Kickstarter for Writers

Kickstarter grabbed the attention of traditional publishers after bestselling novelist Brandon Sanderson used it to raise over forty million dollars. While Sanderson's example is exceptional, he's not alone: many writers are now turning to Kickstarter to fund their books.

But what is Kickstarter? And how can the average author use it? In this half-day virtual presentation and workshop, author Kris Waldherr will share her experience running three successful Kickstarter campaigns.

Kris will discuss best practices, goals, and timelines, alongside frank insight into what works, what doesn’t, and why. She’ll also cover one surprising reason writers should consider crowdfunding: to generate pre-publication buzz.

Finally, Kris will lead participants through shaping a proposal for their own Kickstarter campaign. Participants will leave this workshop with a targeted list of action items and a clear idea of what Kickstarter can do for their publishing goals.

Kris Waldherr is an author, illustrator, and designer. Her most recent novel is Unnatural Creatures: A Novel of the Frankenstein Women, which was named a Reader's Digest Top 25 Book for Halloween, Historical Novels Review Editors’ Choice, and a Washington Independent Review of Books Favorite Book of the Year. Waldherr's nonfiction books for adults and children include Doomed Queens, which The New Yorker praised as “utterly satisfying.” Kris has run three successful Kickstarter campaigns and has two in development through her boutique publishing house, Muse Publications.