Confession time: I’ve officially fallen in love with Kickstarter. And no, I don’t mean the kind of fleeting crush that disappears after a few late-night scrolls through cool enamel pins and tabletop board games (though yes, I do back a lot of those too). I mean a deep, career-changing kind of love.
As both an author and an avid reader, I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to build deeper connections—with the stories I write and with the people who read them. And that’s exactly why Kickstarter is such a game-changer.
When I first started planning the release of The Remnant, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a book on a shelf. I wanted it to be an experience—a chance for readers to get involved, vote on designs, unlock cool extras, and get early access to the story we’ve been building together since the days of Chaos Looming. Kickstarter lets me do all of that and more.
And the best part? I’m not stopping here. Moving forward, I plan to use Kickstarter for all my major book launches. It’s the perfect way to offer early access and exclusive editions to loyal readers like you—and bring you deeper into the creative process from day one.
So . . . What IS Kickstarter?
At its core, Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform. But that makes it sound way more impersonal than it really is.
To me, Kickstarter is a beautifully chaotic blend of pre-order meets fan club meets creative studio. It allows authors, artists, and makers to launch projects directly to their community, offering limited edition goodies and early access to those who want in.
Here’s how it works:
I launch a project (like The Remnant), set a funding goal, and design reward tiers.
You (the reader!) choose a tier that speaks to you—whether that’s just the ebook or the full deluxe collector’s bundle.
If the funding goal is met, the project “funds,” and production begins!
And no, it’s not charity. You’re not just “supporting” a dream—you’re pre-ordering something awesome and helping shape what it becomes.
Brandon Sanderson Broke the Internet (and Set the Standard)
If you’ve heard of Kickstarter before, it might be because of Brandon Sanderson’s Secret Projects campaign. In 2022, he raised over $40 million—yep, million—with four secret novels, exclusive covers, and special edition boxes for backers.
But here’s what really struck me: readers weren’t just paying for books. They were showing up for a shared experience. They wanted the thrill of discovery, the early access, the chance to own something beautiful that wouldn’t be available in stores.
And honestly? That’s the kind of experience I want to build with The Remnant and every future release.
Why Indie Authors (and Readers!) Love Kickstarter
Here’s why so many authors are turning to Kickstarter—and why readers are loving the ride.
✨ Creative Freedom
With Kickstarter, authors aren’t limited by publisher budgets or printing constraints. Want a foil-stamped hardcover with hand-painted edges and a bonus novella tucked inside? It’s all possible when the community gets behind it.
✨ Enhanced Pre-Orders
You’re not just ordering a book. You’re getting something custom-built—often with your feedback and input baked into the final design.
✨ Early Access & Exclusive Editions
Kickstarter backers are the first to read the book and the only ones to get access to certain tiers (like collector’s boxes or stretch goal extras).
✨ Proof of Demand
Kickstarter gives authors real-time data on what readers want. It lets us plan smart print runs, avoid overstock, and give fans exactly what they’re excited about.
A Quick Guide: How Pledges, Tiers, and Stretch Goals Work
Let’s break it down using The Remnant as an example!
🪙 Pledges
You decide how much you want to contribute by choosing a reward tier. Each tier comes with its own set of goodies.
📚 Tiers
Here are a few examples from The Remnant Campaign:
Signed hardcover with stunning foiled jacket and exclusive foiled case cover complete with sprayed edges and a ribbon bookmark! Also comes with a digital full-color map of the Cross-Sea Lands and an exclusive print bookmark (Design to be voted on by supporters!)
Everything in the Collector’s Tier, PLUS the entire Legion of Pneumos Series in both Ebook AND Paperback formats. PLUS an invitation to the exclusive Q&A Author’s livestream and YOUR NAME included in the acknowledgements section of all copies of The Remnant.
💫 Stretch Goals
Once the project hits its main goal, we get to unlock bonuses! Check out these examples from The Remnant Campaign with more price tiers to be revealed as we unlock each one!
The more people back the project, the more everyone gets. It’s a win-win and encourages readers to spread the word in order to unlock these cool bonuses!
The Best Part? The Community
This is what makes Kickstarter truly different from your average bookstore preorder.
🗣️ You Have a Voice
Want to vote on a cover design? Help name a stretch goal? Choose your favorite map version? Kickstarter backers often get to be part of the decision-making process. In the case of The Remnant, supporters will get the chance to vote on the final design of the Kickstarter exclusive bookmark which comes included in all tier’s at the Collector’s level and above!
📝 Behind-the-Scenes Access
I’ll be sharing updates every step of the way—from production sneak peeks to playlist reveals and polls for merch design like the exclusive supporter’s bookmark!
❤️ Deeper Emotional Investment
You’re not just a reader. You’re a co-creator. And that kind of bond? It sticks.
Final Thoughts (And YOUR Invitation!)
So what is Kickstarter really?
It’s an enhanced pre-order. It’s a front-row seat to the creative process. It’s a way for readers and writers to build something unforgettable—together.
And as someone who’s always dreamed of creating experiences as much as stories, I couldn’t be more excited to take this journey with you.
👉 Any questions? Drop your comments below! Or head over to the Kickstarter page for The Remnant now and don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic adventure! 🌊✨
