5 Lessons I Learned after Launching My Kickstarter Campaign
There are over 11,392 projects in the children’s book category on Kickstarter.com. My project is one of them!
In the beginning of 2022, I raised $14,098 on Kickstarter to launch the newest books of the Wealth Playground Series, Granny's Vintage Camera, and The Wealth Playground Financial Literacy Activity Workbook. My campaign lasted from February 15 - March 10 (a 23-day campaign).
What is a Kickstarter? Kickstarter is a company designed to bring art and creativity to life. Creators worldwide launch Kickstarter to raise money (crowdfund) for future projects.
Funding a KickStarter is not a donation but a pledge for the upcoming production of the Wealth Playground books. Once the campaign raises funds, the backers (those who pledged) will be charged for their pledges and receive their rewards later.
Even my favorite writer and director, Issa Rae, launched a Kickstarter to fund Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. (She raised over $56K)
I'm getting you excited about launching your own, huh?
Well, here are five lessons I learned during my campaign.
What I projected, initially.
My goal was too low. - My goal realistically was for one book. After some reflect, I realized my goal should have at least been $12K. Once you account for mistakes, delays, and taxes, I broke even. (which is not bad for my first campaign) Check out my funding breakdown to the right.
I didn't account for inflation. - COVID-19 and the War in Ukraine skyrocketed prices everywhere. Inflation reached a 40-year record high in June (just three months after my campaign ended.) My printer raised their prices to astronomical heights. They 2x their prices driving me to an overseas printer.
Collaboration is critical, but keep your head down. I worked with many authors who launched their books around the same time as me. I found that cross-marketing with these other authors helped bring more backers and community to both our pages. Plus, it was helpful to know someone in the trenches with you! These authors did an excellent job launching their campaigns, and I still cheer them on long after their campaigns have ended.
Check out their books below:
Leaf Talks Peace: Buddha's Message of Harmony by Priya Kumari
My Voice is My SuperPower by Michelle Davey
Red Racer Books by Andy Amendola
The Brave Coin by A.K. Karos
Ari the Brave and the Magic Dream Fairy by Krystal Wallick
Mason and Milo - A Journey Through The Stars by Nyilah Sulaimana
My Friend Toothy by Stacy Laviolette
Dear Little Brown Girl by Jennelle Dunn
Which Cape Will I wear Today by Kiara Berry
Hire a coach - sooner. I was spinning my wheels, and I kept asking my friends, who aren't exactly experts. Then I reached out to Ceece Kelly of Soaring Kite Books (who's launched three successful Kickstarter campaigns) reminded me of THE Author Crowdfunding Coach, Lisa Ferland. Her consultation was an investment, but it was so worth it. Lisa allowed me to dream bigger about my campaign and not settle for anything less. Check out my testimonial!
Have grace - You're putting something new into the world. Things will go wrong, but it's about learning from your mistake and recovering.
In future posts - I'll share more in-depth resources on what helped before, during, and after my campaign.
Are you planning to launch a crowdfunding campaign soon? If so, let me know in the comments below. I wrote an e-book to help you on your next campaign - check it out here.