My son & a creative team set a goal of $8k to launch a video game back in 2010– they had interested family and friends, and met their goal on the first day— ultimately raised more than $25K. I think they offered some premiums for signing up at certain levels. I’m going to ask him about goal-setting for a fund raiser — he has worked 10 years in a related business.
Based on your engagement via Journey in Place, I think your goal may be low but it’s tough to guesstimate what folks will ante for a project, and you def don’t want to be compelled to leave $$ on the table because you aimed too high! I’m looking forward to receiving an early copy 🤗
If you wanted to add other premiums, you could offer a writing critique for X amount of pages. The trad musicians I supported offered one hour lessons for their respective instruments if a person donated a higher amount. Say $50-100.
I've signed up! This is a GREAT idea! Back when we were trucking and listening to podcasts, I heard a guy talking about raising chickens and I supported his family endeavor on Kickstarter that was a movie about how to be a chicken ninja (raising chickens naturally and sustainably). He did really well with it and he's gone on to create so many other things. He's a pretty amazing farm entrepreneur.
Exciting news! I’ve supported a couple kickstarters before but never run one myself. I have been seeing more talk in Substack about kickstarters for books so I think you will be in good company!
What a great way to send your book out into the world. I am on the list! Thank you for telling us all about this, and for including us in your book's coming-into-being, even if in a small way. Such a wonderful feeling, and talk about anticipation!
I am glad you are taking the publishing into your own hands. The big companies do a lot for you but they take a lot from you and limit you. The less layers between the artist and the audience the better.
I've participated in a number of kickstarter type projects. Different levels of premiums allow people to provide more support to projects the love and get something in return. The more unique and personal the better. I have received bonus pieces to a game, handwritten song lyrics, mentioned in the thank yous on an album, and one musician is playing a house party for us for donating to his most recent album. You could do things like include the person in the thank you section, include a signed copy of another one of your books, a handwritten copy of a one of your poems, something unusual some seeds from your garden or pine needles or soil from your land. Might sound crazy but most people are giving the money to support you the item is just a bonus something to remember the experience by.
I know some creative people who don't want to charge too much or ask for too much but the people who enjoy their work get much more from the experience than the cost. I gladly support the Artists, musicians, and artist have gotten me through some of the worst times of my life and made the good times even better. Your writing is a gift of yourself to the reader and can be priceless to the person it touches.
My son & a creative team set a goal of $8k to launch a video game back in 2010– they had interested family and friends, and met their goal on the first day— ultimately raised more than $25K. I think they offered some premiums for signing up at certain levels. I’m going to ask him about goal-setting for a fund raiser — he has worked 10 years in a related business.
Based on your engagement via Journey in Place, I think your goal may be low but it’s tough to guesstimate what folks will ante for a project, and you def don’t want to be compelled to leave $$ on the table because you aimed too high! I’m looking forward to receiving an early copy 🤗
Julie, thank you for this. Your son's project sounds very impressive. The premiums I'm offering are copies of the book.
If you wanted to add other premiums, you could offer a writing critique for X amount of pages. The trad musicians I supported offered one hour lessons for their respective instruments if a person donated a higher amount. Say $50-100.
I’m on the list and super excited for your new book 🤩
Thank you, dear Jane.
I've signed up! This is a GREAT idea! Back when we were trucking and listening to podcasts, I heard a guy talking about raising chickens and I supported his family endeavor on Kickstarter that was a movie about how to be a chicken ninja (raising chickens naturally and sustainably). He did really well with it and he's gone on to create so many other things. He's a pretty amazing farm entrepreneur.
Can't wait to get this book in my hands!
So exciting. I'm glad this is not a new idea for you. Thank you for the endorsement.
Exciting news! I’ve supported a couple kickstarters before but never run one myself. I have been seeing more talk in Substack about kickstarters for books so I think you will be in good company!
Misti, I can do a workshop on running one if you decide to do it.
What a great way to send your book out into the world. I am on the list! Thank you for telling us all about this, and for including us in your book's coming-into-being, even if in a small way. Such a wonderful feeling, and talk about anticipation!
I love the word "mysterium."
That word! Isn't it remarkable. Mysterium. And thank you, thank you, Jenny, for being open to this idea.
❤️
On the list - way to go, Janisse! It will be a great book!
Also, it's an idea for you, RRW.
Shine on.
On the list. All these great, new ideas. Thank you.
Thank you for enduring friendship, Mark. You're the best.
Very excited for you and for this book! I think I am on the list.
Thank you!
Done!
Thank you!
I once bought a band's first album through Kickstarter - the lead guitarist was a friend's stepson. Getting myself on your list now
Yes, it's a way many artists are introducing a new work. So glad this is not new to you. Your support means a lot to me.
Thank you so much, Laura.
Janisse, I love your work. Looks like there are special people on your list. I am glad to be with all of you.🌱
This means the world to me, Katharine. I'm so glad you're here.
I'm on board, and can't wait to have this book in my hands. Great idea, Janisse! Go go go!
Thank you, my friend. I'm waiting on yours! It's going to be sooooo good.
June will be a good month for book launches!
Weddings and book launches!
Signed up!
Lisa, many many thanks.
I am glad you are taking the publishing into your own hands. The big companies do a lot for you but they take a lot from you and limit you. The less layers between the artist and the audience the better.
I've participated in a number of kickstarter type projects. Different levels of premiums allow people to provide more support to projects the love and get something in return. The more unique and personal the better. I have received bonus pieces to a game, handwritten song lyrics, mentioned in the thank yous on an album, and one musician is playing a house party for us for donating to his most recent album. You could do things like include the person in the thank you section, include a signed copy of another one of your books, a handwritten copy of a one of your poems, something unusual some seeds from your garden or pine needles or soil from your land. Might sound crazy but most people are giving the money to support you the item is just a bonus something to remember the experience by.
I know some creative people who don't want to charge too much or ask for too much but the people who enjoy their work get much more from the experience than the cost. I gladly support the Artists, musicians, and artist have gotten me through some of the worst times of my life and made the good times even better. Your writing is a gift of yourself to the reader and can be priceless to the person it touches.
My husband, Brendan Noble, is an author who launched a successful Kickstarter and would be happy to talk strategy if you'd like any advice!
https://brendan-noble.com/contact/