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Marcus van der Post

Marcus van der Post

Berlin, Germany

Marcus is a Dutch author living in Berlin. With a background in sales and training, he has transformed his personal experiences into powerful stories of self-discovery and healing.

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About the author

Marcus, a Dutch man based in Berlin, weaves his personal experiences into captivating narratives of self-discovery and healing. His background in sales and training provides a unique lens through which he explores the complexities of human connection, vulnerability, and the transformative power of authenticity.

'Wine in hand, head in the sand,' is how Marcus describes his way of life before a traumatic event forced him to confront the life he was living - and the roots of that life. Marcus's writing delves into themes of addiction, mental health, and the challenges of navigating life as a highly sensitive individual, diagnosed with ADHD. His stories resonate with readers, offering a space for empathy, understanding, and hope. Through his work, Marcus invites us to embrace our own vulnerabilities, confront our past, and step into the light of self-acceptance. He believes that being honest with oneself is the first and most crucial step towards healing and living a fulfilling life.
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If Hidden Addiction: Head in the Sand, Wine in the Hand hits 500 pre-orders by Wednesday 30 October 2024 2 P.M. UTC, then it will be pitched to 46 traditional publishers when the campaign ends. If Hidden Addiction: Head in the Sand, Wine in the Hand hits 250 pre-orders by Wednesday 30 October 2024 2 P.M. UTC, then it will be pitched to 43 hybrid publishers when the campaign ends. If Hidden Addiction: Head in the Sand, Wine in the Hand hits 500 pre-orders by Wednesday 30 October 2024 2 P.M. UTC, then it will be pitched to 106 publishers when the campaign ends.
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Publishizer is a crowdfunding literary agency. If 500 pre-orders is reached, then we pitch this proposal to traditional publishers. If not reached, then it gets pitched to non-traditional publishers.

Hidden Addiction: Head in the Sand, Wine in the Hand

Hidden Addiction is a raw and inspiring memoir of Marcus's journey to overcome self-destruction and societal pressures. He bravely confronts his Hidden Addiction, embraces his true self, and challenges societal norms through therapy and self-reflection. Marcus's unflinching honesty makes him a powerful guide, inspiring readers to heal, find purpose, and reclaim their lives.

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Personal Growth & Self-Improvement
60,000 words
100% complete
1 publisher interested

Synopsis

1. The Hidden Struggle: The Epidemic of "Hidden Addiction"

In today's fast-paced, achievement-driven world, many individuals grapple with a silent epidemic: 'Hidden Addiction'. Unlike more visible forms of substance abuse, hidden addictions often masquerade as socially acceptable behaviours, making them difficult to recognise and address. These addictions can range from workaholism and excessive exercise to compulsive online shopping and unhealthy relationships, in this case, alcohol and cocaine abuse.
The pressure to maintain a perfect facade and the fear of judgment often prevents those suffering from seeking help. They may appear successful and well-adjusted on the outside, while internally battling feelings of shame, isolation, and despair. Studies show that hidden addictions can significantly impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. It's a crisis that affects millions, yet remains largely unspoken. This book is about discovering the root causes of Marcus 'Hidden Addiction. 

Who does not know somebody, that has a Hidden Addiction?


2. A Path to Healing: Marcus's Story and Roadmap to Recovery

"Hidden Addiction" offers a lifeline to those struggling with this silent epidemic. Through his own courageous journey, Marcus illuminates the darkness of his 'Hidden Addiction' and provides a roadmap to healing and self-love. He shares his experiences with therapy, Rapid Transformational Therapy (Hypnotherapy), mindfulness, and family constellations, demonstrating how these tools helped him uncover the root causes of his destructive patterns and create lasting change.

  • Key Takeaways and Methodology:
    • Identify Your Hidden Addictions: Marcus helps readers recognize the subtle signs and symptoms of hidden addiction in their own lives.
    • Confront the Root Causes: He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying emotional triggers and past traumas that fuel addictive behaviours.
    • Embrace Self-Compassion: Marcus guides readers in cultivating self-acceptance and forgiveness, essential for breaking free from the cycle of shame and guilt. He challenges loneliness, which is one of the strongest triggers for addiction.
    • Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: He shares practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and negative emotions without resorting to addictive behaviours.
    • Create a Life of Purpose: Marcus inspires readers to pursue their passions and build a life filled with meaning and fulfilment.




3. The Author's Voice: Marcus's Unique Perspective.


As a former sales expert in the luxury industry and someone who has always been in the spotlight, he brings a unique perspective to the topic of 'Hidden Addiction'. His own experiences with self-destruction and his subsequent journey to healing make him a relatable and trustworthy guide. Marcus's raw honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering belief in the power of self-acceptance resonate throughout the book, inspiring readers to embark on their own transformative journeys.

Sales arguments

  • Prevalence of Behavioural Addictions: Research indicates a rising prevalence of behavioral addictions, with estimates suggesting that up to 10% of the population may be affected.
  • Impact on Mental Health: Studies have linked hidden addictions to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide. One study found that individuals with behavioural addictions were twice as likely to experience depression compared to those without such addictions.
  • The Mask of Success: Many individuals with hidden addictions maintain a facade of success, making their struggles even more difficult to recognise and address. This "mask of success" contributes to the stigma surrounding these addictions and prevents people from seeking help.
  • Marcus' raw honesty will ignite your own journey of self-discovery. His story isn't just about his struggles; it's a blueprint for finding your own path to authenticity and healing.
  • Leveraging his online marketing skills and 3,500+ social media followers, Marcus has the potential to reach a significant audience.

Similar titles

  • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Similarity: Both challenge self-help norms, promoting self-acceptance. Difference: Manson's focus is broader, while "Hidden Addiction" targets the specific struggles and recovery from hidden addictions. Advantage: "Hidden Addiction" offers a fresh perspective on behavioral addictions, with Marcus's personal story creating a strong connection and offering hope.
  • Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. Similarity: Both emphasize vulnerability and authenticity for a fulfilling life. Difference: Brown explores vulnerability broadly, while "Hidden Addiction" focuses on the shame and vulnerability linked to addiction. Advantage: "Hidden Addiction" provides a targeted approach to overcoming addiction's challenges, combining personal narrative with practical tools.
  • Atomic Habits by James Clear. Similarity: Both focus on the power of small changes for lasting transformation. Difference: Clear focuses on building positive habits generally, while "Hidden Addiction" tackles breaking free from destructive ones. Advantage: "Hidden Addiction" combines habit change with understanding the emotional aspects of addiction, offering a holistic approach to recovery.

Audience

Since Hidden Addiction affects countless individuals, this book is relevant to a broad audience, particularly men and women between 25 and 50.

Advance praise

Since this is my first book, I have solely the reviews of my proofreaders.


1. I am so proud of what you have achieved for yourself, your strength and determination and your mission to use your own suffering to help others. You are truly inspiring and I am positive your book will heal hearts.

Thank you so much for including me, I appreciate that so very much. 
I am looking forward to everything that is going to happen with your book, please let me know if I can support you further. I am in your corner rooting for you! :)

Lena ( RTT therapist)


2. What I most admire about Marcus's book is its honesty. Too many 'self-help' books have a preachy tone looking at issues from the outside in. Marcus takes us on the honest, intense and moving journey from the inside out. There is the Socrates quote that the unexamined life is not worth living. Marcus opened his eyes to the toxic elements in his life, triggered by an almost life-threatening experience, and made his way to the light. He is a powerfully honest guide.
I have been honoured to offer my thoughts as I have seen his book evolve, and I know it will be a great source of support to those who read it.

Martin


3. This book offers a powerful exploration of addiction's impact on individuals and families. As someone unfamiliar with these struggles, I found it enlightening and moving. It encourages self-reflection and understanding, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to grasp this complex issue.

Haley


4. Marcus takes you on a transformative journey through his life, recounting the chronological events that have shaped his experiences. By delving into his memories, he uncovers new insights and shares them with the reader. Through therapies and engaging, emotional writing, he addresses the topic of Hidden Addiction, a common struggle that resonates with many readers on their road to enlightenment. It is truly inspiring to gain insight and learn from your experiences through the lens of love.

Marloes


1 publisher interested Express interest

The publishers will be visible after the campaign has ended.

1106 Design, LLC

Dear Author,

You worked hard to write your manuscript; finally, it's ready to release. You know that expert assistance is needed, but perhaps you didn’t realize that working with a publisher is no longer necessary—especially publishers who charge fees to produce your book upfront and "share" more of your revenue whenever a book is sold.

1106 Design is an author services company. We offer all the editorial and design services you’d expect from a publisher, transforming your manuscript into a market-ready book. But here's the difference: we help you secure print-on-demand printing and worldwide distribution in your name. This means you earn several dollars more for every book sold instead of a meager “royalty.”

We understand that your book is not just a passion project but also a potential source of income. That's why we offer a range of services tailored to your needs at affordable prices. Depending on your manuscript's word count and complexity, our packages range from $4,000 to $10,000. And here's the best part: after this one-time investment, every penny of net revenue from book sales goes directly to you, never to us.

If this sounds like a better way to publish your book, I invite you to browse our services, design samples, no-surprises pricing, outstanding customer reviews, and educational articles at https://1106design.com. You can download a free PDF of my book, "Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing and an Insider's Look at a Misunderstood Industry," and request a free, no-obligation consultation.

1106 Design has been in business since 2001 and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. We are a “Highly Recommended Expert” at IngramSpark.com and rated "Excellent" at Alli, The Alliance for Independent Authors, at SelfPublishingAdvice.org, where you can find a "watchdog list" of the best and worst publishing services companies.

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Service publisher

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Worldwide

A Short Explanation of My Book: "Hidden Addiction"

Sharing sample chapters is challenging because I believe the chronological events are best read bit by bit. So, I've decided to write a short explanation instead.

For years, I questioned whether I had a problem. Did I? My whole life, I've tried to adapt to what I thought was expected of me. The book begins where my life began, in The Hague, Netherlands. By writing my story, I took the chance to look back and learn from my experiences. Interestingly, writing through the eyes of young Marcus allowed me to relive moments and feelings. Looking through the lens of love and seeking self-understanding brought many insights.

Throughout the chapters, you'll see my writing style evolve alongside my realisations. (I wrote as ideas and insights popped into my mind). It was fascinating to see myself through the eyes of my younger self and then through the adult's perspective. There's also a third observer: me, the writer of this story. Three perspectives, through many different eyes, as I develop over the years with age and experience.

Writing about certain parts of my life wasn't easy. I felt guilt, shame, and sometimes embarrassment for my own behaviour.

Step by step, my self-love grew, as did the determination to share this and perhaps help the many people I know who hide their addictions, whether substance or behavior-related. I saw increasing loneliness in my surroundings, and with modern communication styles through social media and dating platforms, people generally don't seem to be thriving.

The first step to healing, for me, is honesty towards oneself. I believe loneliness is addiction's best friend, and I felt a strong need to speak out, to break this cycle and make "Hidden Addiction" a topic people discuss openly.

While writing, I felt the familiar angel and devil on my shoulders. The third presence, a weight I felt, was Family. What was I doing to them, exposing sometimes very private information? What would they say?

My intention is to improve lives, but I also saw myself losing people through this process, fearing my story would be misunderstood. And it happened. I lost some friends, but it's okay. Growth sometimes means leaving things behind.

Sometimes life paths separate, and through introspection, I realised that I had changed, along with my expectations and values for friendships. My family is my blood, and they never intentionally hurt me. My parents did what they thought was best, and I am grateful for that. 

They were, after all, also parents for the first time.

I take responsibility for my life now and don't want to blame anyone anymore. It's ultimately my decision what I allow and don't allow in my life.

My family didn't take it lightly, but they supported me. There were interesting confrontations, and the aftermath of writing and publishing could be another book's topic. Who knows, maybe I'll explore that later.

In this book, I use myself—my mistakes, traumas, and perceptions—as an example of how to look at yourself without judgment, shame, guilt, or unnecessary pain. I'm not a therapist, but I've found my way to deal with my "Hidden Addictions." By opening up, I hope readers can too.


Please log in to comment.

  • Bethany Marshall
    on Sept. 30, 2024, 4:43 p.m.

    Can't wait to see this lovely book in print! Way to go Marcus!

  • Alexey Glotov
    on Sept. 30, 2024, 4:53 p.m.

    Dear Marcus, you are a lighthouse 🌞❤️🫰

  • Elwin Flint
    on Sept. 30, 2024, 6:05 p.m.

    Make the rest of your life the best of your life ❤️

  • Lena Büchele
    on Sept. 30, 2024, 6:47 p.m.

    Can‘t wait to read it! Thank you for being so brave to share your inspiring story!

  • Anonymous
    on Oct. 1, 2024, 4:07 p.m.

    Good luck⭐️
    Can't wait to read your book, you got me with the spoiler..

    💕

  • Robbert de Bar
    on Oct. 1, 2024, 7:05 p.m.

    Keep it up!! In kijk er na uit je boek te lezen :D

    Groetjes Robbert

  • Liesbeth Flint
    on Oct. 1, 2024, 9:31 p.m.

    Lieve Markus,

    Ik wens je veel succes bij de uitgave van je boek " Hidden Addiction " en bewonder je moed om dit te delen met lezers en ze zodoende hulp en inspiratie te kunnen bieden.
    Lieve groet ,
    Liesbeth

  • Jasmin Arnold
    on Oct. 3, 2024, 8:27 a.m.

    Dear Marcus,
    I am really looking forward to reading about your journey, your way and how you became this wonderful person you are.

    Thanks so much for sharing your deepest with the world. xx Jasmin

  • Katrin Tabari
    on Oct. 3, 2024, 3:10 p.m.

    …ich will es noch einmal betonen wie ich mich freue, dass Du „Dein Buch, Dein Leben geschildert hast, und wünsche Dir
    viel Erfolg damit. 👍👍👍
    Auch wenn es nicht so läuft, wie Du und alle, die Dich kennen und mögen läuft: Denk immer daran an die Zeit, die Du beim Schreiben investierst hast, und die Dich befreit hat von Deinen Problemen. Du bist ein ganz wertvoller Mensch❗️
    Dazu noch hübsch und liebenswert…💋

    • Marcus van der Post
      on Oct. 6, 2024, 8:41 a.m.

      Liebe Katrin,

      Das hast du genau richtig. Es ist und war sehr wertvoll für mich. Diese arbeit mache ich tatsächlich auch um anderen in den gleiche situation helfen zu können besser mit deren eigenen Problemen um zu gehen.

      Du bist die beste!

      Danke!

  • Gretta Simonis
    on Oct. 6, 2024, 7:39 a.m.

    Ha Marcus,
    Wat ontzettend fijn en goed dat je dit boek geschreven hebt. Zo mooi en moedig hoe je je open stelt en je verhaal wilt delen. Ik zal het met liefde en interesse lezen .
    De compassie die je hele presentatie uitstraalt, zowel naar jezelf als in je missie anderen te willen helpen ermee zal zeker bijdragen aan een wereld waarin we meer open kunnen zijn over onze worstelingen en een weg naar heling kunnen vinden.

    • Marcus van der Post
      on Oct. 6, 2024, 8:35 a.m.

      Hi Gretta,

      Wat een fijne verrasing jouw steun ook te mogen ontvangen!
      Dit doet mij goed.

      Liefs,

      Marcus

  • Sigrid Traunecker
    on Oct. 6, 2024, 4:29 p.m.

    Your book presentation moved me deeply. I look forward reading the whole story. So lovley hearing Lena's voice in between.
    Kind regards