5 Updates About My Book On Deconstruction

I wrote a book on deconstruction. A lot has happened.

As you might know, I’ve been writing a book on deconstruction with InterVarsity Press. I’m excited to say that I have five huge updates that I’m finally allowed to talk about.

1. Title

The book is called:

Walking Through Deconstruction: How To Be A Companion In A Crisis of Faith.

This book is not a memoir about my life, though there are stories from my life in it. This book is not written for people who are deconstructing, though I think they would find it helpful.

This book is for people who are walking with those who are deconstructing and want to be a helpful, loving companion for them in the journey. If that’s the spot you find yourself in, whether you’re a pastor, parent, friend, or just a thoughtful Christian wanting to be informed and prepared, this book is for you.

2. Cover

We have a cover and I love it. Check it out. IVP has some of the best covers in the industry in my opinion. This cover serves the book well.

3. Forward

As you probably saw on the cover, Gavin Ortlund graciously agreed to write the forward to it. I was ecstatic when Gavin said he would write it. I’ve benefitted tremendously from his ministry, Truth Unites, and I think it’s the best apologetic resource on the internet today. I hope readers of the book who want to understand and have answers for some of the more difficult parts of the Bible and our faith find their way to Gavin’s YouTube and are as edified by his ministry as I am.

4. Release Date

The release date for Walking Through Deconstruction January 14, 2025. I’ll be honest, it’s a little farther out than I anticipated, but that’s mainly due to my having no idea how the publishing industry works. Every other author I’ve talked to said that’s normal. It’ll be released two years and five days after I signed the contract for it. That’s a full year of writing and editing a full year of getting the book ready to publish and getting the word out about it.

Which leads to the final point.

5. Pre-Order The Book Today

I’m actually kind of shocked to say this, but you can pre-order the book right now. It’s on Amazon (if you don’t see the book cover now, it should update soon) or directly through IVP’s website.

I know every author says this, but it’s true: pre-orders are almost more important than orders after the release. Pre-orders tell publishers and retailers that this is the kind of book you want. It influences placement in Amazon’s algorithm, how it’s featured by the publisher, its availability and placement in physical bookstores, and more. While I have no illusions about this book being a bestseller, pre-orders count toward the first week of sales numbers which is what bestseller lists look at. The more pre-orders there are, the more likely it is to end up on a list that gains the book more exposure. The more pre-orders, the quicker the book makes back the costs it took to publish the book. Most books sell at a loss, so even just making back the cost of the book tells publishers that this book is something people want to read.

So I have a pre-order goal. It might sound modest, but you’d be surprised. I would like to have 500 copies pre-ordered before the release date. If 500 copies were pre-ordered, it would make back the cost of the book before it releases and then some. This would allow me to put more into the marketing of the book after it is released to help it reach even more people.

If every single subscriber to this newsletter pre-ordered just one copy today, we would exceed that goal immediately. If you want to be a part of that, would you consider pre-ordering now?

It’s surreal to see this work come together. I’ll never forget the feelings of submitting the manuscript or getting the book cover in my inbox for the first time. I’m so excited for this book to be out in the world.

Thank you to everyone who has made this possible and to everyone who has been along on the journey.

— Ian Harber