Ask the Author: Michael Dow
Answered Questions (3)
Michael Dow
Hi Gary, I assume you're referring to crowdfunding for self-publishing of a novel? I would first take a look at the successful projects on Kickstarter (and maybe Indiegogo as well) that are similar to what you want to do, there are a lot more good examples than when I did it a few years ago. You really need a video, and some creative rewards (lots of options for books, especially works of fiction) - signed copies, acknowledgment, picking character names, etc. You'll see lots of examples. Personally, I would NOT do add on products like t-shirts or coffee mugs or posters; t-shirts especially are a huge hassle collecting sizes and adding to the mailing. That was a mistake on my part, it's a distraction, and I don't think anyone funded the project because of the t-shirt. In fact, several said "no thanks" when I asked if they still wanted one.
Have a good spread of rewards, from a few bucks to hundreds or thousands, depending on how much you are going to raise.
Then, the real secret is publicity. Email the project link to friends, share on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Get it out there. Best case is a catchy "hook" that can be used in the advertising. See if you can attract local media. When my project launched, I had several friends ready to fund it so it was partially funded almost immediately, and did not languish at 2% funded for weeks. I would also run the project no longer than 30 days, maybe less. That is plenty of time.
Good luck!
Have a good spread of rewards, from a few bucks to hundreds or thousands, depending on how much you are going to raise.
Then, the real secret is publicity. Email the project link to friends, share on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Get it out there. Best case is a catchy "hook" that can be used in the advertising. See if you can attract local media. When my project launched, I had several friends ready to fund it so it was partially funded almost immediately, and did not languish at 2% funded for weeks. I would also run the project no longer than 30 days, maybe less. That is plenty of time.
Good luck!
Michael Dow
Hi Zip! Thanks so much for the kind words, looking forward to your review. I have to tell you, I got an email from Netgalley that I think was also your review? It included a note with a comment about the line "if they don't strangle each other first." My sister also HATES that phrase and has been trying to get it removed for a year. I forwarded the email to her and you now have a HUGE fan in Philadelphia :). So maybe its time I tell the publicist to remove that from the book description. Again, thanks for the feedback, and yes, I'm over halfway through book 2 and hoping it gets released before the end of the year!
Michael Dow
Thanks for asking! I've always been fascinated by our universe, how we got here, and the ultimate fate of humanity. In addition to reading the likes of Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury etc. as a kid, I followed Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, Brian Greene, and others with equal (if not greater...) interest.
The idea behind Dark Matters has percolated in my head for well over a decade, though the details of the story have evolved over the years. For instance, the backdrop of a world dictated by a handful of the ultra-rich was a recent addition, as you can probably guess. But the main story line of dark matter's purpose, and humanity's ultimate fate, is the same one I stumbled on almost 20 years ago. I don't recall an exact 'aha' moment, though.
Hope that helps, and stay tuned for more! The second book in the trilogy is well underway; I'm hoping it can get released before the end of 2016...
The idea behind Dark Matters has percolated in my head for well over a decade, though the details of the story have evolved over the years. For instance, the backdrop of a world dictated by a handful of the ultra-rich was a recent addition, as you can probably guess. But the main story line of dark matter's purpose, and humanity's ultimate fate, is the same one I stumbled on almost 20 years ago. I don't recall an exact 'aha' moment, though.
Hope that helps, and stay tuned for more! The second book in the trilogy is well underway; I'm hoping it can get released before the end of 2016...
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