Crowdfunding means funding a project by asking for a small sum from a large number of people. A review of the top five UK crowdfunding sites is here:
Here are some other UK crowdfunding websites to explore:
Crowdfunding needs careful planning. You have 60 days to raise the funds, so if you aim too high, you might disappoint people. Sites generally take 5% of contributions but beware VAT and Paypal costs so a £11.50 contribution becomes £9 to the author. Match rewards to the size of the contributions: a name in the book, an ebook, an invite to the launch party, a paper copy, a matching pen. Generally the people who contribute already know you. Not many strangers will opt in.
Create an email list and update people regularly, keep to the timetable and stick to launch date you've promised. Create stationeryand keep it with you always book preorders and give an attractive receipt.
Some pitfalls to avoid.
The website lost my contribution
Incorrect invoicing
Failure to print names of contributors
Ideas:
Create a persuasive blurb
Make a short film
Offer an extract of the novel
Get an ISBN
Make a QR code qrstuff
No fee bookshop launch
Fancy Dress at the launch = TV
I am hugely indebted to @MegjKingston who has personal experience of crowdfunding her soon to be published steampunk novel: Chrystal Heart
Meg's article appears here soon: Publishing Talk
Final thought:
Play with highlighters, it's fun. Sorry if it's annoyed some people.
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