RE: "Ithaqa" Comic Book Update #145 Changes Incoming + Crowdfunding With Steem
My two cents (and my experience is limited): when I first approached Kickstarter, I decided that it would be easier - more practical - to try to fund a series of floppy issues rather than a full graphic novel. That's how I approached Lesbian Zombies from Outer Space, and I have no doubt that I would have failed had I tried to raise the full amount for the full book.
The big reason for that is I had no audience/fans to start. (If someone has a large fanbase already, then yes, I think kickstarting a full graphic novel is a lot more doable.)
That being said, printing and shipping a bunch of floppies is more expensive, and more of a pain in the ass, than doing the same for a graphic novel. One and done.
This is why, with The Trial of Socrates, I'm going to try a compromise: I want to release the book in three parts - each part 2-3 floppies page count - and then a release of the full book at the end. I know I still have a very small audience (and whatever audience I do have is expecting naked zombies, rather than Socrates). Plus, the production rate per page is more expensive this time around. So again, I'm left trying to go the piecemeal route.
Anyway, I just figured I'd mention this. If you're already defraying costs through steemit upvotes, that's fantastic, and it should mean you won't have to raise as much on Kickstarter.
This is VERY helpful, thank you. I wouldn't say we have a large fanbase, if I'm being very optimistic I can think of about 50 individuals who would donate something as of now (with not too much effort on my part). The rest would have to come from press, social media, and a very well executed kickstarter campaign. I have a few big influencers who might help shout out the project as well, which is a consideration of mine.
Would you mind me asking what your fundraising goals were in the past?
Sure. My first attempt was for $3000 - and I barely scraped by, with the help of friends/family. But that connected me to brand new people, so the second campaign brought in a bit more than $4000, and that was all from fans/readers, rather than charitable family. :) And it stayed about the same from there.
Really I ended up doing two issues per campaign on a couple of them, rather than just one.
I will say: despite my successful Kickstarter campaigns, I have yet to turn a profit, or even pay myself a page-rate, for my work on the book. :) But steemit is helping.
Hrmmm.... thanks. This is very helpful for me as I consider my next moves.
Have you ever tried to get into a comic book store? What was that like if so?
I made some admittedly half-hearted attempts. None successful. Apart from it being difficult, even if I were to get some stores interested, I'd be lucky if they pay me print cost. And more likely, they'd pay less than print cost. The only way to make that profitable - as far as I can see - is print thousands of books, and get the lower print rate.
Selling online at least leaves a decent profit margin. Of course, then you have to actually get the sales. :)