In the Midst of Hell, A Moving Act of Kindness
What a kind, generous publicist has done for me.
I’ve written here before about how much I hate the odious job of promoting my work. I do it, of course—Botton, Ink. is a one-woman show, and if I don’t, no one else will. But behind the scenes of every promotional email and social media post you can find me holding my nose while trying to override my dread.
It’s often made me wish I had the funds to outsource that part of my job. It never occurred to me that getting this kind of help was even a remote possibility. Then, back in May—after emailing with an editor at a major publication elicited even more humiliation than usual—I quipped on Twitter/X, “In my next life I’m coming back as someone who can afford to hire a publicist.” I didn’t expect anything to come of it—I was just goofing around—but it led to a surprise act of kindness that has taken my breath away.
Not long after I posted, I received a message from
of offering to send out a press release about on my behalf. She said she’s a fan of Oldster and , and since I’d featured so many of the authors she represents, she’d be happy to help me. I was so moved by her generosity, I nearly cried.We had a Zoom meeting in which she told me what she’d need from me, and laid out a plan. Then I completely froze for several months and did absolutely nothing. Here I’d thought promoting my work on my own was uncomfortable; it was nothing compared to the idea of having a professional publicist take time out of her day to promote my work for me.
It sparked a case of impostor syndrome the likes of which I haven’t experienced in some time. To the tune of: Who the hell do I think I am? What gives me the idea that my work is newsworthy? So newsworthy that a publicist would send out a press release about it to major publications? I dropped the ball and assumed I’d never pick it back up.
Then this fall there were a few instances in which people I spoke to made it clear they didn’t take my work seriously. For instance, an acquaintance made a joke likening publishing on Oldster to having an item printed in our summer camp’s Xeroxed newspaper when we were kids in the 70s.
That happened the same week I learned an Oldster essay by Carolita Johnson had received notable mention in The Best American Essays 2024, edited by Wesley Morris. It was the second time a piece in Oldster was recognized in that way—last year, an essay by Joy Castro received notable mention in The Best American Essays 2023, edited by Vivian Gornick. There’s another piece, by Judith Hannah Weiss, that’s up for a Pushcart Prize.
It made me realize that if I didn’t take my work more seriously, no one else would. Being bashful no longer seemed an option. I had to stake a claim to my legitimacy as a a writer/editor/publisher—work I’ve been engaged in since 1986, first in newspapers and magazines, then in digital media, and now, at my own “magazines.” No, let’s lose the scare quotes: magazines. Even better: MAGAZINES.
So, I finally took Cassie up on her offer. I sent her all the relevant talking points and links. Then she wrote up a press release and sent it out to an assortment of writers and editors at various outlets. I’ve felt blown away by her kindness ever since.
We’re now waiting for responses. (If you’re a reporter or editor who’s interested, drop me or
a line and we’ll get you the press release.) But even if no one bites, I’ll be forever grateful that Cassie went out of her way for me—that she saw what I’ve been doing as worthy of others’ attention.She took me and my work seriously in a way that made me realize I need to do the same—that my work requires and deserves it. Her act of kindness has been a beacon of light for me in the midst of all this American darkness, and I will never forget it.
This is an awesome gesture of kindness and generosity. We are an ecosystem dependent on one another for survival and "thrival." Such good news. And the coolest thing that Cassie's outreach helped you look inside and see the big-hearted, talented YOU. Thanks for sharing!
ah, Sari! I admire you and all you've built so much--and it is all so serious to me. I can't tell you what a yes from you feels like from writers too, they all want to be a part of what you're doing. And this is all so sweet of you to say, thank you. It's been my pleasure every step of the way!