Praise for Michelle Lerner’s Debut Novel Ring

"It's rare for a novel so well-equipped with the bones and muscle of plot to feel like a profound meditation, but this is exactly what Michelle Lerner's RING felt like to me. Lerner's wisdom about the world seems rooted in her previous work as a poet and public interest lawyer—as well as her experience with chronic illness—but the powers of observation here and the sensitivity of expression made me feel like she was channeling some otherworldly inspiration and transmitting it to us. The spiritual traditions explored here are as lovingly researched as they are artfully rendered—our own journey ends up mirroring the healing sought in these pages. For anyone who has been through the trauma of physical and mental illness, who has yearned for sanctuary across many cultures, who has turned to the animal world to tend to our human anguishes, who longs for a model of turning loss into hope, RING is truly a balm for the psyche. I will never forget this beautiful book."

—POROCHISTA KHAKPOUR, AUTHOR OF THE MEMOIR SICK AND OTHER BOOKS

“A beautiful story of a journey fueled by grief and steeped in love. The pages turned themselves for me.”

—AMY B. SCHER, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THIS IS HOW I SAVE MY LIFE

“As the editor of a literary magazine, I love the opportunity to champion novel excerpts. I remember reading Ring for the first time. I was immediately immersed in its world, transported to this cold, insular place—a sanctuary both comforting and fraught. The characters all felt so precise, united by grief, but singular in their expressions of it. Lee’s grief in particular pulsated through those pages, even as its exact source was a mystery. I was enthralled, and excited by the questions the book raised about community and care. I could tell the novel would be a published book, and I was thrilled to bring a small piece of it to Shenandoah’s readers. Of all of the novel excerpts we’ve published, this remains one of my favorites, and I'm even more thrilled now that the book is out in the world.”

—BETH STAPLES, EDITOR, SHENANDOAH

“Ring: A Novel" by Michelle Lerner delves into themes of grief, suicide, and renewal, offering a powerful narrative for those dealing with unresolved personal issues. The story follows Lee, a grieving non-binary parent seeking solace after the loss of their only child, Rachel. The novel shifts perspectives between Lee and Rachel, creating a deep understanding of their experiences. Lee's journey intertwines with the fate of Ring, a dog brought to a sanctuary by a man intending to end both their lives. This encounter challenges Lee's views on suicide and grief. The novel also explores the cultural and social issues faced by First People residents at Attawapiskat, enriching the story with broader themes. Lerner's delicate narrative provides psychological insights and atmospheric influences of Canadian culture, making "Ring" a thought-provoking read for book clubs and psychology groups, and a valuable recommendation for libraries.”

—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

“In her spare, elegant, deeply emotional novel, Michelle Lerner takes the reader on a tortuous journey of the heart—the journey of a parent in the aftermath of their daughter’s sudden death. The measured restraint of the writing only makes the book more moving, and as the grieving parent seeks a final cure for their pain, we willingly follow them into the frozen reaches of northernmost Canada. Unique and powerful, Ring is a stunning, hypnotic book.”

—ELLEN PALL, AUTHOR OF THE ACCLAIMED NOVEL MUST READ WELL 

“Michelle Lerner's background as a poet illuminates both the language and story arc of Ring, a novel about recovery after wrenching loss. From the name of the title character, the dog Ring (whose recurring presence acts as a bell slowly tolling to draw the protagonist back to life) to the pitch-perfect descriptions of an icy retreat, this meditation on sorrow shines with well-crafted sentences that feel as if the author is singing you the song of life and death. Lerner doesn't hide her environmental sensibilities in this tale, as she leads the reader through a New Age camp for those pondering whether to continue or to stop their personal journeys. At times dark and unsettling, Ring ultimately pulls readers to the brilliant glow of the Northern Lights.”

—LIBBY STERNBERG, AUTHOR OF THE NOVEL DAISY

“With care and sensitivity, Lerner’s gripping book Ring takes readers on a journey into Northern Canada to address grief, mental health, suicide, and healing. All too often, the James Bay region is depicted in a bleak portrait, with media coverage highlighting images of despair. In contrast, Ring offers strength in connection to the landscapes and more-than-human worlds that animate the main character’s grieving process and healing journey. The emotional depth of this novel appears in each sensory detail—the crunch of snow, the taste of cleansing meals, and the touch of companionship to confront feelings of alienation. Readers wanting to learn more about the shadows of loss against the backdrop of Canadian colonialism and the brilliant light of community life when confronting hardship will be inspired and moved by this book. It belongs in the hands of teachers, health professionals, and anyone ready to envision and enact brighter worlds.”

—SARAH MARIE WIEBE, AUTHOR OF LIFE AGAINST STATES OF EMERGENCY

“In Ring, Michelle Lerner’s riveting and moving novel, a non-binary parent who has lost their beloved daughter travels to a remote sanctuary in northern Ontario, Canada to prepare themself spiritually to walk into the desolate, snow-covered landscape and end their life. At the sanctuary, they learn various practices that will help them to have a meaningful, conscious death if they decide to go through with it. Compulsively readable and highly recommended.”

—JEANNE WINER, AUTHOR OF HER KIND OF CASE, A NOVEL WHICH RECEIVED STARRED REVIEWS FROM KIRKUS, BOOKLIST, AND LIBRARY JOURNAL

Comprehensive Marketing Plan for "RING" by Michelle Lerner

1. Market Analysis

• Target Audience:

o Individuals experiencing grief or depression.

o LGBTQ2S+ community for nonbinary representation.

o Lovers of philosophical and literary fiction.

o Animal story enthusiasts.

o Book clubs with literary or political focus.

• Comparables: "A Man Called Ove," "The Light Between Oceans," "The Year of Magical Thinking," "Where the Crawdads Sing," "When Breath Becomes Air," "The Midnight Library."

2. Goals

• Awareness: Increase visibility of "RING" among target audiences.

• Engagement: Foster community interaction around the book's themes.

• Sales: Drive pre-orders and post-launch sales through strategic marketing efforts.

• Reviews: Secure reviews from reputable sources to build credibility and interest.

3. Key Messages

• A profound meditation on grief and healing wrapped in a gripping narrative.

• A journey of hope and renewal against a backdrop of loss.

• Unique representation of non-binary characters in contemporary literature.

• Emotional depth paired with an exploration of spirituality and nature.

4. Marketing Strategies

• Content Marketing:

o Author Interviews and Articles: Feature Michelle Lerner’s journey, insights into grief, and the inspiration behind "RING."

o Blog Posts and Essays: Publish content on grief, mental health, and healing on relevant platforms like Medium and the author's blog.

o Book Excerpts: Share powerful passages and chapters to captivate potential readers.

• Social Media Engagement:

o Teaser Questions: Post questions that intrigue and encourage discussion.

o Quote Graphics: Create visually appealing graphics with poignant quotes from the book.

o Author Videos: Share video clips of Michelle discussing the book’s themes and her writing process.

o Interactive Polls: Engage followers with polls related to the book’s themes.

o Live Q&A Sessions: Host live sessions on platforms like Instagram and Facebook for readers to interact with Michelle.

o Hashtag Campaigns: Encourage readers to share their stories of grief and healing using a dedicated hashtag.

• Public Relations:

o Press Kit Distribution: Send out comprehensive press kits to literary magazines, bloggers, and influencers.

o Media Outreach: Pitch to relevant media outlets, focusing on Michelle’s unique story and the book’s themes.

o Book Reviews: Solicit reviews from notable authors, literary critics, and publications.

o Interviews: Arrange interviews on podcasts and radio shows that discuss books, mental health, or LGBTQ2S+ issues.

• Community and Event Marketing:

o Book Clubs: Provide discussion guides and offer virtual author visits to book clubs.

o Library and Bookstore Events: Arrange readings and signings in local bookstores and libraries.

o Virtual Book Tours: Partner with book bloggers and Instagram influencers for virtual tours and giveaways.

• Partnerships:

o Mental Health Organizations: Partner with organizations focusing on mental health and grief support to co-host events or content.

o LGBTQ2S+ Advocacy Groups: Collaborate with LGBTQ2S+ groups for cross-promotion and support.

o Animal Welfare Groups: Work with animal rescue and welfare groups to highlight the role of the dog in the book.

• Advertising:

o Social Media Ads: Run targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

o Book Review Sites: Advertise on Goodreads and other book review platforms.

o Email Marketing: Utilize email newsletters to keep subscribers updated on book-related news and events.

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Awareness: Number of media mentions, social media reach, and engagement metrics.

• Engagement: Number of comments, shares, and likes on social media posts; attendance at virtual and in-person events.

• Sales: Pre-order numbers, post-launch sales figures, and eBook downloads.

• Reviews: Quantity and quality of reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and literary websites.

6. Timeline

• Pre-Launch (3-6 months prior):

o Finalize and distribute press kits.

o Begin social media teaser campaigns.

o Arrange author interviews and guest blog posts.

o Set up pre-order links and start promoting.

• Launch (Release Month):

o Host virtual launch event.

o Intensify social media promotions and ads.

o Conduct live Q&A sessions and media appearances.

• Post-Launch (1-6 months after):

o Continue engagement through book clubs and reader feedback.

o Maintain social media presence with ongoing content.

o Monitor and respond to reviews and feedback.

This comprehensive marketing plan leverages the unique themes and emotional depth of "RING" to engage with a wide audience and ensure the book reaches its full potential.