Today is a HUGE day: the Kickstarter campaign launched this morning!
🤯 And it's already 53% funded!!!! 🤯
I'm reminded as I spend time out in the garden that all growth is amazing growth, no matter how big or small. And with the literally overnight success of this campaign so far—seriously, I launched it shortly after midnight and then went to bed—I'm encouraged to see growth for Ithandryll as well as the series in readership, passion, and now the new edition.
Whether you're an ARC Reader or someone who happened upon Lords & Thieves and decided to stick around (I appreciate you more than you know 🥹), I promise this email/blog post is PACKED with super valuable information and resources that will not only help Ithandryll come to life in gold foil and colorful maps, but might even help you make a few extra bucks.
You read that right: there's an Affiliate Program!
I actually did not know this was an option until yesterday! I was making sure everything was set up for the launch when I came across PledgeBox, which hosts PledgeBoost, both highly recommended by Kickstarter for Authors (a fantastic Facebook Group).
When you sign up as an affiliate, everyone you refer to the ✨Song of the Sidhe: Collector's Edition✨ Kickstarter campaign—who backs the project—will earn you 10% of whichever tier they choose.
This is probably the #1 I Did Not Know About Kickstarter (and I'm so glad to know now!): when you pledge support for a campaign, no money leaves your bank account until—and unless—the campaign both funds AND finishes the entire run.
What this means is that even if you don't have the money at this exact moment, you can still pledge your support for the tier you'll be saving up for!
And I'm working on making sure the Payment Plan option is available for those who may need it 😎
I'm kind of obsessed with this new interior chapter layout 👀
This campaign ends at 12:49AM on May 16, 2025
By popular request, I made sure it ends on a Friday so paydays align as much as possible!
And if, sadly, this campaign doesn't succeed (meaning, the minimum funding goal isn't reached by that deadline), no money will be exchanged at all. This ensures that the books will definitely be printed and processed, and in a timely manner—while minimizing as much risk as possible for you.
The kind of book we wish indie authors could Print On Demand: gold foiling on the cover, much better quality cover overall (even though this is paperback, it's way better weight and finishing than POD), French "door" folds of the cover...so much to do with the cover...but also more interior artwork and features that aren't typically as affordable even if they're possible with POD.
Because this kind of printing requires a minimum print run, the process is dependent upon raising enough funds to make it happen.
Once the campaign is Fully Funded, that means the print run order minimum has been fulfilled and this beauty of a book edition will officially come to life!
The Longer, More Thorough Answer:
You've probably already heard this before, but I will say it again just in case we forgot (because sometimes I do honestly forget): publishing is expensive.
Editing, formatting, and proof-printing aside, the tools needed to market any given book come with their own price tag. It may seem like a little bit here and there, usually about $10/month for StoryOrigin, $15-$25 for BookSprout, et cetera.
But if you keep adding onto the pile of tools needed, it gets pretty hefty! Here's a list of basic, every-author-needs-this tools and resources typical in indie publishing:
Website hosting: $200/year (starting at the basic quote from WordPress via BlueHost)
Canva Pro: $15/month or $120/year (required for commercial licensing of graphics, images, and fonts)
Social Media Manager: $25/month
Email server: $35/month
Professional email domain & workspace: $7/month
Bare-bones advertising (as in, no more than $5/day on ad spend): $150/month
One editorial review: anywhere from $50-$799, depending on where the author goes and what reputation they want backing that review.
One book award program: $65 average entry fee
I like to be transparent about this because I think it's important to know what goes into every book we find on the shelf, even if it's traditionally published. There's more than simply writing—although we all wish it could just be simply writing 🤪—and what I listed above is super minimal while maintaining professional quality.
Want to see the actual chart I made based on "The Ideal Situation"?
Of course you do:
I currently have maybe...two...of these. 😅
The success of this campaign means a few more doors locked behind a paywall get to open, which in turn means more long-term success for Ithandryll and the series as a whole!
You're also supporting small businesses beyond mine (as an author)
✨Mystic Portal✨, The Book Box, and most of the other tiers and add-ons include handcrafted, book-themed products from small business creators such as BibliOddities and FableWood Goods!
I've personally met with these amazing people, tried (and continue to use) their products, and am super proud to not only announce their inclusion in this campaign, but how this gives back to them to continue in their own ventures.
These bookstore-themed mugs from FableWood Goods are included in an Add-On option!
There will be a new campaign for each book in the series
I just can't 100% guarantee print runs for each previous book, due to those order minimum quantities and such. So while you may be wanting to wait until July for the Heir of Oberon Collector's Edition, I'd hate for you to miss out on grabbing the first book while it's available!
I will try my absolute best to ensure each future campaign includes an "In Case You Missed It" set, the only way to guarantee you'll have the full series at its completion is to grab each book during each campaign.
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