Some lovely folks have asked me about my Kickstarter campaign. I remember reaching out to some authors who'd funded their projects with great success, and their advice was very helpful. I gleaned a few ideas from their process, but I want to share what I did and what I would do NEXT time to make it more fun. Your first Kickstarter can seem overwhelming (I know mine was!), but you have way more support around you than you know!

Kickstarter

Give yourself 8-10 months to complete your project if you need it. The funding from Kickstarter can really help you move through the production and distribution process with all the resources you need. If you try to produce first, it might take you longer than you anticipated. You might cut out things that you really wanted but didn't think you needed because you wanted to get the product out on time. Go for what YOU want. You deserve it. And that's what Kickstarter is for.

The funding from Kickstarter can really help you move through the production and distribution process with all the resources you need. If you try to produce first, it might take you longer than you anticipated. You might cut out things that you really wanted but didn't think you needed because you wanted to get the product out on time. Go for what YOU want. You deserve it. And that's what Kickstarter is for. Ask for help. Reach out with facebook, text messages, emails, and ask friends to be fellow messengers. Post updates during the Kickstarter every 4 days or so to keep momentum and show your excitement (because you WILL be excited!)

Reach out with facebook, text messages, emails, and ask friends to be fellow messengers. Post updates during the Kickstarter every 4 days or so to keep momentum and show your excitement (because you WILL be excited!) Include a 1 minute video talking about the project. People love to see your face. Include pictures and content in your campaign. The more info and visuals the better because it shows people you're serious and have produced an idea that is clearly crafted.

Once You're Funded

Post updates about what you're working on every month.

about what you're working on every month. Create social media accounts and share the kickstarter updates on these accounts to get content going in there. (You don't need to do more than this for now I think)

and share the kickstarter updates on these accounts to get content going in there. (You don't need to do more than this for now I think) Look into hiring a social media person (maybe there's a company that can set you up and provide a plan).

(maybe there's a company that can set you up and provide a plan). Simple website (look into wix.com, squarespace.com). Costs around $100. Include your mission on this website and some photos of you. Nothing fancy, but this is your portfolio essentially.

(look into wix.com, squarespace.com). Costs around $100. Include your mission on this website and some photos of you. Nothing fancy, but this is your portfolio essentially. Purchase ISBN # ($35)

# ($35) Sellers Permit.

Find a good Printer. They might seem hard to find, but I recommend Codra Inc in Irvine, or Worzalla publishing.

They might seem hard to find, but I recommend Codra Inc in Irvine, or Worzalla publishing. Pay attention to detail when checking proofs of your book. It's up to you to make it beautiful. Take as long as you need to get it right. * Hire someone to layout the book if you need it. Ususally printers will know of, or have someone on staff, who can help you do this.

Ready to Distribute and Sell!

Set up a Square account or some way to collect $$ other than through Amazon and Etsy. If you do events, you'll need this. Square is great and free to use.

other than through Amazon and Etsy. If you do events, you'll need this. Square is great and free to use. Create an Amazon sellers account so your book is online. Etsy is good, too, but Amazon lets people leave reviews.

so your book is online. Etsy is good, too, but Amazon lets people leave reviews. Set up a distribution party to mail out books for your Kickstarter contributors. It can be a daunting task, so make it fun and treat your friends to some pizza while you package the goods!

Remember that freight delivery will cost extra when you deliver to a residential address. Some will not deliver to a residence at all. Easy to work around, just ask questions and sort it out before the books are on their way.

Additional Ideas