for Individual Leadership: Anna Dravland concluded that their key takeaway from listening to everyone's experiences was that all women have "permission to do this however we have to," underscoring that there is no single right way to be a leader. They felt the process proved that leadership can look like whatever the individual wants. - The Chapter Rewriting Process: Janice Marquardt shared that they joined the project very early and rewrote their chapter three times. They noted that they ended up weaving parts of their second version into the initial approach, which was ultimately preferred, and the introductory part of their chapter was written very quickly. - Achieving Bestseller Status: Janice Marquardt expressed a huge debt of gratitude to Diana Frank for helping the book become a bestseller, noting that they had been struggling to knock off a long-time top seller in the same categories in the US. Sierra Melcher clarified that the competing book was being supported by a book marketing machine, making the achievement more significant. - Future Logistical Announcements: Sierra Melcher announced that the book has been nominated for a book award, with updates expected in May. They also stated they are still working to hit number one in the US and international bestseller status, which may require authors to update their email signatures in early April. - Discussion on Audiobook Recording: The group discussed the logistical challenges of producing an audiobook for an anthology, given the strict sound-quality requirements of platforms like Audible. Sierra Melcher suggested a non-ideal solution: using AI voice technology or recording in Medellín, Colombia, as a group. - Appreciation for Sierra Melcher's Support: Jean Smarto commended Sierra Melcher for the immense effort and work involved in managing the publishing process, stating that the project was much easier for the authors with Sierra Melcher driving it. Donna Marino agreed, noting that Sierra Melcher's leadership accelerated the process at lightning speed. - Recommendation of the Awakened Magazine Interview: Joanie Lawlor, a non-contributing member, recommended that everyone listen to Sierra Melcher's recent interview with Awakened Magazine, noting that it provides a helpful summary of the work and the value of the Red Thread community. - Asya's Quick Turnaround Experience: Diana Frank encouraged Asya to share their experience, as they were among the latest authors to join the project and completed their chapter in just a few weeks. Asya described the intense, short timeframe and shared that they enjoy the feeling of being an "impostor" because it lets people assume they are something bigger. - Importance of Momentum and Opportunities: Sierra Melcher shifted the discussion to logistics for post-launch success, emphasizing the need to maintain momentum. They strongly advised the authors to write and ask for reviews on Goodreads and Amazon to influence the algorithm. - Utilizing the New Author Identity: Sierra Melcher encouraged authors to use their new identity by making unboxing videos when their author copies arrive and by using the book to create future opportunities for speaking and visibility. They urged them to apply for relevant opportunities, citing their own application to the San Miguel de Allende Writers Conference as an example. - LinkedIn and Conference Hacks: Diana Frank provided suggestions for leveraging the publication on LinkedIn, such as adding the authorship to their work experience and making their profile bio count. They also suggested taking several copies of the book to conferences or events to use as giveaways, which event organizers appreciate. - Promotional Strategy for Upcoming Events and Community Engagement: Diana Frank intends to give a talk at an upcoming event in May and hopes to have copies of the book available to give away. Sierra Melcher and Janice Marquardt are already employing a strategy of prominently displaying their books in the background of their conversations, with Janice Marquardt planning to place "femled" underneath their book when it arrives. Sierra Melcher confirmed that all participants are already part of the writer community, which they will continue to use for staying connected. - Call for Authors for a New Anthology: Sierra Melcher has announced a new anthology, "Intrepid," and is currently seeking additional authors. The book will focus on raising children in non-traditional or alternative situations, such as "world schooling," and we are seeking contributions from people who are raising their kids in new ways. - Mechanisms for Gifting Ebook Copies: Diana Frank inquired about the mechanisms available for people who want to purchase and give away copies of the book. Sierra Melcher explained that the easiest way to give away ebook copies is through Amazon, where someone can purchase multiple ecopies in a single transaction by dropping in the recipients' email addresses. The ebook is currently available for 99 cents and will likely remain at that price for at least one week before potentially increasing to $2.99. - Options for Distributing Physical Copies: When Diana Frank and Jean Smarto inquired about methods for distributing physical copies, Sierra Melcher stated that the recipients could purchase them or authors could buy author copies to sell directly. Jean Smarto confirmed that there is no issue with placing the book for sale on an author's personal website. Sierra Melcher noted that authors willing to handle the shipping themselves will earn more money, though they could also use an Amazon Associates arrangement. - Shipping Physical Books via Media Mail: Jean Smarto shared a helpful shipping tip for authors in the United States, explaining that books qualify for Media Mail service through the United States Postal Service, which is the most affordable shipping option. Jean Smarto cautioned that nothing else can be included in the package, such as postcards or stickers, because packages are subject to auditing by the postal service. - International Shipping Challenges and Community Support: Diana Frank highlighted the significant difficulty and high cost of international shipping from their location, particularly to the US or UK. Sierra Melcher agreed, citing an example where shipping author copies to an author in Colombia would cost $800. They confirmed that the writer group is available as a resource for authors to ask questions and find community solutions or "hacks" to challenges like shipping. - Importance of Audience Reviews and Marketing: Sierra Melcher emphasized the critical importance of soliciting book reviews from the audience, noting that reviews are more valuable than the royalties earned on print copies because they serve as essential marketing. They advised the authors to keep asking for reviews, regardless of how awkward it may feel, because the audience may not realize the value of the action. Sierra Melcher concluded the call by congratulating the authors on their status as best-selling authors and promised to keep them updated on international achievements and book awards.

Launching during Equal Pay Day week is intentional. Women continue to navigate inequities in leadership representation, compensation, and recognition. This book contributes to a broader cultural shift, amplifying lived leadership stories that often go unseen. If you’re building teams, leading organizations, mentoring women, or shaping culture, this anthology offers perspectives worth engaging with. Grateful to lead this collective. amzn.to/4cY8uUp Order your ebook or paperback today! Attend the launch party (today, Noon Eastern) Congratulations to all the contributing authors... Now #bestselling authors! Asya Dimitrova Diana Frank Janice Marquardt Dr. Katherine Humphreys Sierra Melcher Donna Marie Marino Tracy Macdonald Stephanie Mikulasek Tiffany M. Harris Jean Smarto Anna Dravland Carol Britton Michelle McCartney Catalina Escobar Bravo Alexandra Yung and Ann McCreath #equalpayweek #WomenInLeadership #booklaunch #womeninbusiness

Join us to inaugurate a cohort of new bestselling authors! Invite your friends. All are welcome! 📆 Add to your calendar @Carol Britton @Janice Marquardt @Donna Marino @Tracy MacDonald @Stephanie Mikulasek @Stephanie Mikulasek @Tiffany Harris @Anna Dravland @Alexandra Yung @Ann McCreath @Dr. Katherine Humphreys @Catalina Escobar @Asya Dimitrova @Jean Smarto @Diana Frank @Michelle McCartney

This is a first for me. Awakened Magazine Cover Feature I am excitified. [excited + terrified]. In part, I did this to explore and model this possibility for the authors in this community, to report back on the experience and value of media opportunities like this. Read the article/ listen to the podcast... Have you had a cover feature? Would you want one? More importantly, how could media like this support and validate your work in the world? Share your thoughts/questions in the comments.