USING KICKSTARTER TO FUND YOUR BOOK: A GUIDE FOR AUTHORS

 

Using Kickstarter to Fund Your Book: A Guide for Authors

As an author, getting your book out into the world can be an exhilarating yet daunting task. One innovative way to fund your publishing journey is through Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform that allows creators to raise funds for their projects directly from their audience. For writers, Kickstarter can not only help cover production costs but also build a community of readers who are invested in your success from day one.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Kickstarter for your book:

1. Understand the Kickstarter Model

Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing crowdfunding platform. This means that you set a financial goal, and if you don’t meet it, you receive none of the funds pledged. While this might seem intimidating, the all-or-nothing model motivates backers to share your project with others, increasing your chances of success.

Additionally, Kickstarter is about more than just funding. It’s about storytelling and creating a journey that your audience can be a part of. Your campaign isn’t just about a book; it’s about the experience of bringing that book to life.

2. Define Your Campaign Goal

Before launching your Kickstarter, you need to have a clear understanding of how much money you’ll need. Consider the costs of:

• Editing and proofreading

• Cover design and illustrations

• Printing and production

• Marketing and promotion

• Shipping rewards to backers (especially if you’re offering physical copies of your book)

Be realistic about your financial goal. While it’s tempting to aim for the stars, setting a reasonable and achievable goal will increase your likelihood of success. You can always exceed your goal, but setting it too high might deter potential backers.

3. Offer Compelling Rewards

One of the most exciting aspects of Kickstarter is the rewards. These are incentives that entice backers to pledge money to your campaign. For a book campaign, rewards can range from digital copies of your book to signed hardcovers, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and even personalized thank-you notes or acknowledgments in the book.

Consider offering tiered rewards that cater to different levels of support:

• $5 - $10: Digital copy of the book

• $20 - $30: Signed physical copy

• $50 - $100: Limited edition cover or bundle with extra content

• $200+: Personalized thank-you or a cameo in the book

Be creative! Early access to chapters, exclusive artwork, or custom merchandise related to your book can help build excitement.

4. Craft a Compelling Campaign Page

Your Kickstarter campaign page is the heart of your fundraising efforts. It needs to grab attention and communicate your story in a clear, compelling way. Key elements include:

• A Captivating Video: Kickstarter campaigns with videos are significantly more likely to succeed. Use this opportunity to tell your story, share your passion for the project, and explain why backers should support you.

• Clear Project Description: Detail your book, its theme, and what makes it unique. Explain your writing process, your inspiration, and what stage of development the project is in. Be honest about how the funds will be used.

• Engaging Visuals: Include illustrations, cover mockups, or snippets of your manuscript. Visuals make your project feel more real and give potential backers a clearer sense of what they’re supporting.

5. Promote Your Campaign

Once your campaign is live, promotion is key. While Kickstarter does have a built-in audience, most of your backers will come from your own network. Use your social media platforms, mailing lists, and author website to spread the word. Consider reaching out to local press or book bloggers who might be interested in covering your story.

Create a content plan that includes regular updates, sneak peeks, and milestones to keep your audience engaged throughout the campaign. Additionally, personal outreach can make a big difference – direct messages to friends, family, and followers asking for support often lead to higher conversion rates.

6. Engage with Your Backers

Once your campaign is funded, the journey isn’t over. Kickstarter backers love being part of the process, so keep them in the loop with regular updates on your progress. Share milestones, behind-the-scenes insights, and any challenges you face along the way. This transparency builds trust and strengthens your relationship with your audience.

Consider hosting Q&A sessions or sharing exclusive previews of upcoming chapters or artwork. The more involved your backers feel, the more likely they’ll support your future projects and spread the word.

7. Fulfill Your Promises

Delivering on your promises is critical to maintaining trust with your backers. Ensure that you stick to your timeline and keep people updated if delays occur. When fulfilling rewards, quality matters. Whether it’s a signed book or a special piece of merchandise, make sure it’s something that reflects your appreciation for your backers’ support.

Kickstarter projects that meet or exceed expectations often pave the way for a loyal fanbase and future campaigns.

Conclusion

Kickstarter is an excellent platform for authors to raise funds, build a dedicated reader base, and create a community around their work. The key to success is setting clear goals, offering exciting rewards, and maintaining engagement throughout the process. With preparation and a thoughtful approach, your Kickstarter campaign can be the launchpad that turns your writing dream into reality.

If you’ve ever thought about crowdfunding your book, now might be the perfect time to give it a try. Good luck!

Michelle Files

Michelle Files writes Mystery/Thrillers, Small Town Dramas, and Non-Fiction Books for Authors. She is also a professional copy editor and proofreader. Find her at MichelleFiles.com or TheAuthorFiles.com.

For a complete lists of Michelle's blogs, go to TheAuthorFiles.com.