As my Kickstarter campaign for my upcoming novel, Anna, Daughter of Creed gets close to wrapping up, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. There are just three days left! I figured this would be a good time to reflect on the journey so. Here, I’ll share some strategies for wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign, drawing from my experience with this project and past Kickstarters.
The Journey So Far: Anna, Daughter of Creed
The Kickstarter for Anna, Daughter of Creed has invited fans who share a passion for my Creedverse/Bodacious Creed novels. This upcoming novel, a spin-off from my The Adventures of Bodacious Creed trilogy, takes readers into the life of James Creed’s daughter, Anna Lynn Boyd, during the same time period when Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake and Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate take place.
As the campaign wraps up, it’s essential to keep the momentum going and ensure potential backers are aware of what’s still available. Let’s look at what I’m focusing on, and what I suggest for others wrapping up their Kickstarter projects.
Strategies for a Successful Wrap-Up
1. Engage the Community
One of the most effective ways to maintain momentum is by engaging with the community. Regular updates, interactive Q&A sessions, and engaging content can keep backers invested. Throughout this campaign, I’ve tried to keep everyone informed with updates. Could I have done more? Yes, but when you’re busy in other parts of your life, work smart, and I think I did that.
2. Highlight Unique Rewards
As the campaign draws to a close, let me highlight the rewards. You can get copies of the upcoming novel and copies of the previous trilogy in digital or print formats. Anyone who donates $3 or more gets their name in the acknowledgements, and as for the add-ons… Check those out! Get additional book copies, perhaps for friends, become a walk-on character in the novel, or name a character. There’s even going to be a deck of “Anna, Daughter of Creed” playing cards you can add to your rewards! If you’re finishing up a Kickstarter, keep in mind that emphasizing the exclusivity of certain rewards can create a sense of urgency.
3. Leverage Social Proof
Social proof is something I didn’t learn about until I was over forty, but it makes so much sense, and affects all of us. When we know what others think of something, it informs what we think of it. When people give a book great reviews, or back a Kickstarter, people new to the book or project see it has some popularity, and that shows there’s a good chance it’s worth paying attention to. I read a few book reviews before I purchase a book. If a movie is critical reviews, I’ll often put off giving it a shot until it’s available for streaming. So, as your Kickstarter winds down and you post to social media about it, mention how much it’s made or how many excited backers you have!
4. Countdown to the Deadline
Creating a sense of urgency is crucial in the final days. Regular reminders about the ticking clock can encourage last-minute backers to pledge. Using countdowns in updates and social media posts can effectively highlight the limited time left to support the project.
5. Stretch Goals and Bonus Rewards
If the initial goal is met, introducing stretch goals can maintain enthusiasm. These could be additional content, special editions, or enhanced rewards. For “Anna, Daughter of Creed,” potential stretch goals might include additional chapters, exclusive artwork, or a special audiobook edition narrated by a woman. I admit, I didn’t do stretch goals this time, but I have in the past, and I certainly will for future projects. These are usually best for when a Kickstarter is really making a lot of money, making bonuses more affordable for the creator.
6. Thank the Backers
Expressing gratitude is essential. Thanking backers for their support and highlighting how their contributions are making the project possible can strengthen the community. Personal messages or shout-outs can make backers feel appreciated and connected to the project. I make sure to thank my backers on every update.
A Closer Look at “Anna, Daughter of Creed”
Anna, Daughter of Creed delves into the life of Anna Lynn Boyd, a visionary entrepreneur navigating a steampunk-infused Santa Cruz, California, in the late 1870s. While her father, the resurrected investigator James Creed, chases justice in San Francisco, Anna faces her own battles against societal challenges and personal threats. This novel promises the action, diversity, and depth that fans of the Creedverse love.
The Story Behind the Novel
In Anna, Daughter of Creed, we experience Anna’s struggle to champion women’s rights and create new opportunities beyond the traditional roles of the era. Her journey is filled with blackmail, libel, and the fight for personal and societal advancement. The novel promises a blend of historical intrigue and futuristic innovation, a hallmark of my storytelling.
Praise and Anticipation
I’m grateful for the positive feedback from fans who appreciate the compelling female characters in my stories. Anna Lynn Boyd represents the strength and resilience that I aim to portray in my characters. In this novel, I expand the Creedverse and strive to push the boundaries of the genre.
Wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign involves a mix of strategic engagement, highlighting unique aspects, and creating a sense of urgency. By focusing on these elements, I hope to maximize the campaign’s potential and ensure a successful conclusion. With its unique blend of steampunk and Wild West, interesting characters, and rich narrative, “Anna, Daughter of Creed” will captivate readers and expand my fictional world.
As the finish line approaches, every update, every thank you, and every bit of enthusiasm can make a difference. Here’s to a successful campaign and the exciting adventures that await in Anna, Daughter of Creed. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
“I really like Kickstarter because you don’t have to be a Medici to fund the arts and sciences or to get behind a big idea or a person that sparks your imagination. It’s a type of microfunding directed toward creators.” ~ Lisa Gansky