by T. Gilbert, C. McHardy & C. Plourde
Sex, Desire & Intimacy After Sexual Trauma. 17 stories beyond recovery where survivors reclaim their bodies, hearts, and sexual desires
Thousands and thousands of people across the globe have experienced sexual trauma.
And Animal Mineral Press is a new indie publisher that wants to make a difference.
This Kickstarter launches Animal Mineral’s inaugural publication, a book that will speak to survivors of sexual trauma. The book, Making Out LIke a Virgin: Sex, Desire & Intimacy After Sexual Trauma, shares messages of hope, strategies for recovery, and examples of strength from those who have also been violated and who can now say they are living a full life. That they claim their body without shame, fear, or guilt. That thriving is possible.
The book includes 17 contributors from around the world — men and women of all races, ages, abilities — whose backgrounds are connected by their refusal to be defined by sexual trauma. They celebrate their victories, reflect on their journeys, and share how they got their bodies back.
Kickstarter supporters rewards are built to multiply the effect of each supporter–multiple formats, multiple copies, multiple ways to get this book out in the world:
Why is this book important to all survivors?
Regardless of age, gender, identity, sexuality, or location on the globe, victims and survivors are everywhere. These writers share how they have found their way to move beyond shame, guilt, and fear. Unstuck. Without imposed limitations. “Recovery” is deeply personal, completely individual, and totally possible, and these stories open that conversation.
Catriona says it well: This project does not just belong to us. It belongs to the courageous contributors whose stories fill this book and to people everywhere that have experienced sexual violence. It is for the lovers, friends, and families who have witnessed their loved ones’ pain and struggles to survive. And, it belongs to the many people and movements who have worked tirelessly to change the prevalence of sexual violence. It belongs all of us who want to see a culture that is free of sexual trauma of any sort. Financial funding is critical. We want you to join us in making this project a success. Be part of this with us!
“A poignant, diverse and courageous collection of experiences of sexual trauma that celebrate our resilience as human beings to survive, heal and live full, satisfying lives.”~Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Making Out Like a Virgin: Sex, Desire & Intimacy After Sexual TraumaThe premier book published by Portlyn Media, an imprint of Animal Mineral Press. Available in print, ebook, and audiobook.
Edited by Catriona McHardy and Cathy Plourde, with a Foreword by Sue William Silverman; Audiobook performed by Tavia Gilbert
As “newBees,” launching an indie publishing company, leading with a book by survivors is a bold and brave move…and though risky, we don’t think we will get stung! The bees and honey themed rewards levels are a positive image
…of working well together with our writers, readers, and creative teams,
…of being industrious (and cute), and
…of contributing to the health and well-being of the world.
Our investment in this book and company is high, as everything’s built from the ground up.
Upfront costs have included legal advice on contracts, building a website, a block of ISBN #s, and myriad other new operating fees (such as Dropbox, bookkeeping, urls, hosting…).
Production costs for this book in all its formats include book/logo design fees, mastering, proofing, printing, mailing, and shipping. We’ve budgeted for review and shipping costs, publicity, and some advertising.
That’s about 10K before the book has gone on sale, and doesn’t reflect the monetary value of donated time and talent from friends, family, colleagues in the book industry, and advocates/experts in the anti-sexual violence field. We have called in a lot of favors to make this book happen!
There is a short window of time before the publication date to create buzz about the company and book as “newbees” and that requires some heavy lifting. We expect Making Out Like A Virgin to do well with word of mouth to steadily grow over time. What happens out of the gate is really important and will lay the foundation for Aminal Mineral to publish other books. We have to get as many reading copies out to the world as possible right away: book reviewers, podcasts, radio, or other media slots; we are looking to reach professors who may put the book on their syllabus; and want to work with national and regional organizations to get the word out to their organizations through newsletters, etc.
In case it’s not yet clear: your support is critical.