The first readers are in!

Hi there!

It’s been just two days since I shared the announcement about Fundraising for the Rest of Us, and already nearly 100 of you have subscribed to this newsletter. That alone is incredible, but what’s even more meaningful is what’s happened since.

We welcomed the first batch of beta readers yesterday, and they’re already sharing thoughtful feedback and fundraising stories that will be included in the book. This is exactly why I wanted to create a collaborative writing process, so the content reflects a wide range of real experiences in addition to my own.

That said, I’m going to be honest with you.

Even though I speak in front of hundreds of people on a regular basis, I felt genuinely nervous sharing the first draft. One of my investors emailed me and said, "You exude confidence in every aspect every time we’ve interacted or I’ve seen you speaking/presenting.” I am confident in the need for this book and what it offers, but letting people read something this early, before it’s polished, is a different type of vulnerability for me.

That’s also why the beta reader program matters so much to me. I don’t have to do this in a vacuum. I get to write this with input from a thoughtful, experienced, curious community, and that makes the book stronger.

If you’ve been thinking about applying to be a beta reader, now’s the time. You’ll get early access to chapters (the intro and chapter 1 are already posted!), a chance to help shape the book, and opportunities to contribute your own insights and stories.

👉 Apply here: Beta Reader Interest Form

If you know someone in the startup world who might benefit from an early read, or who has a story that deserves to be included, please share this with them. I’m especially eager to get feedback from outside my own network so the book reflects a wide range of voices.

Thank you for being part of this process!

Allison