5 ms·

I feel like I'm missing something here. Isn't the idea of kickstarter to help fund new projects that wouldn't get support from traditional funding channels? But

I feel like I'm missing something here. Isn't the idea of kickstarter to help fund new projects that wouldn't get support from traditional funding channels? But in this case the stories are already written and Brandon already has a publisher willing to print and distribute those stories? Why would you use kickstarter in place of a preorder system?

pjc50 5y ago
Kickstarter is the most popular pre-order system, despite saying in large letters that it is not a pre-order system.
heeton 5y ago
You've misunderstood kickstarter. It definitely doesn't have to be projects "that wouldn't get support from traditional funding channels". And they can be quite strict about only allowing projects that are nearly complete. It's extremely common for a boardgame, or other project to be "complete" but need a tonne of investment for production, shipping, etc. Seems like the perfect model for a book launch. And the fans get what they want too with all the bonuses.
collin128 5y ago
I've been tangentially involved in 2 books (1 from start to finish) and there are a number of people that will contribute to editing and making sure the content is solid/flows well. I was surprised by how much post production happens after the initial draft is written. As I recall, our biggest cash outlays were marketing and editing.
warent 5y ago
Brandon is entirely self published (Dragonsteel Entertainment). They cannot print experimental books without selling enough copies first. Also it is kickstarting all the swag packages they send monthly throughout a full year.
dspillett 5y ago
> Isn't the idea of kickstarter … People will use tools for whatever they can. The idea of Etsy was that it was for just genuinely hand-made stuff but the rules have changed over time so it is full of mass-manufactured stuff too. > Why would you use kickstarter in place of a preorder system? Why not, if you can and it works? This way the money comes in up-front instead of after production And you have a very good guide for sizing the first production runs (instead of taking a chance on producing too many and having to sell at a discount or store at a cost). Also, there is the chance that the crowdfunding status will generate free advertising, as is happening here. And with this high an interest, with proof rather than it being a guess/belief, he can probably negotiate better rates with that publisher for these runs.
VikingCoder 5y ago
I want to manufacture something. The more I order, the cheaper per unit price. Picture two different business plans: I will sell them. I have to gamble on how many to order. I have a ton of risk. I sell it on kickstarter. I know how many to order. I have way less risk.

pjc50 5y ago

Kickstarter is the most popular pre-order system, despite saying in large letters that it is not a pre-order system.

heeton 5y ago

You've misunderstood kickstarter. It definitely doesn't have to be projects "that wouldn't get support from traditional funding channels". And they can be quite strict about only allowing projects that are nearly complete. It's extremely common for a boardgame, or other project to be "complete" but need a tonne of investment for production, shipping, etc. Seems like the perfect model for a book launch. And the fans get what they want too with all the bonuses.

collin128 5y ago

I've been tangentially involved in 2 books (1 from start to finish) and there are a number of people that will contribute to editing and making sure the content is solid/flows well. I was surprised by how much post production happens after the initial draft is written. As I recall, our biggest cash outlays were marketing and editing.

warent 5y ago

Brandon is entirely self published (Dragonsteel Entertainment). They cannot print experimental books without selling enough copies first. Also it is kickstarting all the swag packages they send monthly throughout a full year.

dspillett 5y ago

> Isn't the idea of kickstarter … People will use tools for whatever they can. The idea of Etsy was that it was for just genuinely hand-made stuff but the rules have changed over time so it is full of mass-manufactured stuff too. > Why would you use kickstarter in place of a preorder system? Why not, if you can and it works? This way the money comes in up-front instead of after production And you have a very good guide for sizing the first production runs (instead of taking a chance on producing too many and having to sell at a discount or store at a cost). Also, there is the chance that the crowdfunding status will generate free advertising, as is happening here. And with this high an interest, with proof rather than it being a guess/belief, he can probably negotiate better rates with that publisher for these runs.

VikingCoder 5y ago

I want to manufacture something. The more I order, the cheaper per unit price. Picture two different business plans: I will sell them. I have to gamble on how many to order. I have a ton of risk. I sell it on kickstarter. I know how many to order. I have way less risk.