How I Got a Book Deal Without an Agent or Publicist

Plus: why you should really work with an agent and publicist

It’s been nearly three years since my baby, Big Thrift Energy, came into this world. Since then, I’ve made thrifting my whole thing — I get paid to speak at trade shows, I frequently appear on television (I have even been approached about turning my book into an unscripted television show at various points).

Having my book actually be successful (i.e. selling tens of thousands of copies worldwide) is the thing I’m most proud of, professionally-speaking. My book has sold because it’s good, not because I was (or am) famous. And I got my book deal for the same reason — because I had a good idea, and a great pitch — and not because I was a big name. In fact, at the time of pitching my book, I had 5,000 Instagram followers, no TikTok account, and had never been paid even once to do a speaking engagement. I also had no literary agent and no publicist.

I am frequently asked about my book deal and how it all went down, so I laid it all out here — how I sold my first book without an agent or publicist, plus my advice for those looking to sell their own book.