I hope all the people leaving snarky comments on your posts during the kickstarter about the pricing watch this video. People are so used to these monopolized giant companies able to offer lower prices for things. This is a special thing done by a normal person without corporate backing…I’m so glad you got to see your book baby(ies) become this beautiful thing & feel all this love pouring out for you! I’m so glad I got to help support you for this! ♥️ Can’t wait for what is next for you!
Looking at 700 bucks, authors might feel disapointed. But, you got to make an onmibus AND try character art and maps working with different designers (which is always a risk) which is fun! Many authors lose money publishing books, and you showed that there is a way to make this work, so thanks Bethany. We enjoy your honesty and motivation.
I am shocked that you made so little money for all your hard work. But I guess you had a great ride during all the Kickstarter event planning, doing, and sending out all your beautiful foiled books! What an adrenaline rush, Bethany! Especially as you are already planning a Kickstarter for the Butter book! Wow! It was such fun outlining the Butter book with you!🥰
I was shocked too! After I edited this video I was thinking specifically about the foiling being thousands of dollars more and realizing that was probably where the money went haha-but it was so worth it!! I’ve never had a foil cover before so it was a bucket list dream for sure! 🥳 thanks so much, I’m so happy you liked it and can’t wait to do it again with the Butter Book!
Thanks again for your transparency and for sharing your numbers! I am also surprised about the amounts you shared! I appreciate you sharing your lessons learned and for the insight you provided through this process! Looking forward to the Butter Book!!!
Absolutely, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Videos like this are what would’ve helped me plan better so I figured it’s the least I can do to help other authors. :) yayyy can’t wait to finally start the Butter Book, thank you!☺️
Ok so hear my out! When you do Butter Book, do two different versions. The only book version that looks like a real book, and THEN the actual Butter Book or whatever the title would be. Simple white background, yellow text with dripping butter. And the Butter Book will be the HOW the book was created and the behind the scenes in written form! That would be something I would pay to read!
Really appreciate the details and your transparency with this project! I've no desire to do a KS but this was a super informative behind-the-scenes peek into the process.
Getting that little from where it ended is wild lol but it does certainly highlight areas you could potentially cut costs in the future for sure. I'm happy you had fun doing it as that's priceless plus those gold foil covers are gorgeous. I've been toying with the idea of Kickstarter for a while now and this certainly helps put things into perspective. Thanks for sharing :)
I relate so so so much to this video. I learned a lot doing my first and am still fulfilling my second, but want to give you the confirmation that it was a lot easier the second time around. Even funding less than yours (so impressed and proud of how well yours did!!), the stress was more than expected in fulfillment that first time around. It's a right of passage! Everything you learned now is going to help tremendously. You'll splash even bigger next time with a higher margin for your work. Can't wait for butter book!
That’s awesome to hear, thanks Rebecca! This is technically my third Kickstarter so I should really be more on top of things by now haha, but it’s been so many years since my last one that I think I forgot a lot of things! 😆 But love hearing that it gets easier with the next one, I can’t wait!
I can't wait for the Butter book. I was among the people who helped out with choosing the troups and everything else. I remember that it was so much fun being part of the process.
Wow! I was definitely surprised! I had thought the total would be low, but not quite as low as it was. I just want to say THANK YOU Bethany! I absolutely LOVE my copy. So much so that when we move back to Maui (on September 1st) I am taking it in my suitcase instead of putting it in the box of stuff we are sending through the mail! LOL I appreciate your hard work, and yes, next time, definitely raise the prices a bit. You deserve it!!
Hi Bethany, Thanks so much for sharing your profits so honestly here. I'd be curious to hear more about the story of your very first Kickstarter Campaign for your debut book. Such a brave thing to do right out of the gates - I'm guessing without an established following on social or an email list at that time. I'd love to know more about the details of how you managed to make it work back then, if you'd like to share!
Yeah exactly! I do think creators who are financially savvy do a good job of covering the cost of their time within that funding but even if it made nothing I’d still have done it, it was awesome!
I still watch those butter vids while working on my own stories. I’m new to kickstarters so it seems like so much prep goes into it. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m excited for the book to come out and congrats.❤❤
Ahhh yay! That makes me so happy to hear, and I can’t wait to finally write this book haha! Yeah it was definitely a big time investment, something I’ll plan for better in the future but so much fun :D thank you so much!
Welcome to Kickstarter! I just finished the campaign for my 3rd comic - and can confirm: it's a lot of work but still very fulfilling! There's definitely a lot of trial and error in launching a campaign, but this post-mortem will help you (and your viewers) avoid some of those pitfalls. Thanks for the transparency with it all! Followed your next book and excited to see how it goes for you.
I'm SO excited for the butter book!! I'm really looking forward to seeing how you work on it and make process now the outlining stage is done, and you've wrapped up a lot of your other jobs lol!
Yep. And just think about how much TIME you put in. If you paid yourself minimum wage for the time you put in for packaging and stuff what do you think your costs would have been? (I know you can't really do the math for that but just something to think about for other people thinking of Kickstarter.)
I loved this! Thank you for the extensive videos on Kickstarter. I had a difficult time finding this kind of information when I did my own Kickstarter for my omnibus. I also learned to raise my prices. Thankfully, I did make an income, but not much (I explained it in a video like this one on my channel). I would love to do this again and plan to in the future.
Thanks Amy! I’m so happy you liked the series, it was so fun to do and means a lot to know it’s helpful! It’s definitely a learning curve, right? Haha but so worth it!
I absolutely love your whole journey through your kickstarter program. I am starting one soon and your videos are really helpful! Can I ask which company did you use to print out the hardcover books?
Wow, definitely shocked at that number but also artistic work is not easily compensated. 😩 Hopefully next time you can charge a bit, you deserve it! I'm not a reader of your genre but i love your behind the scenes videos!! ❤
Yeah that shocked me a lot because it seems like the printing and shipping and price could be higher to make a profit but that isn't easy to figure out as you've made me realize. I just launched my first book Kickstarter today and I'm so nervous and scared and hoping it does well (though I'm not sure) but I've put so much work and effort into marketing it. Do you have any advice for best places to market for small authors like me who don't have much of a following? (I've already sent out newsletters and posted on all social media platforms I have and am trying to use RUclips and book funnel and also don't have money to run ads).
It was shocking for sure, but if I hadn’t done foiling that alone would’ve saved thousands lol! Yeah, do kickstarter swaps with other projects! You can learn more in the Kickstarter for Authors Facebook group.
I have a question. The first book of the Queen's Rise series only has 93 ratings on Amazon - it doesn't look like you're, y'know, super duper famous or anything (not an insult, just observing). How did you make the decision to try a Kickstarter for the omnibus? Did you worry it was going to fail? How did you advertise it? - just some questions from a fellow indie who dreams of doing the same thing one day
First congratulations 🎊 👏🏻 💐 👶 , I published my first book and I received email "its time to restock your books " i already ordered my copy of book, i didnt get what does it mean? Thank you 😊
Ooo great question! I actually skipped the ISBN altogether for the special print run, since I’m the only one selling them-from what I understand those numbers are mainly for librarians and bookstores to look up books, so they didn’t feel necessary for me in this instance since this print run would never be online. :)
![I decided to try Kickstarter as an author and here’s what happened… [KICKSTARTER VLOG]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fLQA6gtP3_Y/mqdefault.jpg)
![I decided to try Kickstarter as an author and here’s what happened… [KICKSTARTER VLOG]](/img/tr.png)
I hope all the people leaving snarky comments on your posts during the kickstarter about the pricing watch this video. People are so used to these monopolized giant companies able to offer lower prices for things. This is a special thing done by a normal person without corporate backing…I’m so glad you got to see your book baby(ies) become this beautiful thing & feel all this love pouring out for you! I’m so glad I got to help support you for this! ♥️ Can’t wait for what is next for you!
Oh my gosh I totally forgot about those people haha, soooo true! They had no idea! 😂 Thank you so much Emily, that means a lot to hear! 🥰❤️
Looking at 700 bucks, authors might feel disapointed. But, you got to make an onmibus AND try character art and maps working with different designers (which is always a risk) which is fun! Many authors lose money publishing books, and you showed that there is a way to make this work, so thanks Bethany. We enjoy your honesty and motivation.
Exactly, it was still very much worth it! Glad you enjoyed!
I am shocked that you made so little money for all your hard work. But I guess you had a great ride during all the Kickstarter event planning, doing, and sending out all your beautiful foiled books! What an adrenaline rush, Bethany! Especially as you are already planning a Kickstarter for the Butter book! Wow! It was such fun outlining the Butter book with you!🥰
I was shocked too! After I edited this video I was thinking specifically about the foiling being thousands of dollars more and realizing that was probably where the money went haha-but it was so worth it!! I’ve never had a foil cover before so it was a bucket list dream for sure! 🥳 thanks so much, I’m so happy you liked it and can’t wait to do it again with the Butter Book!
Thanks again for your transparency and for sharing your numbers! I am also surprised about the amounts you shared! I appreciate you sharing your lessons learned and for the insight you provided through this process! Looking forward to the Butter Book!!!
Absolutely, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Videos like this are what would’ve helped me plan better so I figured it’s the least I can do to help other authors. :) yayyy can’t wait to finally start the Butter Book, thank you!☺️
your content is saving lives!! Thank u so much for making these kinds of transparent videos for us aspiring writers everywhere!
Haha thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed it!
I’m impressed at how you go out of your way to make your readers happy. It is an admirable quality.
Thank you so much!☺️
Ok so hear my out! When you do Butter Book, do two different versions. The only book version that looks like a real book, and THEN the actual Butter Book or whatever the title would be. Simple white background, yellow text with dripping butter. And the Butter Book will be the HOW the book was created and the behind the scenes in written form! That would be something I would pay to read!
Haha I love it!! That’s a super fun idea! Idk if I could execute it well but I’ll totally keep it in mind!
THIS!
I love your content! It's so helpful as an aspiring novelist considering indie publishing.
Thank you so much, that means a lot!
Really appreciate the details and your transparency with this project! I've no desire to do a KS but this was a super informative behind-the-scenes peek into the process.
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it! ☺️
Getting that little from where it ended is wild lol but it does certainly highlight areas you could potentially cut costs in the future for sure. I'm happy you had fun doing it as that's priceless plus those gold foil covers are gorgeous. I've been toying with the idea of Kickstarter for a while now and this certainly helps put things into perspective. Thanks for sharing :)
Definitely! So glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
This is so insightful and really gave realistic looks into the behind-the-scenes.
I relate so so so much to this video. I learned a lot doing my first and am still fulfilling my second, but want to give you the confirmation that it was a lot easier the second time around. Even funding less than yours (so impressed and proud of how well yours did!!), the stress was more than expected in fulfillment that first time around. It's a right of passage!
Everything you learned now is going to help tremendously. You'll splash even bigger next time with a higher margin for your work. Can't wait for butter book!
That’s awesome to hear, thanks Rebecca! This is technically my third Kickstarter so I should really be more on top of things by now haha, but it’s been so many years since my last one that I think I forgot a lot of things! 😆 But love hearing that it gets easier with the next one, I can’t wait!
Congratulations on your Kickstarter success! Looking forward to the Butter Book!
Thank you so much! ☺️
I can't wait for the Butter book. I was among the people who helped out with choosing the troups and everything else. I remember that it was so much fun being part of the process.
Yayyy thank you so much, that means a lot! ☺️
Wow! I was definitely surprised! I had thought the total would be low, but not quite as low as it was. I just want to say THANK YOU Bethany! I absolutely LOVE my copy. So much so that when we move back to Maui (on September 1st) I am taking it in my suitcase instead of putting it in the box of stuff we are sending through the mail! LOL I appreciate your hard work, and yes, next time, definitely raise the prices a bit. You deserve it!!
Yayyy so happy to hear that, thank you Kathy!! I appreciate it, so happy you liked the book!! 🥰❤️🎉
Hi Bethany, Thanks so much for sharing your profits so honestly here. I'd be curious to hear more about the story of your very first Kickstarter Campaign for your debut book. Such a brave thing to do right out of the gates - I'm guessing without an established following on social or an email list at that time. I'd love to know more about the details of how you managed to make it work back then, if you'd like to share!
I'm not surprised you didn't have much left over. Kickstarter's not meant for creators to make a profit. It's just so they can fund the project.
Yeah exactly! I do think creators who are financially savvy do a good job of covering the cost of their time within that funding but even if it made nothing I’d still have done it, it was awesome!
I still watch those butter vids while working on my own stories. I’m new to kickstarters so it seems like so much prep goes into it. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m excited for the book to come out and congrats.❤❤
Ahhh yay! That makes me so happy to hear, and I can’t wait to finally write this book haha! Yeah it was definitely a big time investment, something I’ll plan for better in the future but so much fun :D thank you so much!
Welcome to Kickstarter! I just finished the campaign for my 3rd comic - and can confirm: it's a lot of work but still very fulfilling!
There's definitely a lot of trial and error in launching a campaign, but this post-mortem will help you (and your viewers) avoid some of those pitfalls.
Thanks for the transparency with it all!
Followed your next book and excited to see how it goes for you.
Thank you so much! This was my third as well BUT I hadn’t done one since over 7 years ago so things had changed quite a bit haha, but it was a blast!
@@BethanyAtazadeh Fair enough! Lots has changed over the past few months - so I can only imagine how much has changed in the last 7 years!!
I'm SO excited for the butter book!! I'm really looking forward to seeing how you work on it and make process now the outlining stage is done, and you've wrapped up a lot of your other jobs lol!
Yay! Thank you so much, I can’t wait to dive into that project finally! 🥳
Yep. And just think about how much TIME you put in. If you paid yourself minimum wage for the time you put in for packaging and stuff what do you think your costs would have been? (I know you can't really do the math for that but just something to think about for other people thinking of Kickstarter.)
So true, it’d be a very tiny minimum wage haha!
I loved this! Thank you for the extensive videos on Kickstarter. I had a difficult time finding this kind of information when I did my own Kickstarter for my omnibus. I also learned to raise my prices. Thankfully, I did make an income, but not much (I explained it in a video like this one on my channel). I would love to do this again and plan to in the future.
Thanks Amy! I’m so happy you liked the series, it was so fun to do and means a lot to know it’s helpful! It’s definitely a learning curve, right? Haha but so worth it!
this was so surprising. thank you for sharing the reality!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I absolutely love your whole journey through your kickstarter program. I am starting one soon and your videos are really helpful! Can I ask which company did you use to print out the hardcover books?
Thank you so much! Yeah absolutely, like I said in the video it was my first time working with 48 Hour Books-they do all kinds of foiling!
Wow, looking at all of the things you offered, I felt that it would be pretty expensive.
Yeah that part makes sense!
Wow, definitely shocked at that number but also artistic work is not easily compensated. 😩 Hopefully next time you can charge a bit, you deserve it! I'm not a reader of your genre but i love your behind the scenes videos!! ❤
I was too haha! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
Yeah that shocked me a lot because it seems like the printing and shipping and price could be higher to make a profit but that isn't easy to figure out as you've made me realize.
I just launched my first book Kickstarter today and I'm so nervous and scared and hoping it does well (though I'm not sure) but I've put so much work and effort into marketing it. Do you have any advice for best places to market for small authors like me who don't have much of a following? (I've already sent out newsletters and posted on all social media platforms I have and am trying to use RUclips and book funnel and also don't have money to run ads).
It was shocking for sure, but if I hadn’t done foiling that alone would’ve saved thousands lol!
Yeah, do kickstarter swaps with other projects! You can learn more in the Kickstarter for Authors Facebook group.
@@BethanyAtazadeh I joined and have been trying to get some swaps going
the way I gasped about the 48 hour book; that's insanity. I kinda guessed you would have around $500; I wasn't completely off, but wow😅
Yeah I was shocked that the cost per book pretty much doubled, but I guess foiling is expensive!
I have a question. The first book of the Queen's Rise series only has 93 ratings on Amazon - it doesn't look like you're, y'know, super duper famous or anything (not an insult, just observing). How did you make the decision to try a Kickstarter for the omnibus? Did you worry it was going to fail? How did you advertise it? - just some questions from a fellow indie who dreams of doing the same thing one day
You don’t have to be famous to be successful. And FYI, TSG isn’t my first book. ;)
First congratulations 🎊 👏🏻 💐 👶 , I published my first book and I received email "its time to restock your books " i already ordered my copy of book, i didnt get what does it mean? Thank you 😊
Thank you! And I honestly have no idea, I don't stock my books with my print on demand companies, because they print on demand
@@BethanyAtazadeh thank you for responding 🙏🏻
Does your Special Edition have its own ISBN or did you skip it because it's manually printed by 48hour books?
Ooo great question! I actually skipped the ISBN altogether for the special print run, since I’m the only one selling them-from what I understand those numbers are mainly for librarians and bookstores to look up books, so they didn’t feel necessary for me in this instance since this print run would never be online. :)
You count all expenses for tax purposes.
Oh when it comes to taxes it’s all counted for sure lol, but tech some of those purchases went to 2023 taxes. ;)