How Crowdfunding for Authors Works - article

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.

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  • I would be open to any and all ideas to spread the inspirational poetry in "Flutter of an Eye" available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and iUniverse.com.  Thanks again and God Bless you!

  • My name is Tammy Spears and I am the Author of "Flutter of an Eye".  I wrote my poetry book in memory of my Mother Diana Hullings who passed away in 2007 at a young age of 61 from lung cancer. I have been writing poetry in her memory and submitting it to the local newspaper for print every year since her passing in 2007 and decided it was time to dedicate a poetry book on her 10th Anniversary of her passing.  My mother was my inspiration in life and I wanted to dedicate this book in her memory.  I hope my book will touch your heart and soul as it did for me when I was writing it. As you may already know it is very expensive to pursue a dream of writing and I am reaching out to you asking for help to publish my sequel "Fluttering On" as well as to market my current book "Flutter of an Eye".  I would also love to see my inspirational poetry recorded as music. I also started a small business in October 2018 called Poetry Pantry LLC and sell various items at Craft Shows with my poems incorporated on them such as:  T-shirts, tote bags, wine bottles, glasses etc and I would love to expand and grow my business on-line as well to spread the inspirational words of my poetry.  I would gladly love to partner or work with anyone who would be interested to "Lend a Hand" and "Take Me With You" and spread the inspirational poetry and see what an "Impact" it has on all who reads it.  Let us "Come Together" on "The Walk" and make my "Dream" and yours come true!  God gave us this "One Life" to live won't you join me in helping make "Our Mother" proud? The titles in ("quotations") are poems that are published and available in my poetry book "Flutter of an Eye" and the book can be found on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and iUniverse.com.  Thank you so much for your support and God Bless you!

  • I am seeking funding to make my book a movie.  To summarize and send it to Take 5, a company that can get it to Lions Gate, my publisher is asking for almost $4,000.  I do not have that.  I live on a fixed income and can not spare additional obligations, but I am willing to offer an autographed copy of my book for free to any donators.  I welcome and look forward to feedback. Thanks Sincerely, and happy holidays to all!

  • Hello! I want to share my story about my book "Unsheltered".  It's about my life from birth to adulthood.  I was born with a crippling skin disease that is hereditary as well as incurable.  My book speaks about the torment form the agonizing pain and the ridicule dished at me daily from other children.  It is titled Unsheltered because it is the way my life unfolded from my perspective only.  It was a life of little guidance and often no shelter.  It shows how a young girl went astray but was realigned by God.  An unfortunate life of drugs, sex and abuse that took her to rock bottom, was miraculously changed for the better.  She was redeemed and made whole again.  I want the world to know that God has been with me since birth; and he will manifest himself the same way in anyone's life who needs, and truly wants him to.  It shows all the trials and tribulations I went through in my life.  I was a homeless, teenage, crack head who committed several crimes but who cleaned up her life, got an education, became a mother and wife, raised four children and wrote a book about it.  In 2010, I published my book and received a patent from the U.S. Government for inventing shoe covers for Barbers and Stylists.