CROWDFUNDING: Six great ways to crowdfund your book.

#crowdfunding #swcfw 

Crowdfunding is a revolution; getting an audience to back your creative project before you commit to it. It can produce some great results, so here are a few platforms to consider when planning your next book.
 

1. Kickstarter – The largest self-funding platform is the one which is now getting used as a verb, a sure sign of internet dominance. When you create a project you can invite users to back you at several different levels. The smallest pledge (say, £2) may get the buyer an ebook, while the next level (£5?) may get them a paperback of your novel. The next level could be a signed copy, while the big bucks get you a hardback, with their name in the acknowledgements, and so on. Other merchandise can be offered too, such as bookmarks, t-shirts or even dinners with the author. The team at Kickstarter approve every campaign before it goes live to make sure it is financially feasible, so make sure it’s watertight before launching.

2. IndieGoGo – Kickstarter’s hipster cousin. Similar to KS, but perhaps has a more niche clientele. It offers you the chance to keep the money you’ve raised, even if you don’t reach your goal. This option is a little risky for the person pledging money to you, as they need to be darn sure you are going to be successful and that they are going to get the product they ordered.

3. Pubslush – Pubslush is one of the best crowdfunding options for authors, and one of the only ones which caters specifically for books. It is a non-profit, and for every book sold, the team donate a book to a child who would not otherwise have access to literature. Pretty neat, huh?

4.  Authr – This platform offers the opportunity to test the concept of a book before you’ve even written it, so you can roadtest your idea before setting pen to paper. Again, you can keep the money you’re given if you don’t reach your goal. 

5. Unbound -  the Professional’s choice. Unbound caters to the literati, letting experienced authors pitch their book to their audience. If the customers like it, they can pledge money for a pre-order, and be updated on the book’s progress before finally being mailed the finished work. Featured authors include Jonathan Meades, Robert Llewellyn and Steve Aylett.

6. DIY! – There’s no reason you can’t do it yourself, but admittedly it will take a lot of work. You’ll need pretty wide exposure in the first place, so be confident that you have enough true fans who will invest in your work, then set up a pre-payment system which allows them to pledge money via paypal or a similar payment platform. Organisation is the key, and you’ll need to do your homework.

Make no mistake – crowdfunding is no easy option, and you’ll need to do a lot of work at the beginning and end of your campaign to satisfy the demand for your book. If it is successful though, and you do your maths right, it’ll be worth it.

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SELF-PUB is a series of posts looking at the new world of self-publishing.

image: jayanta behera http://www.sxc.hu/profile/jayofboy