As many of you know, I've got two writing careers. I've gone the traditional route as a science fiction and fantasy author and sell short stories to magazines, sub novels to agents and editors, and have been working on that for over a decade. Then last year I watched the indie movement get underway and really wanted to jump in an join the fun. So I revived my old chick lit pen name, E.M. Tippetts, and indie published two novels.
The rest, as they say, is history. Fans have been so incredibly supportive and I make a very respectable supplementary income from my novels. Now I'm in the final edits of my next project, and I'm turning again to my fans for some support. I would really like to get a Kirkus Indie review for this next project, so I've launched a Kickstarter campaign to cover the cost.
For those of you who don't know Kickstarter, it is a fantastic resource for independent artists of all stripes. This'll be my first campaign, but not the last, I hope!
What fun, Emily! I'll pledge a little something for that. I did enjoy your last book. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I very much appreciate it. I'm in the process of buying Susan's book right now. (Susan, you going to update your sidebar link here? Your two books look so cool side by side!)
DeleteOh, thanks for the idea about updating the sidebar. But I don't want to hog space - let me know what you think Rebecca.
DeleteAnd I'm intrigued by your idea of using Kickstarted to buy a Kirkus review. Shelli (in the Indelibles) bought one and I think she's definitely gotten some mileage out of it, but the cost always seemed prohibitive to me (and benefits uncertain). I would love to see what you think of the review, and how it helps you, if you get it funded. And I'm willing to pledge a few dollars along to help the experiment! :)
Thanks, Susan! Yes, I'll keep everyone in the loop re: how the review goes (if I'm able to fund it). I know how important they are in traditional publishing, so I'm very very curious to see what impact they have when you're indie.
Delete(I sneaked two books on my sidebar slot side by side. Hope that doesn't make me a space hog?)
Well, heck, if you're doing it, I am too! LOL
DeleteYay! They look so cool side by side. And yeah, anyone who has a problem with it needs to write more books!!! *ducks and hides from the cap'n*
DeleteWhoo-hoo for Sue's new sidebar image!
DeleteI'm enjoying watching your pledge amount tick up and up, Emily. What a great idea. I think it will help get the word out about your books too.
And use all the space you want, gals! This blog is here to help you all we can.
LOL Emily!
DeleteI pride myself on the ability to relate to my children at their level. It's a gift, what can I say?
DeleteAnd thanks, Rebecca! I'm finding the real challenge is getting my fanbase onto Kickstarter. They're wonderfully supportive with reviews and book buying, but practically none of them have Kickstarter profiles. So I'll need to do a lot of hand selling the idea individual to individual, I think. We'll see if I can hit my target.
I think your book is totally worth creating a Kickstarter account for.
DeleteAnd while you're over there, pledge for this documentary on the life of Lloyd Alexander. Mr. Alexander willed all his notes to our sister school, BYU Provo, and so this film student has access to both Mr. Alexanders biographer and all the research material he could dream of. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1625183244/lloyd-alexander-a-documentary
Done! Thanks for the heads up. I loved Lloyd Alexander books when I was a kid. I remember watching a filmstrip about him in elementary school (that is how old I am - and this was a high tech film strip projector, brand new to the school, one that didn't require someone to push a button to advance the frames.)
DeleteLooking good, Emily! 34% funded on day 4! Woot woot woot!
ReplyDeleteThanks! So far so good. Some very kind people have stepped out of the woodwork. I had this paranoia that I'd get two backers, Mom and Dad, but they're on a ship somewhere in the Baltic and haven't even seen the campaign yet.
DeleteAND YOU MADE IT! Much happiness.
DeleteTHank you! I have the most amazing friends and fans ever! 104% funding with 25 days left to go. Talk about humbling.
DeleteEmily, way to go! I'm not even close to keeping up with the technology out there to help writers, so I love it when you share. Thanks for letting me see a new option, and best of luck! You deserve it. Your writing is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jonene. It doesn't feel wonderful at the end of the working draft, but that's why I leave a full month for the final edits.
DeleteOh, congratulations on making your goal! I've had my head stuck in the sand for a week or two trying to finish my current novel and missed the whole campaign. I'm so glad you raised the fee!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leisha! It did go fast, I agree. Way faster than I anticipated. I knew my friends were cool, but not that cool ;-)
DeleteDo you need anymore donations? I can spare a few bucks!
DeleteAny additional money will get spent on other publishing costs like the cover designer &tc. The major expense of the Kirkus review is just about covered, though!
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