Introducing The Long COVID Reader by Long Hauler PUblishing™

Living with Long COVID is tough. The Long COVID Reader: Writing and Poetry from 45 Long Haulers (November 15, 2023, Long Hauler Publishing™) features essays, poetry, stories, and commentaries that explore the challenges of living with Long COVID. The anthology is authored by forty-five U.S.-based long haulers, including established writers and poets Pato Hebert, Emily Pinkerton, Morgan Stephens, and Nina Storey. This historical book is the first of its kind and reflects broad demographics, diverse skill sets, underrepresented voices, and those with little writing experience.

Long COVID stems from the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is a potentially damaging illness that can have long-term impacts on people's lives. The Long COVID Reader uses storytelling to gain recognition and support while giving readers a humanized view of chronic illness. In addition, the book raises awareness about this little-understood illness, which affects millions. Mary Ladd leads the project. Her writing is featured in Health, Playboy, WILDFIRE, and many writing and cancer anthologies. She first experienced Long COVID symptoms in March 2022.

Our contributors say it best:

"I'm excited about being in the first-ever Long COVID Reader because the pandemic was a first for the world, and our stories matter. This book means a lot to me because people have forgotten about those of us with LC who suffer in silence. Sharing my story is special to me, as this will add to another phase of my healing and restoration."

—Dr. Sabrina McQueen Johnson, wife, mother, and retired school principal

"Surviving COVID was a gift of new life. As a ‘long hauler,’ I am reminded of that every day. The Long COVID Reader will be a gift that keeps on giving to others."

—Steven Lewis, author, poet, and Sarah Lawrence College faculty

"I want to share my story so no other woman is made to believe her symptoms are all in her head. May our narratives provide solidarity for patients, information for caregivers and providers, and increased awareness and urgency for action."

—Haley Nelson, age 19. She was athletic, academic, and animated before Long-COVID, ME/CFS, POTS, and small fiber neuropathy uprooted her life.  

Fans of The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness, The Long Haul, and The Long COVID Survival Guide will love this book, which is perfect for:

* Anyone experiencing Long COVID symptoms or going through Long COVID treatment

* Well-meaning friends, co-workers, and family

* Medical professionals and researchers

The Long COVID Reader is an essential book that provides insights into what it’s like to live with this challenging illness. The book celebrates creativity and resilience with distribution by Ingram Spark; the title will be available in print and e-book formats at bookstores, libraries, and online. Upcoming book events will focus on community, equity, and accessibility and run through 2024 and beyond.

About 

Long Hauler Publishing celebrates community, creativity, and resilience. Its mission is to elevate the powerful voices of those impacted by Long COVID through a new and unique genre of patient-forward, experiential writing. The Long COVID Reader is the imprint’s first publication and published on November 15, 2023. Click the links to access our book in print, downloadable eBook, and downloadable audiobook formats. The book is available worldwide at bookstores, libraries, and online. 

Mary Ladd had professional support from a team of long haulers and medical and creative professionals. The editing team included Andrew David King (poetry), Regan McMahon, Tamara Palmer, Meagan Roderique, Sydney Seymour, Lydia Sviatoslavsky, and Ann E. Wallace. Lydia Sviatoslavsky is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and publicist, aiding Mary's efforts. Courtney Essary Messenbaugh, a Colorado-based writer and communications consultant, also helped the team. 

Featured contributors include Pato Hebert, Nina Storey, Emily Pinkerton, Morgan Stephens, Andrew David King, Dr. Stacy Wentworth (foreword), Judith Rosenbaum, Sonya Huber, Amy S., Ann E. Wallace, Dr. Abigail Koppes, Jennifer Kreatsolas, Jessica B. Sokol, May Patino, Nelson White, Rowan MacDonald, Vanessa Svihla, Corie Mogenis, David Charles Braun, Patricia Milano, Anastasia Jill, Alexis Misko, Lisa Carpentier, Rachel Robles, Dr. Sabrina McQueen Johnson, John Zeising, Ellen Belluomini MacKenzie, Michele Black, Brian Burke, Nikki Stewart, Kristy Malone, Haley Nelson, Mary Jo Mettler, Maya Lea, Tim Murphy, Steven Lewis, Shell St. James, Emily Fraser, Christopher Soden, Austin Crowley, Adrienne Asher, Rachel R. Baum, and Cynthia Gardner.

Publicity contact: longhaulerpub AT gmail.com

Disclaimer: The content provided in this book is intended to be a source of helpful information and is not meant to be used or applied as a substitute for professional services or medical advice. The author and publisher do not provide professional services or medical advice. Thus, they are not responsible for any losses or injuries that may result from applying any information in this book. The publisher and author disclaim all liability for any loss or damage as a direct or indirect consequence of using any content in this book.

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