Hank, I'll leave you a blurb for your book that you can use: "Haven't read the book yet, but I'm sure Hank's mom will be proud! You should pick up this book." -Random Guy from the Internet
I hadnt been watching vlogbrothers in a few years, despite being subscribed. Hank's video "please unsubscribe" ironically came up on my recommended/home page and i watched it and I've been watching more vlogbrothers since then and now I see this? Hank wrote a book?!? WOW. Im on the eBook train lately but I'll have to buy a physical copy of that because i am a designer and everything from the colour scheme to the font in thr cover to the detail on the pages(? Spine?) im in love. Congrats Hank. Wish you the best. DFTBA.
Also keep an eye out for the audio version if you prefer that. I'm pretty sure Hank said here or on the podcast that he was listening to samples or auditions of people reading from the book.
NightcrawlerofR yeah. Its crazy cuz it proved the point he made in the video. Subscriptions dont mean anything anymore if we watch things more because of their recommendation or spot on our home page. Very strange. Glad to be back doe.
Hank, sheesh! Mellow and breathe a bit. First, your brother (the author) says he really likes this book. Secondly, There are people who didn't like books like "To Kill A Mockingbird" and the Harry Potter series. Third, A SEQUEL?? That's something even John has never attempted, so COOL! Lastly, I'm guessing my galley got lost in the mail, but no biggie, I have preordered the book on Audible.
Ahhh! They're so real hank. You're a real author! I mean, like, I know it's up for preorder and john has talked about it but it's just so real seeing it here! On another note, I'm sure it's going to be awesome! Things can be awesome and still have flaws!
So, we should be on the lookout for puff levels in the younger of the Brothers Green, too? At least you have John, who has been through this roller coaster of author feels repeatedly, to provide brotherly support and advice.
I worked a a barnes and noble for a while, and one of the amazing parts of the jobs was the ability to read the advanced readers copies of peoples books. Reading them, you would accept some typos, and other small mistakes, and just be able to enjoy the unfinished product for what it was. And more than that, It game me this surreal empathy towards these writers. That these were there words, raw and out there and how much effort it took them, to not only write these books, but to put them out for the world to see. I'm proud of all the work you've done, and remember that during this last leg, which may feel like the longest, that people will love your book and people will hate it. But at the end of the day it's YOUR book.
Sending you a virtual hug right now. I have no idea what it’s like to write a book, but I can definitely relate to the whole “being judged and not thinking that positive feedback is what people really think”. BUT you have worked really hard, and as long as YOU love it, that’s all that really matters. (Also you’re your worst critic who knows all the flaws and small details, others will appreciate the book & not notice everything that might bother you) :)
Hank, you are an amazing person and you have worked really hard for this. No matter what the blurb people say, you have a massive army of people who are here to support you. Can't wait for you to feel the relief and the overflow of love and support when the book is released. DFTBA man. YOU GOT THIS!!!
I love how honest and real you are about life. It makes me feel so much more hopeful for own future, just knowing that one of the people I greatly respect also gets terrified about things the way I do. Also, I am very much looking forward to reading your book. I am confident that I will not disappointed.
There seems to be a very real phenomenon where people get depressed once they're done with a creative thing and release it into the world. Indie Game: The Movie shows it a bit (and is also a great movie) but I haven't seen it acknowledged much elsewhere.
It's something like, that your motivational system rewards you constantly when you see yourself moving toward a goal, and only once when you achieve it.
Nerdfighteria is so large and nebulous but a book is just that slab of paper and you can see it and look at it and it's like, "Wow, did I spend all that time on this?" I haven't written a book but I get that, Hank!
Just once or twice. (For the record it's called 'An Absolutely Remarkable Thing', it's out on September 25th of this current year, and you can preorder it now from your local independent bookstores as well as other places.)
I am so excited!!! I am so ready to read your book. I placed a preorder forever ago. Congratulations. I know your book will be a huge success. (BTW you ARE an artisit.)
I am really glad you said this, because think it is a really important thing to say. It can be very easy to get tied up in what other people are going to say/think about you based on your work, and it's helpful for people to hear that it isn't just them, it happens to everyone. That said, I am very excited for your book, and I hope that the release goes perfectly for you!
I love how honest you are, we all feel those things (like not believing compliments thinking people are just nice, i feel that on a deep personal level) , not everyone is brave enough to show their insecurities and allow themselves to be vulnerable on camera but that's why i love you guys and relate to you more than any other creator, i am sure your book will be amazing and i can't wait to read it.
Hank, my first book is coming out this year and watching this video about your nervousness and fear makes me feel a lot better about my own nerves. Thank you for making videos!
This is exactly how I feel every time I send one of my friends anything I've written to read. I've saved this video in my favorites, so I can show it to people in the future to explain any awkwardness I might exhibit. I'm really looking forward to reading your story, because I love stories for the sake of stories, and I love to see what creative ideas come from intelligent minds. Thank you for adding your story to the world. :)
Can't wait to read it. It'll be great because you already did excellent with your book cover and that can be a big deal in itself (I even wrote a blog entry about covers a while back and included your book in the post since it didn't have a cover at the time), writing is an art form and every artist is harder on themselves than anyone would ever be, I'm so excited for you!
As someone who used to work in a jail, I too am glad that you now know the difference between jail and prison. It's always jarring for me when people who should know better (like the news media) get it wrong. I can also relate to wanting your books to line up with sequels. I have 4 out of 5 books in a series I'm writing finished. I have not really tried very hard to get an agent or sell them because I'm not a salesperson. I'm a writer. And writers who aren't good at selling their writing never get anywhere. So here I am at nowhere, writing my books that will go nowhere.
Hank, I just want to say that these hankschannel videos have been SO refreshing. I particularly really like this one. Because I admire and respect your work and all the stuff you do, but it’s just really... relieving? To see someone who I look up to be scared about trying something new (and - forgive me lol - at an older age, too!). I’m REALLY EXCITED to read your book. And I know I will enjoy it even if it always could have been better (couldn’t everything?). That doesn’t take away from the work you DID put into it. And it’s very brave to share. But it’s also very brave to share that you’re SCARED. I don’t know if I’m even making sense... I just really loved this video and I’m super proud and happy for you.
WOW That is an intense arc. As a bookseller, I saw these all the time. The amount of care and effort that went in to producing one so spectacular already says a lot about how much faith your publishing house has in you and this thing you have created. I'm so thrilled for you and can't wait to read it!
Aww I was so excited when I saw your arc in the Victoria Schwab's post; thank you for sharing what you feel. I love the aesthetic of it and I'm so excited to read it along with oh so many others. You did that, Hank!
I'm so psyched to read this. I'm sure it's fantastic! It's so cool to have something you've worked on for so long come to fruition, and it looks really great. Counting the days till this book is released.
I'm sorry that you're having all of these feels, but thank you for sharing. It's hard to put into words how helpful it is to watch a very successful person give voice to some of your own fears. I hope you've got someone that does this for you too.
I am so excited for you! I remember three or four P4A's ago when you read the first chapter to us, and I loved it. I hope to save up enough money to buy it once it's out (which may or may not happen...money is super tight) BUT I'll read it somehow Hank! I swear! Anyway, congratulations and thanks for sharing the journey with us! DFTBA
I love so much this Hank videos. They show a side of you that is not shown on vlogbrothers or the podcasts. On the topic, in my opinion is interesting how someone like Hank, who by any metric is a successful person in his work life, which one can think is translatable into confidence, can have the same insecurities as someone like me who is looking for his first job. That feeling of not knowing if your work is good enough for others. Thanks Hank, for reminding us that we are all humans and we have insecurities no matter where we are. But we keep moving forward.
French a llama this is gonna be a good book 😍 I must say this is the first time I've said that phrase in a sentence. But crash course is also saving my life. +
THANK YOU, Hank for freaking out publicly about this. It's reassuring to see people you admire also have these kinds of fears and doubts. We hear you. Like you said, you're goin' through it, and that's okay. And though you had trouble expressing it, I think I understand why this is difficult for you. All the other long term passions you listed are still mutable. They still grow and change and you can still change them and add to them while they grow and branch out. This is different. But it IS still growing, since you're already working on a sequel; and many many people will genuinely love it (statistics work both ways) and those people will feel feelings and create great fan art or write great blurbs. ...and that is An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. (Coming out September 25th. Available for Pre-order Now)(Sorry I didn't know how to end this and I panicked)
Aw Hank, I kind of can relate with that feeling, it's kind of comforting to know that cool people do too; it's interesting to see how they feel too. I bet ur book is great, I want to get it now!
Personally, the way I allay the same fears to myself that you described here is that I strive for failure. I learn from failure. If I make something and everyone loves it, that's when I get nervous. If I fail despite my best efforts, then I have something to learn from. It does hurt a bit, but that pain is a springboard that I can use to better myself. You've done a lot of awesome stuff already Hank. You've got a lot to be proud of. Lately I've been focused on putting myself out to the world the same way you do in all your work, and you're a great inspiration to have in that. I cant wait to see your book!
I appreciate someone of your caliber admitting that criticism of one’s hard work is frightening and has the potential to be emotionally devastating, while acknowledging that it is not the end of the world if one or one’s work is not perfect. We can’t wait to read it Hank. 💜
Hank, I've got to say, I really like the vast majority of what comes out of your mind, and John's. In fact, every person I know who is familiar with you two has enjoyed you both very much. While it's true that, of course, I've never read a book by you, I can still say with certainty that whatever you've written will be interesting, insightful, funny and touching. Because that's how every one of your videos and podcasts are. I know it's impossible not to worry, but I do guarantee that people are going to love this book, as we love every one of John's, and everything you guys make. You're going to be nervous, and that's understandable, but just know that your book will be awesome, since you never forget to be.
Hank I love this energy in these uploads, hope it isn't just an outlet for book stress. Only because the book stress will surely pass, but hey there's always the sequel!
I love how honest, human and real Hank is in these new videos. It gives me so much confidence to just do things even though I’m nervous because successful people I admire are also just humans
I feel super lucky, now knowing the galley release was so limited, to have gotten one (also just says how awesome our pub rep is!). I submitted a much more thoughtful blurb through professional channels but I will say here, the book is great and it made me cry a wee bit. Well done, Hank. You should be proud of yourself.
I never thought of ARC’s like how you explained it and I’m glad you gave your point of view on it. I’ve volunteered at my school’s library for 3 years and have read countless galleys to determine if we should have them at our school, and I know students who didn’t even care about coming back to the library who took some of these books to read. Sometimes we would get some reviews back but I know plenty just went out there with people who did not know what an ARC was. I’ve found plenty at yard sales, free book bins, I’ve found some at a free charity shop too. I didn’t really think much about it because I’ve never seen it from the authors perspective, I’ve always just enjoyed the book and if I talked about it I always made sure people knew it was not the final copy. But it has to be scary you don’t know who will be getting you book when it’s so public and when changes are made not everyone is going to reread it, I know I’ve never reread any of the galleys I’ve read since I already read one version. But it makes sense of course you’re going to want people to see the final final work it’s sorta like a movie without final edits people might enjoy it but it doesn’t mean it’s the version for most people to see. I hope that made as much sense as it did in my head. Thanks for the video it made me think in a new perspective on these books.
It’s always scary to put your art and projects out into the world and to believe that people will say good things about it. It’s a lesson I’m trying to teach myself with the things I want to write and create, but I am beyond excited to buy your book and read it. You’ve put your effort into something and people see that and we appreciate it
As a theatre actor, I fully understand fear of criticism and performance anxiety on long-term projects. When it comes to opening night, I have to have a "Zen approach" to anticipating how well it'll go over. I either put in enough work in rehearsal, which will mean that the performance will go well, or I haven't, and which means that there will be some flaws in the performance. Ultimately, nothing can be done about all that under the lights. It wasn't like this at first, but receiving my final reviews and feedback before opening night actually ended up being one of my favorite parts of the creative process. As it turns out, when you work on something for long enough, you end up knowing the ins and outs of it very well, and sometimes, in some ways, you know your work better than your critics. Having the chance to confirm both your personal criticism and praise is actually quite relaxing. Beyond a simple opportunity to perform some minor edits and last-minute changes, the last feedback you get on a project lets you make peace with the quality of your performance before presenting to an audience, be it high or low. I hope you don't spend too much time worrying about what others think of your book. Whatever the case may be, whether your book is great, fair, or terrible, I do plan on giving it a read.
Oh Hank, you are so wonderfully human! I planned on getting this book just out of sheer support as I think you've really helped create an amazing online community. I expected something interesting, but I had no idea you had that in you. It is a great book and I am seriously impressed. And a sequel in the works too? Thank you! If you enjoy reading a fictional book that never goes too far in its descriptions yet enables you to visualize the details so clearly, manages to completely drag you in to its world, and makes you foolishly try to read slower so you can enjoy it just a little bit longer... get this book.
it is always always super comforting (but also why-are-our-brains-this-way-ing) to hear Established Writers echo the fears and anxieties that plague me and a lot of folks like me at just the brainstorming and drafting and daydreaming-about-a-published-future stage. also, seeing people talk about galleys always fills me w longing because i am very team paperback > hardcover and the wait for books to come out in paperback is always torturous (like, still gonna buy the hardcover, but always in wait of the not-annoying-to-hold-and-annotate version). very very excited for this!
i love how you two both are so successful and respected yourselves and still get so nervous and worried about this stuff. I'm sure it's gonna be fine :)
I am looking forward to reading your book. I find it fascinating that you put out RU-vid videos all over and even this informal videos, you put them out into the world for a large audience, but you have these feeling about releasing your book. I relate a lot to the feelings you are describing, but I feel them both for my art (in terms of formal fine artworks), but also with my youtube videos and I have a much smaller reach. I hope you find some peace and get a good blurb or two!
Dude, Hank, I'm just gonna say it: I'm so glad you are a person sharing the same earth in the same sphere of time in which I live, and that you are so incredibly talented at monologuing genuine human emotion and anxiety about this book you created with passion and enthusiasm. Thank you for bringing us along for the ride in your penultimate reflections (because we've all been there in that frenetic state of anticipation and tidal terror about our finite, concrete passion projects, but it helps to hear other people from the same vantage point). I'm really super excited to soon be able to buy and read your book and think thoughts about it, thoughts that wouldn't exist in their own unique way without reading it and undoubtedly sharing it with my friends (isn't that a strange notion). And, yeah. DFTBA
Within creative work, it’s natural to feel like no matter how hard you worked, there’s always something more that could’ve been done. Even if AART isn’t absolutely perfect, there are still going to be so many great things about it that will cancel out the “imperfections.” We support you, Hank!
This certainly reminds me of the "We are all afraid" video you made years ago. I think about that video a lot. Good luck Hank. It's such a brave thing you've done :)
I disagree with you on one thing: you are an artist. Writing is an artform. Literature is art. It doesn’t have to be Fantastic Art, but it’s still art.
I used to work for BN, and I still have a few advanced readers’ copies of various things on my shelves! This one looks so cool with the message on the edges of the pages. 📚 can’t wait to eventually read it!
I feel this so hard. If it makes you feel better, EVERY writer feels this way about their work. Remember to breathe and good luck with your release. :3
I can only imagine how nervous you must feel. I think it's great you made a video about it and processed it. Also, I've pre-ordered it and plan on liking it and I'll blurb it for you right now, ahem, "Hank Green's new book is a captivating tale filled with both wry wit and profound pondering that will open your mind and leave you begging for more." ---sarty. You can use that if you want.
I'll be honest, in your position I would probably be crying at the thought of people I respect not liking my work. It might not help any, but I'm looking forward to your book coming out. I've spent most of my life being afraid of what people I think highly of actually think of me and the things I do. You mentioned the thought of them lying/just being nice, and that thought goes through my head a lot. But most of the people who are respected have probably had that thought themselves. If it helps, my pre-order of your book was followed up by an email suggesting books by Rick Riordan and Meg Wolitzer. :)
I really enjoyed this video and your honesty. (especially the educational asides) If your book leaves me as thoughtful and entertained as your videos, it's going to be one of my bookshelf permies. DFTBA
Gosh I know this isn't helpful at all but these anxieties are kind of adorable. To explain this is such a big thing that you're doing and I'm so happy for you and this nervousness is a symptom of this amazing journey so it is so awesome to me! I'm just in awe of you and am so happy for you!!!!!!
I can't say I understand at such a large scale, but I feel nerves like those today. Tonight I'm speaking at my graduation, it's the first speech I've written and no one has seen it yet. People chose me to give this speech and I have no idea if I'm going to let them down :(
Good luck with the speech! I'm sure it will be awesome! Congrats on being selected for such a cool thing! And congrats on graduating! On another note, congrats, alix!
The side of the book saying both don't stop me now and I A M U looks so cool! hope the actual printings of the book will have that as well and it is not just an arc thing.
Having published a book or two... or a hundred (literally), this video made me smile. I have been there. Heck, I'm kinda there right now having published 3 books in the last 4 weeks. Haha! But, Hank, this too shall pass. As I'm sure your brother will tell you, book 2 or book 3, that's when everything hurts a little less. But, I do remember that after I got my first good review from a complete stranger, I broke down into blubbering tears. 😊
Sometimes I hate how my feeling betrayed my logical thinking, like how I used to be afraid of darkness despite knowing that most of the fear I have is illogical, or how I would feel nervous despite knowing that it is okay to make a mistake and I just have to do my best, or how I feel anger to someone or something I should not be I used to just follow my emotion and impulse and feel alright about it, but after studying, learning and realizing that a lot of my emotion and feeling is illogical and often went against my reasoning made me question myself and hate how my human body works
It's really hard to release something into the world, something you love, something you put your soul into, something that creatively has you in it, and know that others may not like it or appreciate it. It's too close to who you are to have that distance between you and it. This is also the best form of bravery there is.
Back in 2015, I had the pleasure of reading those chapters you tested on Patreon. You have nothing to worry about. I've read hundreds of books since then, and your storyline is still tapping on the 'unfinished buisness' compartment in my brain.
I’m not much of a blurbist, but I love reading! I’m excited to read it, friend! I already ordered An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, and I can’t wait to dive right in!
This video is so honest and nice! I could kind of relate--last year, when I turned in the first draft of my BA thesis to my adviser (after months of working on it alone), I had no idea if my argument would make sense to any other human. It was a scary feeling!
