September marks the one-year anniversary of the release of The Last Letter, and what a whirlwind of a year it’s been! This book, in conjunction with my Lyme advocacy efforts, has reached farther than I could have ever imagined, and it’s because of friends like you who have supported, shared, and rooted the book on that we’ve been able to make a difference in so many lives.

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Here’s where the book and our advocacy efforts have led us:
 

• Contributing writer for the Global Lyme Alliance blog

• ABC 27 News Author Spotlight interview

• ABC 27 News May 9th legislation rally (on-air interview)

• Southern Tier Lyme Conference vendor--sold out by noon!

• LymeDisease.org blog post

• Interviews on Lyme patient blogs (here and here)

• Overwhelmingly positive peer reviews

• Featured Publisher's Weekly review

• Lancaster Newspapers feature article "Putting the pain to paper"
   

Whew! It’s hard to believe, but here we are a year later, and we’re not done yet! It has always been my firm belief that The Last Letter can play a special part in the Lyme community by showing patients they’re not alone in their struggles and in helping loved ones (caregivers, family, friends) understand the intricacies of this disease. Those who have read The Last Letter are in agreement.

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Here's what they have to say:

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"This book is a MUST read! The story blends the author's personal struggle with Lyme onto the page. It is an inspiring read for Lyme patients but also very relatable and good to share with friends and family."
- Minnesota Lyme Association

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"The Last Letter by Susan Pogorzelski is a thoughtful, authentic and compelling story that will challenge and change your attitude about living silently with a chronic illness…or supporting someone you love who is living with an invisible disease." - Tina, Lyme Warrior
 

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"As a Lyme/MSIDS sufferer, I felt so much validation and for the first time in over a decade, I felt--FEEL--like I am not alone! I feel like someone gets it..." - Nika, Lyme Warrior
 

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"I didn't have any idea how bad Lyme disease is, like many people I'm sure. Of course I'd heard of it but I really didn't know much about it or the fact that you're pretty much fighting it the rest of your life. I think the author was able to relate her struggle through the character in way that will help people better understand what someone with Lyme disease is going through." - Kelly, GoodReads Reviewer
 

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"A series of letters telling an inspiring story you want to know.' - Marla, GoodReads Reviewer
 

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Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception and all we’ve done to spread awareness, we’ve only touched on a small fraction of the community The Last Letter can reach. I’m turning to you now to help spread the word.

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For the whole month of September leading up to the one-year anniversary of its release on September 20th, we're going to run a media blast with online events, social media outreach, and fun giveaways, and I'd love for you to take part.

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Here's some ideas of what you can do to help:
 

💚 Talk it up! Belong to a book club or social group? Word of mouth is the best way to spread awareness and let others know about The Last Letter.
 

💚 Write a review on Amazon/GoodReads/B&N (or cross-post to all three!). Reviews help readers know what they can expect from a book. If you've read The Last Letter, leaving a review is the easiest way to help spread the word.
 

Haven't read the book yet? Contact me for a free digital copy this month only!
 

💚 Write a review on your blog. Want an example? Check out these peer reviews from writer Colin Smith and Ear to the Ground Books. Make sure you let me know so I can help spread the word across social media and direct traffic back to your website.
 

💚 Not ready for a full review? How about an interview or Q&A? Whether about Lyme, The Last Letter, or writing and publishing, I’m happy to share a few thoughts on any subject that matters to your audience.

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💚 Social media blitz! Tweet about The Last Letter, post a picture of the book in the wild on Instagram, or share your thoughts in a Facebook post. Make sure to tag me using #lymebrave so I can spread the love.

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💚 Share the book with influencers. Know a celebrity who might be interested in The Last Letter? Let them know! Tastefully tweet or share your recommendations across social media to give them a heads up that The Last Letter might be their next big read!

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💚 Still on the fence? Here’s what else you can share:

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...The Last Letter video campaign on YouTube
...Excerpts or favorite quotes from the book
...A selection of The Last Letter social media graphics (grab the graphics on @LymeBrave's Instagram)
...Share your own Lyme story!
 

As a thank-you for your support, I'm offering 50% off personalized paperback copies of The Last Letter purchased through the Brown Beagle Books online store + a free paperback of my first book, Gold in the Days of Summer, in your shipment + your name on a special media acknowledgment page + any other goodies (books, author swag, Lyme-related items, etc) I can throw into the mix.

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Let me know how you want to get involved by emailing me at susan@brownbeaglebooks.com!

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With endless love and gratitude,
 

Susan