3.38 How to launch books on Kickstarter | Robin & Michael J. Sullivan (Part 2/2)
Sep 19, 2022
auto_awesome
In this engaging conversation, bestselling authors Robin Sullivan and Michael J. Sullivan, known for the Riyria Revelations series, dive deep into the art of launching books on Kickstarter. They share essential strategies for crowdfunding success, including the importance of having a nearly completed manuscript and engaging your audience early. The duo discusses the shift in publishing dynamics, highlighting the balance between quality writing and effective marketing. They also touch on the joy of community engagement and their dreams of hosting a writers' gathering.
Authors can retain more creative control and profits by launching books directly to readers through platforms like Kickstarter.
Strategic planning for Kickstarter campaigns, including engaging backers and offering diverse reward tiers, is essential for securing funding success.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Third Publishing Wave
A new approach to publishing has emerged, which shifts the traditional dynamics between authors, publishers, and readers. This model allows authors to directly launch their books to readers, bypassing the need for traditional publishing houses and retaining more profits. This third wave of publishing leverages platforms like Kickstarter to empower authors, giving them a way to reach their audience effectively. This evolution is seen as a significant shift in the publishing landscape, carrying the potential for authors to maintain their independence and creative control.
Kickstarter: A Launchpad for New Authors
Kickstarter can serve as a valuable tool for aspiring authors looking to finance their first book projects. New authors are encouraged to have a completed manuscript before launching a campaign to better assess potential interest and viability. While success isn't guaranteed, Kickstarter offers a chance to gauge public reaction and gain an early audience. However, experienced authors with a built-in fanbase often have higher success rates and more opportunities to harness this platform effectively.
The Importance of Quality Over Quantity
Successful book sales often hinge on the quality of the writing rather than sheer marketing efforts. While marketing can amplify visibility, it cannot substitute for a well-crafted book that readers enjoy and recommend. Authors must strive to produce quality content that resonates with their intended audience, as inadequate books tend to fail at garnering recommendations and word of mouth. Thus, the focus should be on honing writing skills and ensuring that each released book meets a high standard to succeed in a saturated market.
Crafting a Successful Kickstarter Campaign
Creating a compelling Kickstarter campaign involves strategic planning and execution. Authors should prepare their projects by showcasing how they intend to engage potential backers, offering various reward tiers to appeal to different funding levels. Success can often be bolstered by setting clear goals, utilizing early bird specials, and fostering engagement through communication with supporters. The personal story behind a book’s creation serves as an essential component that can resonate with backers, enhancing the likelihood of funding success.
In this episode, we continue talking with Robin & Michael J. Sullivan - a New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling epic fantasy and science fiction author, best known for his Riyria Revelations series.