Here’s a little introduction to our guest today, Matthew Turner. He wrote an absolutely enthralling novel about love and travel that grabbed me right from the start, Beyond Parallel. It’s currently only published in e-book form but he has a Kickstarter campaign running from the first ever print edition. I can’t recommend this book highly enough! You won’t be sorry supporting his endeavor, and to give us a little insight into it here is none other than Matthew Turner:
You may have heard of Crowdfunding and a website called Kickstarter. It’s become quite the popular platform with technology products making millions, films being funded with stars at the ready, and musicians becoming overnight successes.
What about Writers, though. There’s a publishing section on Kickstarter – which is split into Fiction, Art, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Children – but apart from the odd success story it doesn’t seem to be embraced with the same vigour as other arts like music, design, and film.
WHY?
When it comes to Crowdfunding I believe writers should lead the way. That’s what this Post is all about. I’m here to twist your arm…
Storytelling Is King
There are several aspects that make for a compelling Kickstarter Campaign, but I believe Storytelling is at its heart. The reader is ultimately buying a product like they would from a shop, market, or bookstore. However, you don’t simply buy a product or book through Kickstarter, you buy into the entire journey.
You’re part of the beginning, see how the writer progresses the story, are privy to special access, and receive early bird editions and items no other people will see…EVER. I myself am running a Kickstarter Campaign for my novel, Beyond Parallel, and there are Book Covers, T-Shirts, Posters, Editions, and Hardcovers that are ONLY be had through this campaign.
Nowhere else… EVER!
Writers Are Storytellers, Right?
So if the key to Crowdfunding is Storytelling, surely Writers are better suited than most. After all we craft stories for a living, create worlds, invent characters, and direct plots down twists and turns built for immersing the reader, inviting them in, and keeping everyone on their toes throughout.
Writers are bloody brilliant at storytelling and are often interesting individuals who are great with words. They have loyal readers and often have supporters who will go to the ends of the earth to support, share, and interact with them.
If anyone should be able to immerse the reader and crowdfund a project, it should be a writer, right?
So What’s The Problem?
The general worry seems to be writers who turn to Kickstarter with a mere idea – or without the dedication and passion to make it happen. I understand this, because it’s difficult to expect a reader to fund something that isn’t yet written – at least in some form.
However, that’s not to say the book needs to be complete. Some of my favourite campaigns involve those that are halfway through – or at the beginning of the writing journey all together. In these instances the reader gets to unearth rough drafts, be part of the editorial team, and work hand-in-hand with the writer.
This is exciting, no?
Writers craft stories for a living but seem to be wary about letting others into their own. They keep things hidden, are secretive, and hide away in the background. The time has come for writers like myself to be open about our journey. The time has come to let the reader be part of it.
Crowdfunding, The Future?
It isn’t for everyone, but I hope to see many more writers crowdfund projects in the future. So long as they offer items, insights, and a journey that can’t be had anywhere else, sites like Kickstarter will remain a great place for Readers & Writers alike.
If you’re a reader, you’re not simply buying a book, you’re joining the writer’s journey.
If you’re a writer, you’re not simply selling a book, you’re inviting others into your world.
My Kickstarter Campaign for Beyond Parallel is currently underway and I couldn’t be more excited by those joining this journey. I don’t want to create any Print Edition, but one you’ll be proud of. I want you to wear your T-shirt with Pride, showcase your Hardcover with glee, and keep me company along each and every step.
This is your invitation to come in and make your self comfortable. I hope you’ll consider doing so, and I hope more writers open their doors in the future.
-Matthew Turner
