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Hello, SparkPeople Members! I’m writing to you with a new edition of the State of the Spark Address, and I have one of the most exciting updates in the history of SparkPeople. Ever since I developed the original SparkPeople program to help myself overcome my anxiety and reach my goals, I have wanted to turn the program into a book. About 12 years later, this is finally happening…and in a BIG way! SparkPeople just signed a major book deal with Hay House, the world’s leading publisher of self-improvement books and products! The book will be in major bookstores and other retail outlets by January 1, 2010. You can pre-order you copy today at www.SparkPeopleBook.com! We’re excited that this could bring SparkPeople to millions of additional people. I am working on the book now and am incredibly happy with how it looks so far. We met with most of the top book publishers, many of whom had amazing comments and wanted to publish the book. It was a thrill to walk into the offices of all the top publishers and tell them about SparkPeople. One editor we met with said something like, “I want you to know that I’ve been doing this for 20 years and have seen thousands of book proposals, but this one really touched my heart.” There is already a good amount of buzz about the book. The SparkPeople book will be a great tool for current members and people not familiar with the website. We are developing a new program for the book that will help increase the odds that members reach their goals. It’s also obvious already that a book is a much better format to present much of the philosophy behind the SparkPeople program and that it could be an inspirational tool for anyone. We’re also conducting a good amount of research to find out what worked best for our most successful members. This is a real team effort that includes the work and ideas of many different SparkPeople employees, experts and members. We have also been fortunate to add an incredible person to our team to lead our publishing efforts and other projects. Her name is Tami Booth Corwin. Tami is formerly a president at Rodale Publishing. Tami is known as a “hit-maker” in the publishing industry because she signed and helped to develop major books like The South Beach Diet, The Biggest Loser, and many others. Tami has been blown away by the excitement SparkPeople members have for the site and one another. She has even used the SparkPeople site herself to reconnect with her sister-in-law by starting a SparkTeam to motivate each other to work out. This book deal is just another step that will help us SPARK even more PEOPLE to improve their lives. By working hard to reach your own individual goals, motivating other people on the site, and spreading the spark to others, you are all contributing to something incredible—something that is turning into an international movement that will help millions of people! Once again, I want to thank all of you for your help in making all of this possible. We’re doing amazing things and continuing to grow, and we have our members to thank for that. Next year (2009) should be a great year for all of us! Happy Holidays to everyone! SparkCheers! Chris "SparkGuy" Downie SparkPeople Founder/CEO Important Update: 9/25/09 I'm thrilled to announce that my book, The Spark, will be published in January 2010 and is now available for pre-order at a discounted price. To learn why placing your order early matters, please read this blog post I recently wrote. To learn more about the book, place your order, and read a sample chapter, please go to www.SparkPeopleBook.com. Thanks for helping to Spread the Spark! – SparkGuy |
