While working on my latest project, "Ten Terrific, Terrifying, and Tantalizing Tales of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and Action," I'm considering using an alternate way of getting it published. Has anyone used Kickstarter to help publish their book? Using crowdfunding for all the expenses that will be needed (printing, shipping, and advertising for the most part)? I'm reading up on it now, and it seems like a lot, but if done right, it looks like it helps.
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You can do it for free, self-publishing.
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From someone who's been published and worked in the publishing industry for 30+ years... The short answer is yes, some authors have used Kickstarter to put together the money to live on as they write and publish their work. All of them (that I know of) already have a following of fans who are waiting for the newest book.
But as others have mentioned, you can self-publish the book through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and a variety of other platforms like Draft 2 Digital.
You're out of pocket for editing and cover art, as well as formatting costs, which can add up.
Amazon, IngramSpark, and Draft 2 Digital offer print book services. Each have their own formatting requirements for cover art and manuscript set up. Amazon has templates available. D2D will do the entire thing for you. IngramSpark has a relatively nominal cost.
IngramSpark is the place to go if you want your print book distributed/available to bookstores and libraries. Draft 2 Digital has just opened up their print division and they work directly with Ingram. I haven't tried their print service yet, so I can't tell you how well it works. The majority of friends who have used it like what they've seen.
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Thank you for this advice, Terese Ramin. This is all really helpful and good to know.
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IngramSpark is more expensive for author print copies than Amazon, but I've heard the quality is just as good. I published a book for my mother on Sunday. Paperback arriving today! That's phenomenal turn-around. Not sure what the turn-around is for other services. Reedsy published a comparison of the best print services: https://blog.reedsy.com/print-on-demand-books/?utm_source=mailparrot_new... Well worth a look.
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You can also use free tools such as Canva for cover design and there are some good and low-cost designers and proof-readers on Fiverr. It doesn't need to be hugely expensive.
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I have used all the services I mentioned earlier with good results. IngramSpark is more expensive, but it's also the only place libraries and bookstores can use to order books to put on their shelves.