3.37 How to launch books on Kickstarter | Robin & Michael J. Sullivan (Part 1/2)
Sep 12, 2022
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Dive into the world of Kickstarter as experts share strategies for successful book launches. Discover how crowdfunding can transform the publishing landscape, allowing authors to connect directly with readers and maintain control over their work. Hear amusing anecdotes about community engagement and the unique dynamics of launching books online. Explore effective financial management and fulfillment solutions to streamline the process. Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, there's a wealth of insights to inspire your next campaign!
Kickstarter campaigns empower authors by connecting them directly with readers, reducing intermediaries, and enhancing profitability through confirmed demand.
The collaborative dynamic between Michael and Robin Sullivan demonstrates how dividing roles in publishing can lead to a more productive writing process.
Direct sales through platforms like Kickstarter foster community loyalty, creating engaged readers who feel ownership and encourage positive word-of-mouth for launches.
Deep dives
Kickstarter as a Launch Strategy
Kickstarters are now recognized as a valuable strategy for authors to directly connect with their readers and fund projects. Unlike traditional publishing methods, Kickstarter allows authors to reduce the number of intermediaries, thus increasing their profits and fostering a more personal relationship with their audience. The interview emphasizes that successful fundraising campaigns can also serve as powerful promotional tools, introducing authors to new readers who actively participate in the Kickstarter community. Effective campaigns remove financial risk for authors, as they only produce books based on confirmed demand from backers.
Successful Collaboration in Writing and Publishing
The dynamic between authors Michael J. Sullivan and Robin Sullivan exemplifies the benefits of collaboration in the writing process. Robin manages the business aspects of publishing, allowing Michael to focus on writing, which has ultimately led to a harmonious and productive partnership. This collaboration extends beyond their professional lives as they share insights, experiences, and even engage with other authors to help improve their publishing journeys. Their story highlights how dividing responsibilities can lead to success and increased efficiency in the competitive world of self-publishing.
Community Engagement Through Direct Sales
Building a community around one’s work is enhanced through direct sales methods like Kickstarter, which fosters loyalty among backers. The Sullivans note that backers often feel a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the projects they fund, helping to create a dedicated readership. This engagement not only generates pre-orders but also encourages readers to leave early reviews which can positively impact an author's launch. By utilizing methods that keep the reader at the forefront, authors can create a supportive ecosystem that benefits both parties.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
The shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing represents both challenges and opportunities for authors. Traditional routes often involve lengthy processes with uncertain outcomes, while self-publishing, particularly through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, enables authors to take control of their careers. The Sullivans illustrate this transition by discussing their experiences with creative risks, such as providing unique editions of their work that traditional publishers may reject. By embracing these opportunities, authors can innovate in how they deliver content and connect with readers.
The Importance of Reader Communication
Establishing consistent communication with readers is key to the success of crowdfunding initiatives. The experience shared by the Sullivans emphasizes the value of maintaining an email list collected from previous projects, as it allows authors to inform supporters of new offerings directly. This strategy not only helps to prevent burnout from high order fulfillment but also builds anticipation around releases. By continuously engaging with the audience and offering exclusive content, authors can enhance their market presence and foster lasting relationships with their readers.
We’re joined by Michael J. Sullivan and his wife and business manager Robin Sullivan to discuss how to run effective Kickstarter campaigns. They’re masters at this - Brandon Sanderson even paid credit to them when running his own massive multimillion-dollar Kickstarter campaign, describing them as pioneers of this new publishing approach. Enjoy!
For more Kickstarter inspiration, check out Jed's recent interview with Aaron A. Reed, who ran a wildly successful half-a-million dollar Kickstarter on the history of text adventures. Listen to it on the podcast feed or watch it here: https://youtu.be/UerRC8E_qA4