by Travis Sackett

Friends and family were the first individuals I contacted. I recall sending over a thousand personalized Facebook messages, in hopes of converting each connection into a potential reader. Roughly 30 percent of the people I reached out to across all networks took the time to respond.

In less than a week, I sold over 200 copies of my memoir. Life as a soon-to-be published author seemed relatively simple. Post on social media daily, reach out to contacts individually and make ample book sales. The overall task of selling a memoir no longer seemed so daunting. As the presale campaign concluded, my publisher challenged me with a new undertaking. Obtain 30 book reviews in the next 30 days.

How was I supposed to obtain reviews for a book that people just ordered? Furthermore, where were these reviews supposed to be posted once they were written?

How was I supposed to obtain reviews for a book that people just ordered? Furthermore, where were these reviews supposed to be posted once they were written?

For a moment, I was lost.

Fortunately, I was reminded that I could connect with my beta readers for potential reviews. They came through and produced a handful of glowing reviews.  Additionally, I was able to utilize the beta reviews as social media posts directly sponsoring my book. After posting the beta reviews, I had a few additional readers reach out to ask where they could post a review. Slowly, I began gaining momentum.

Next, I concentrated primarily on Amazon, since I believed that was where the bulk of my book sales would stem from. As reviews trickled in, my book became rated on a five-star scale. I vividly remember feeling absolutely elated when I visited my book’s page and saw it was rated five out of five stars with over a dozen supporting reviews. I also remember reading each review and immediately sharing the feedback with my wife. Each unique reader evaluation came coupled with a level of validation. I was soaring high.

Then, the worst thing imaginable occurred. My book received a one-star rating. No accompanying review for explanation, just the single star.

Overall, my stellar rating dropped nearly two stars. I was absolutely crushed and yearned for some type of feedback. I honestly would have settled for any comment, some form of criticism that could explain why a reader rated my book so poorly. My confidence was rattled, I began to question if my book even deserved all the early praise.

As I danced with imposter syndrome, people continued to read my book.

Roughly a week after receiving the one-star review, I saw a notification for a direct message request on Facebook. The individual who sent it was not in my network and I had to approve the message prior to viewing it. Cautiously, I accepted and read the message.

The sender stated she had purchased my book from Amazon and read it in an evening. She also said, “Your story has given me courage to continue my journey. It gave me the courage to reach out for a psychiatric assessment for tomorrow instead of proceeding with my suicide plan.”

Suddenly, the one-star review and overall Amazon ratings no longer seemed significant. In that moment, I remembered exactly why I wrote my memoir. I shared my story to provide hope that recovery is possible while offering a voice for often-ignored populations that are forgotten or left without one. Ultimately, I wrote about my struggles to help others find answers to their own.

Suddenly, the one-star review and overall Amazon ratings no longer seemed significant. In that moment, I remembered exactly why I wrote my memoir.

To date, “My Life with Karma” has helped over 2,000 people on their journey to recover from substance use disorder.

While I remain extremely grateful for every positive review that the book receives, I’m more thankful for the lives that I’ve been able to touch. I believe connection remains the key to helping others understand addiction and find ways to overcome it.

To purchase your copy of “My Life with Karma,” click here.

Travis Sackett is resilience personified. Having overcome an abusive childhood, Travis went to college to study criminal justice, hoping to become an agent for change. While fulfilling this role, he was jaded by severe corruption in the system. During this time, Travis sustained an injury while training, resulting in an opioid addiction that led him to a life of crime. Through the help of his canine companion, he pulled himself up and out of the mud and began living his life again.

As a fully disabled individual, Travis refused to be held back by circumstances. He persevered and decided to share his story in his memoir My Life with Karma to increase empathy toward often-ignored populations that are forgotten or left without a voice.

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