Fresh spin on a successful genre:This book contains many of the same marketable features of successful travel memoirs like Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love (over 5 million copies sold), Cheryl Strayed's Wild (1.5 million copies sold) and The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost (16,000 copies sold), but stands apart from the rest of the genre with its unique angle and targeted approach as the first memoir to encounter the world of travel through dance.
Colorfully brimming with the international travel, nightlife, and physical connections that people everywhere are longing for in the wake of Covid-19: Finding Rhythm's publication this fall will coincide with the emergence of a stir-crazy, activity- and travel-starved audience, who will need inspiration-and advice-for taking the reins of their own lives, embracing freedom again, and getting out into the world, or at least offer them the opportunity to armchair do so and live voraciously through the author's colorful accounts.
Ties in to surging wellness and self-care market: Book posits that dance is the ultimate wellness practice for mind, body, and soul-rich with benefits for physical and emotional health. The self-care industry clocks in at $10 billion, and studies from the Pew Research Center show that millennials are spending more on self-care than any generation before them. The same impulses that drive the popularity of wellness websites like GOOP and dollars funneled into workout classes will generate sales for this book. Covid-19 has proven that the attraction of wellness content, whether through books or online classes, is a solid, continually in-demand market.
Connection to surge in solo international travel for transformation: A survey conducted by Booking.com reports that 72 percent of American women report that they like to travel solo, and top psychologists posit that women are drawn to solo travel because of inherent openness to introspection and transformation. Moreover, according to the Pew Research Center, women are having children and getting married later in life, resulting in increased career mobility, earning power, and flexibility when it comes to spending. Women, particularly millennials who report that they are most likely to spend on experiences like travel, will find a likeminded heroine in Alinor and embrace her story.
Author will leverage growing online presence for promotion: At its nascent stages, the author's website Bailando Journey reaches 7,000 viewers a month-with no signs of slowing down. Author is the world's only self-described dance ambassador and the only person who is building a guide to tour foreign countries in a manner related to dance. Bailando Journey, the author's Instagram, has 3,000 followers and her YouTube channel has over 200,000 views. Author will use her captivated and growing following to promote her book.
Resonates with multiple media avenues: With its compelling personal narrative, fresh take on a popular genre, and aspirational message, this book makes an attractive pitch for book clubs, women's magazines, and travel blogs, all guaranteed to generate wide public interest and drive sales.
Industry Reviews
"A cross-cultural journey recounted in lively, lyrical prose packed with insight and inspiration. . . . Anyone interested in expanding their cultural vocabulary will enjoy this memorable memoir."
-Booklist
"Can you dance away the hurt? Alienor Salmon admirably and gamely throws herself-or should I say jetes herself-into answering this question, yielding a lovely portrait of both a woman and an art form."
-Henry Alford, author of And Then We Danced, Big Kiss, and How to Live
"Alienor Salmon doesn't just walk the talk, she dances it. Timely, insightful, and practical, Finding Rhythm reminds us of the importance of not just knowing but actually embodying powerful research on how to be resilient and find happiness in a constantly changing world."
-Shawn Achor, New York Times best-selling author of The Happiness Advantage, Before Happiness, and Big Potential
"Finding Rhythm is the story of a woman's search for authenticity, connection, and creativity in an overly rational world. It beautifully captures the power of dance as a tool for self-healing and allowing our inner child to cultivate joy to discover our true essence."
-Dr. Nicole LePera, The Holistic Psychologist
"A journey through the many rhythms of Latin America, Finding Rhythm shows sincere appreciation for Latin Americans, their warmth, and close social relationships. Alienor Salmon reminds us about the central importance of human connection as the key to our happiness in the journey of life."
-Mariano Rojas, happiness economist and former president of the International Society for Quality of Life Studies
"With Finding Rhythm, Alienor Salmon brings Latin America's rich cultural heritage to life through a vivid, accessible, and entertaining story."
-Tim Curtis, anthropologist and UNESCO cultural heritage expert
"As she dances her way through Latin America, Alienor Salmon offers a fascinating inside glimpse of local life. Think Bourdain, but with dance instead of food, and buoyancy over cynicism. Finding Rhythm strikes a balance between research and adventure that will make you feel like you are there."
-Joe Cummings, travel writer and best-selling Lonely Planet author
"An incredible story of stepping out of your comfort zone. Discover how dance can help you build confidence, find freedom, and truly bring out your best self."
-Griselle Ponce, world renowned Salsa dancer best known as The Mambo Diva
