Short Story

Unburned explores the intersection between burnout and identity—and how losing yourself in work, roles, and endless to-do lists can leave you feeling like a stranger in your own life.

See the right side for early access, signed copies of Unburned, and special supporter rewards.

, United States (US)

UNBURNED

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2 Days Until Launch
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Goal: $10,000.00

About My Book

My name is Sarah Oelschig, and I’m the author of a forthcoming book called Unburned. I was inspired to write this book after experiencing burnout myself—on paper, everything looked great. But inside? I was exhausted, disconnected, and quietly wondering if this was just… how life felt now. Spoiler: it’s not. And I wanted to create something honest, relatable, and hopeful for anyone else who’s ever cried in their car or Googled “how to disappear without ruining your career.”

Unburned is a compassionate, science-backed, and often funny guide to what happens after burnout—the part no one talks about. It blends stories from my own life and coaching practice with psychological research and practical tools that you can use toward your own recovery. My hope for this book is that it helps you find your way back to yourself—not by adding more to your plate, but by clearing the clutter and getting honest about what actually matters.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Relatable stories, like finding acceptance and peace via a runaway kitten
  • Mindset shifts rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy and self-compassion research
  • Practical tools to redefine productivity, set boundaries, and rediscover joy
  • A deep dive into why burnout happens and why recovery is more than just taking a nap

You’ll love this book if you’ve ever whispered, “I hate this place” into your coffee and had no idea what to do next. If you’re perpetually exhausted, quietly resentful, or have fantasized about hurling your phone at the next person who says “just try meditating,” this book is for you. Unburned offers practical, science-backed steps for recovering from burnout, without the toxic positivity. And yes, there are moments to laugh, too. Especially when crying in your car (again) no longer feels like a sustainable coping strategy.

Unburned is a nonfiction book for anyone standing at the edge of “What now?” It’s for professionals exhausted by the grind, parents who’ve poured so much into caregiving they’ve forgotten who they are, and those quietly asking themselves, “Is this all there is?” Whether you’re feeling disillusioned in your career, untethered from your identity, or simply craving something more, Unburned offers a way back to yourself. If you’re ready to reconnect with your purpose, rediscover what lights you up, and redefine what thriving actually looks like, this book offers the insights and tools to help you get there.

Launch Ticket Perks & Exclusive Packages

Everyone who purchases during my presale will receive:

  • A physical copy (paperback) or digital copy (ebook) when I publish in Spring 2026.
  • The opportunity to have your name featured in the Acknowledgements section of my book (“with Special Thanks to”). 
  • You will be invited to join my Author Community and get behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into the publishing process.
  • You will have the opportunity to be involved in finalizing my cover.
  • Early access to the Introduction and select excerpts near the final draft.
  • And more!

More About My Publishing Journey

My publisher (Manuscripts) gave me a publishing team to help me produce and launch my book. I am working with:

  • A revisions editor, copy editor, and proofreader this summer to further hone my book (when you buy a copy during my presale, you’ll get early excerpts and access to earlier versions of my manuscript!)
  • A marketing specialist to coach and support me in marketing efforts, and help me reach new audiences
  • A cover artist and layout editor who will be designing my book. (The mockups you see currently are a placeholder!)

I am also looking at releasing my book as a hardcover and audiobook edition based on the number of copies sold during the presale:

  • If I pre-sell at least 250 books during my presale, I will also publish an audiobook edition.
  • If I pre-sell at least 300 books during my presale, I will publish a hardcover edition and an audiobook.

Other Ways to Support Me

Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help:

  • Please share my presale campaign on LinkedIn or Substack with your friends, family and network. Please use #Unburned and tag me so we can help amplify your efforts.
  • Please recommend my book to five (5) friends, family members, or co-workers who you think would enjoy it via text or direct message on social media.

Thank you so much for all of your love and support!

Thanks again,

Sarah

About The Author

Sarah Oelschig is a dynamic leader and coach with a deep passion for helping individuals thrive. As the HR Director, she drives initiatives that foster a vibrant, engaged workplace. In her coaching practice, Sarah empowers individuals to navigate challenges and reach their full potential, blending expertise with empathy.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Santa Clara University and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco, Sarah combines a strong understanding of human behavior with a knack for leadership development. 

Sarah is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and is committed to helping people achieve success—whether in the corporate world or through personal coaching. When she’s not at work or coaching, Sarah is a proud mom of two daughters and enjoys playing the piano, staying current with pop culture, and immersing herself in the latest books, movies, TV shows, and music.

To learn more about Sarah’s work, upcoming projects, and coaching services, visit SarahOelschigCoaching.com or connect with her on LinkedIn or Substack.

📚 Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you doing a Presale Campaign for this book?

I’m choosing to do a presale to build a supportive reader community from day one — your support helps fund editing, design, printing, and much more!

What do I receive when I support your presale?

Depending on the reward tier you choose, you’ll receive signed copies, bonus resources, live session access, or personal acknowledgments in the book.

What will appear on my credit card statement?

You will see ‘MANUSCRIPT’ reflected on your credit card statement.

When will I get my Perks and Packages?

Books (Ebook, Paperback, Hardback) will be delivered in Spring 2026.

Other perks, depending on what you ordered, could be released before the book is printed and published. I will reach out to you when each perk is ready for delivery. I will be regularly communicating with you after the campaign to keep you updated.

What are the Risks and Challenges?

I’ve already written the first draft of my manuscript. I have a publishing timeline in place and a team lined up to support editing, design, and distribution.

The main risks are:

  • Timeline shifts during production or printing (I’ll communicate transparently!)
  • Supply chain or shipping delays (especially with printed copies)

During revisions, I will engage with you regularly to keep you up to date on my progress.

Can I purchase multiple times?

Yes, you can order multiple times.

Are preorders refundable?

Preorders are non-refundable. However, you may transfer to another individual at no charge.

When is the deadline to support your presale?

See my social media posts for timeline information.

PRESALE PERKS AND PACKAGES

$50.00
VIRTUAL LAUNCH PARTY + EBOOK: You will receive a Ticket to my Virtual Launch Party and a Digital Copy of my book when I publish. You'll be invited to join my Author Community, where you'll get early access to my Introduction, help me select my cover, and be with me throughout my journey. Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book.
April, 2026
Estimated Delivery
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$65.00
VIRTUAL LAUNCH PARTY + 1 SIGNED PAPERBACK COPY + DOWNLOADABLE WORKBOOK: You will receive a Ticket to my Virtual Launch Party, receive a Signed Paperback edition of my book, as well as a downloadable workbook. You'll also be invited to join my Author Community, where you'll get early access to my Introduction, help me select my cover, and be with me throughout my journey. Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book.
April, 2026
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$100.00
VIRTUAL LAUNCH PARTY + 2 SIGNED PAPERBACK COPIES + DOWNLOADABLE WORKBOOK: You will receive 2 Tickets to my Virtual Launch Party, receive 2 Signed Paperback editions of my book, as well as a downloadable workbook. You'll also be invited to join my Author Community, where you'll get early access to my Introduction, help me select my cover, and be with me throughout my journey. Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book.
April, 2026
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$150.00
VIRTUAL LAUNCH PARTY + GROUP COACHING + SIGNED PAPERBACK + DOWNLOADABLE WORKBOOK: You will receive a Ticket to my Virtual Launch Party, receive a Signed Paperback edition of my book, a downloadable workbook, and be invited to a 60-minute group coaching session (via Zoom) with me to focus on burnout recovery and redefining thriving. You'll also be invited to join my Author Community, where you'll get early access to my Introduction, help me select my cover, and be with me throughout my journey. Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book.
April, 2026
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$250.00
VIRTUAL LAUNCH PARTY + 1:1 COACHING + SIGNED BOOK: You will receive a Ticket to my Virtual Launch Party, receive a Signed Paperback edition of my book, a downloadable workbook, and get a 1:1 60-minute coaching session (via Zoom) with me to work through your burnout recovery, career clarity, or mindset shift. You'll also be invited to join my Author Community, where you'll get early access to my Introduction, help me select my cover, and be with me throughout my journey. Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book.
April, 2026
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$600.00
2-HOUR WORKSHOP + 5 SIGNED PAPERBACKS + DOWNLOADABLE WORKBOOK: You will receive 5 Signed Paperback editions of my book a downloadable workbook, and a private 2-hour workshop for your company or your community to work through burnout recovery. You'll also be invited to join my Author Community, where you'll get early access to my Introduction, help me select my cover, and be with me throughout my journey. Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book.
April, 2026
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$1,250.00
2-HOUR WORKSHOP + 10 SIGNED PAPERBACKS + DOWNLOADABLE WORKBOOK: You will receive 10 Signed Paperback editions of my book a downloadable workbook, and a private 2-hour workshop for your company or your community to work through burnout recovery. You'll also be invited to join my Author Community, where you'll get early access to my Introduction, help me select my cover, and be with me throughout my journey. Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book.
April, 2026
Estimated Delivery
1 rewards left
Campaign is not started.