Crowd Funding

How to Fund to a Book With Kickstarter

Russell Nohelty — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:49:22 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Russell Nohelty on 7/8/2025 7:49:22 PM

Kickstarter is a platform on everyone's lips these days after Brandon Sanderson used it to raise $41 million dollars. Authors like Will Wight and Sherilyn Kenyon have joined staples Dean Westly Smith, Michael Sullivan, and many others in expanding the platform to more authors, but how do you use it effectively?

Join USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty, who has raised over $325,000 for publishing projects on Kickstarter, as he goes through the ins and outs on how to crush it on Kickstarter.

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Nohelty_5F00_Kickstarter_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowtoFundtoaBookWithKickstarter.mp4

About the Presenter:
Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author, and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press (www.wannabepress.com) and is the Co-founder of Writer MBA and The Future of Publishing. Russell is also the host of The Author Ecosystem and Kickstart Your Book Sales podcasts. He is the author of many novels and graphic novels including 'The Godsverse Chronicles', 'The Obsidian Spindle Saga', and 'Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter'. Russell is the Editor of The Author Stack, an online magazine, and has exhibited at over 150 events during his career.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

How to Fund to a Book With Kickstarter

Author Learning Center — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:46:58 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Crowd Funding by Author Learning Center on 7/8/2025 7:46:58 PM

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Introduction to Direct Selling for Authors: Crowdfunding vs. Subscriptions

Russell Nohelty — Wed, 24 May 2023 18:53:37 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Russell Nohelty on 5/24/2023 6:53:37 PM

The publishing industry is abuzz with "selling directly to readers", but what does that mean? How do you get started? Where should you put your energy?

Join USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty as he gives you an overview of the two most popular ways to get started in direct sales; crowdfunding such as Kickstarter and subscription memberships such as Patreon. Which one is right for you?

Watch us and find out!

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../8551.Nohelty_5F00_Direct-Selling_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../6087.IntroductiontoDirectSellingforAuthorsCrowdfundingvsSubscriptions.mp4

About the Presenter:
Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author, and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press (www.wannabepress.com) and the co-founder of Writer MBA (www.kickstartyournovel.com), which helps authors make more money selling direct and on retailers. He is also the author of 'The Godsverse Chronicles', 'The Obsidian Spindle Saga', and 'Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter', along with the editor of the 'Cthulhu is Hard to Spell' anthology series.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

How Crowdfunding for Authors Works - article

Author Learning Center — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:10:02 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Author Learning Center on 6/7/2017 9:10:02 AM

Want to self-publish a book but don't have the upfront capital? Crowdfunding allows you to raise money for your book project. From start-ups to albums, films to books, people use crowdfunding to finance their passions. With the increasing popularity of self-publishing and DIY options, more authors are using crowdfunding to finance their projects. Find out just how effective it can be before you get started.

"Crowdfunding is an opportunity to make your dream a reality."

How can authors use crowdfunding?

The basic concept of crowdfunding for authors is this: you get a page on a crowdfunding website (such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe) where you can feature content such as text, graphics, and a video to pitch your idea. Individuals visit this page and pledge whatever amount they want to fund your project. There's a deadline to raise funds, so people must donate before time runs out. You can also offer incentives to entice people to give.

Most crowdfunding websites charge a percentage of the money raised. Each platform has its pros and cons so do your research before choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Whether you’re looking to self-publish your book or raise money for marketing efforts, crowdfunding is an opportunity to make your dream a reality. It allows for direct connection to your audience and helps build authority in your space when you are successful.

Tips to successfully crowdfund your next book

Build your audience first

A great book idea is a good start, but you also need an audience to have a successful crowdfunding campaign. Although crowdfunding can help increase your audience, it's best to already have one before launching your campaign. Spend some time building your audience online using a blog or social media platform, like Twitter.

"Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure."

Reach out to companies and organizations

There may be companies and organizations in your community that would benefit from your book. You'll find success raising funds when you tap into communities of like-minded people who share your passion.

Create a realistic budget

How much money do you really need to publish and launch your book? Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure.

"Not only do funders give because they want to read the book, but they also donate because they believe the story needs to be told."

Engage your audience

People often fund authors because of emotional reasons. Not only do funders give because they want to read the book, but they also donate because they believe the story needs to be told. When writing the copy for your crowdfunding webpage, tell your story in an engaging way. Be passionate. Create a compelling video. Spend time writing persuasive bullet points on why someone should care about your book. Tell the audience what is unique about it. Will it help the reader in some way? These key marketing messages will not only help you fund your book project, but they will also help you sell your book once it's published.

Give back

People love free stuff. Don't forget to offer something to thank your funders and encourage larger gift donations. For smaller donations, you could offer a free copy of your book. For larger intervals of giving, get creative. You could offer items such as signed artwork from your book, a t-shirt featuring your book's cover art, or even a special service related to your expertise. The possibilities are endless.

Not all crowdfunding projects succeed. There's a lot of competition, which is why you have to be prepared before starting your campaign. Research other crowdfunding campaigns to see what works and what doesn’t. Explore various crowdfunding sites to discover where your project best fits. By planning ahead, building your audience, and targeting your audience directly with a compelling message that speaks to the heart of the reader, you can find success crowdfunding your next book.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

How Crowdfunding for Authors Works - article

Author Learning Center — Fri, 26 May 2017 13:21:41 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Crowd Funding by Author Learning Center on 5/26/2017 1:21:41 PM

"Crowdfunding is an opportunity to make your dream a reality."

How can authors use crowdfunding?

Most crowdfunding websites charge a percentage of the money raised. Each platform has its pros and cons so do your research before choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Tips to successfully crowdfund your next book

Build your audience first

"Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure."

Reach out to companies and organizations

Create a realistic budget

How much money do you really need to publish and launch your book? Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure.

"Not only do funders give because they want to read the book, but they also donate because they believe the story needs to be told."

Engage your audience

Give back

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

How Crowdfunding for Authors Works - article

Author Learning Center — Thu, 25 May 2017 14:33:02 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Crowd Funding by Author Learning Center on 5/25/2017 2:33:02 PM

How can authors use crowdfunding?

The basic concept of crowdfunding for authors is this: you get a page on a crowdfunding website (such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe) where you can feature content such as text, graphics, and a video to pitch your idea. Individuals visit this page and pledge whatever amount they want to fund your project. There's a deadline to raise funds, so people must donate before times runs out. You can also offer incentives to entice people to give.

Most crowdfunding websites charge a percentage of the money raised. Each platform has its pros and cons so do your research before choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Tips to successfully crowdfund your next book

Build your audience first

Reach out to companies and organizations

Create a realistic budget

How much money do you really need to publish and launch your book? Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure.

Engage your audience

Give back

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

How Crowdfunding for Authors Works - article

Author Learning Center — Thu, 25 May 2017 11:45:42 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Crowd Funding by Author Learning Center on 5/25/2017 11:45:42 AM

"Crowdfunding is an opportunity to make your dream a reality."

How can authors use crowdfunding?

The basic concept of crowdfunding for authors is this: you get a page on a crowdfunding website (such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe) where you can feature content such as text, graphics, and a video to pitch your idea. Individuals visit this page and pledge whatever amount they want to fund your project. There's a deadline to raise funds, so people must donate before times runs out. You can also offer incentives to entice people to give.

Most crowdfunding websites charge a percentage of the money raised. Each platform has its pros and cons so do your research before choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Tips to successfully crowdfund your next book

Build your audience first

"Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure."

Reach out to companies and organizations

Create a realistic budget

How much money do you really need to publish and launch your book? Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure.

"Not only do funders give because they want to read the book, but they also donate because they believe the story needs to be told."

Engage your audience

Give back

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

How Crowdfunding for Authors Works - article

Author Learning Center — Thu, 25 May 2017 11:16:59 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Crowd Funding by Author Learning Center on 5/25/2017 11:16:59 AM

"Crowdfunding is an opportunity to make your dream a reality."

How can authors use crowdfunding?

The basic concept of crowdfunding for authors is this: you get a page on a crowdfunding website (such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe) where you can feature content such as text, graphics, and a video to pitch your idea. Individuals visit this page and pledge whatever amount they want to fund your project. There's a deadline to raise funds, so people must donate before times runs out. You can also offer incentives to entice people to give.

Most crowdfunding websites charge a percentage of the money raised. Each platform has its pros and cons so do your research before choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Tips to successfully crowdfund your next book

Build your audience first

"Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure."

Reach out to companies and organizations

Create a realistic budget

How much money do you really need to publish and launch your book? Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure.

"Not only do funders give because they want to read the book, but they also donate because they believe the story needs to be told."

Engage your audience

Give back

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

How Crowdfunding for Authors Works - article

Author Learning Center — Thu, 25 May 2017 11:14:17 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Crowd Funding by Author Learning Center on 5/25/2017 11:14:17 AM

"Crowdfunding is an opportunity to make your dream a reality."

How can authors use crowdfunding?

The basic concept of crowdfunding for authors is this: you get a page on a crowdfunding website (such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe) where you can feature content such as text, graphics, and a video to pitch your idea. Individuals visit this page and pledge whatever amount they want to fund your project. There's a deadline to raise funds, so people must donate before times runs out. You can also offer incentives to entice people to give.

Most crowdfunding websites charge a percentage of the money raised. Each platform has its pros and cons so do your research before choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Tips to successfully crowdfund your next book

Build your audience first

Reach out to companies and organizations

Create a realistic budget

How much money do you really need to publish and launch your book? Do your research before starting your crowdfunding campaign. Asking for too much or too little is setting yourself up for failure.

"Not only do funders give because they want to read the book, but they also donate because they believe the story needs to be told."

Engage your audience

Give back

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

The Importance of Crowd Funding for Authors - podcast

Rose Spinelli — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:36:53 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Rose Spinelli on 3/3/2017 2:36:53 PM

Raising funds to publish or market a book can be challenging. A new fundraising option available to authors is crowdfunding. Rose Spinelli, journalist and founder of TheCrowdFundamentals, shares the importance of crowdfunding for authors. She discusses why this method of fundraising is perfectly suited for authors. Well-known authors and filmmakers are already using crowdfunding to support projects. Is this method right for you? Listen to this interview to find out.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheImpotanceofCrowdFundingforAuthors.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, podcast

The Importance of Crowd Funding for Authors - video

Rose Spinelli — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:36:43 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Rose Spinelli on 3/3/2017 2:36:43 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheImpotanceofCrowdFundingforAuthors.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

How Authors Can Use Crowdfunding - video

Russell Nohelty — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:34:26 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Russell Nohelty on 3/3/2017 2:34:26 PM

Using crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Gofundme can be an effective practice for authors to obtain monetary assistance when publishing their work. It is a way for authors to cut out the middle man and go directly to the audience. Publisher and Wannabe Press founder, Russell Nohelty, suggests building your audience first before initiating the fundraising event, since crowdfunding for a book tends to be more effective if you have an established following already in place. When successful, crowdfunding can give you immediate authority in your space.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowAuthorsCanUseCrowdfunding.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Tips for Crowdfunding a Book - video

Russell Nohelty — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:34:11 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Russell Nohelty on 3/3/2017 2:34:11 PM

As publisher and Wannabe Press founder, Russell Nohelty, explains, great content isn't enough in the very competitive environment of crowdfunding a book. To ensure a successful event, authors should follow these steps: 1) Spend time building a relevant audience before launching the event, 2) Plan your budget wisely so that you are not executing at a loss, 3) Don't shy away from marketing - it's important that you are reaching your audience through other means.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TipsforCrowdfundingaBook.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Why People Participate In Crowd Funding Projects - podcast

Sang Lee — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:06:08 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Sang Lee on 3/3/2017 2:06:08 PM

Sang Lee, Founder of returnonchange.com, explains why a writer might consider using crowdfunding to finance a book project, and why supporters participate. Crowdfunding has an emotional aspect and financial. When someone is considering supporting a crowdfunding project, the emotional side is what really drives them. When it comes to crowdfunding for authors, people fund the project because they want to support something that they want to read and see in existence. There are often financial perks for the funder too, such as getting a free copy of the book once it's published, or sharing in the profits.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhyPeopleParticipateInCrowdFundingProjects.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, podcast

Why People Participate In Crowd Funding Projects - video

Sang Lee — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:05:57 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Sang Lee on 3/3/2017 2:05:57 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhyPeopleParticipateInCrowdFundingProjects.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

What Motivates People to Contribute to a Crowd Funding Project - video

Rose Spinelli — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Rose Spinelli on 1/9/2017 12:00:00 AM

Rose Spinelli, journalist and founder of TheCrowdFundamentals discusses the motivations for contributing to a crowd fund.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhatMotivatesPeopletoContributetoaCrowdfundingProject.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Drawbacks of Crowd Funding - podcast

Sang Lee — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Sang Lee on 1/9/2017 12:00:00 AM

Sang Lee, founder of returnonchange.com, explains crowd funding as it relates to writers and things to keep in mind when considering looking into investors when publishing your book.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../DrawbacksofCrowdFunding.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

Drawbacks of Crowd Funding - video

Sang Lee — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Sang Lee on 1/9/2017 12:00:00 AM

Sang Lee, founder of returnonchange.com, explains crowd funding as it relates to writers and things to keep in mind when considering looking into investors when publishing your book.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../DrawbacksofCrowdFunding.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

What Motivates People to Contribute to a Crowd Funding Project - podcast

Rose Spinelli — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Rose Spinelli on 1/9/2017 12:00:00 AM

Rose Spinelli, journalist and founder of TheCrowdFundamentals discusses the motivations for contributing to a crowd fund.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhatMotivatesPeopletoContributetoaCrowdfundingProject.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

What You Need to Know About Crowd Funding - podcast

Rose Spinelli — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Current Revision posted to Crowd Funding by Rose Spinelli on 1/9/2017 12:00:00 AM

Rose Spinelli, journalist and founder of TheCrowdFundamentals shares insight on what you need to know about crowd funding.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhatYouNeedtoKnowAboutCrowdFunding.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast