Crashers, some exciting news—I’m officially under contract for a new book about the truly shocking amount of overlooked consensus in American politics—and why Washington won’t deliver on it. It’s due to be released next fall.
And I need your help.
Here’s a little taste of the introduction:
As I have seen up close and personal for too long now, American politics has pulled off one of the great magic tricks of modern life. It has convinced a country full of people who agree on a surprising amount that they have almost nothing in common.
A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 83 percent of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents said their side was losing more often than winning on the issues that mattered to them. So did 62 percent of Democrats. Both teams thought they were losing the same game at the same time! The way our system works right now, everyone’s right. Which means everyone is rightfully pissed and exhausted.
I’m looking for a small group of alpha readers—pre-beta!—to read early drafts of chapters and sections and give me feedback as the book takes shape.
You do not need any special qualifications. You don’t need to be a political scientist, a policy expert, or even someone who follows politics especially closely. In fact, I want the opposite: a real cross-section of readers with different backgrounds, political views, professions, ages, and levels of political interest.
What I do need is a willingness to actually read and give thoughtful feedback on a few specific questions. Things like:
Does the argument make sense?
Where did you get bored or confused?
What felt convincing—or not?
Does the writing move?
What am I missing?
The time commitment should be pretty low. I won’t be sending you a 300-page manuscript and asking for a book report. Think occasional chapters or sections, along with a short set of questions.
I am looking for people who want to engage with the material and help make the book better before anyone else gets to see it. Alpha readers will get a free copy of the published book when it hits the shelves next year.
If you are ready and willing to help me out, sign up here. I need you!
Love this idea, Casey. Usually, it's just close associates/experts who get to view manuscripts and galleys. Interested to see how widening the feedback pool works out.