In case you didn’t know, I’ve done this a few times.
While there are plenty of creators who have crowdfunding experience these days I like to think my experience is unique in its own right. I want to be clear, while I am beyond grateful for the folks who continue to choose to support my work, this shit is not easy. Just one week into my 6th campaign I am wondering to myself (and now very publicly to all who read this):
Why the fuck do I keep doing this?
-Me
I have launched 5 successful Kickstarter campaigns, with the 6th well on its way. Many folks don’t understand why I, or anyone else in my shoes, would keep launching these things. The common question is: “why don’t you sell online/in a LCS?” And the answer is complicated, but it starts something like:
Crowdfunding is…
Is what? A better option? A simpler alternative? A fast track? I’m not quite sure if it’s any of these things. Actually, I am sure it’s all three of these things. And this is precisely why, despite the difficulty, myself and others continue to see it as a viable alternative to seeking a publishing or distribution deal. This way I don’t need to seek anyone’s approval before hitting launch, for better or for worse it is a more straightforward way of distributing a product, and it take 30 days on average to secure the funding necessary to continue.
While there is nothing wrong with traditional publishing, we are seeing an influx of self-published and crowdfunded projects coming to life. I wish I could push a button and come into boat loads of cash to make Ennead possible without launching a Kickstarter every few months… but then again I don’t. Without these campaigns I wouldn’t have many of you following me. I wouldn’t have had the ability to build this audience in the grassroots way that I have. If and when bigger and better things do in fact come calling for Ennead you all will be able to say “I was there from the beginning.” There is tremendous value in that kind of thing.
The consistent support I have found from all of you is reassuring. I can proudly say, that if nothing else, a couple hundred people will have read (and enjoyed, right?) my epic fantasy saga. That’s a dream worth chasing.
14 Days Left
With 2 weeks left before this campaign closes I want to invite those of you who haven’t already backed to do so. While I was as clear with my goal as I’ve ever been, meaning with the $4,000 I’ll be able to fulfill the without spending any additional $$, I want to hit more than that. I want my next Kickstarter to focus on either Ennead’s worldbook or Ennead’s first novel. I’ll need some extra cash to pay for editing services and art in order to make either happen.
To put it plainly, if the campaign clears $1-$3K extra, I’'ll move forward with the novel. Any more than that and I’ll likely have enough to go for the worldbook first. Both are currently being drafted, so I can pivot depending on the outcome of this campaign, but I am anxious to see just how high we can take this thing.
Thanks again.
JL