Podcast Summary: Kickstarter For Authors With Orianna Leckert
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
- Host: Joanna Penn
- Episode: Kickstarter For Authors With Orianna Leckert
- Release Date: February 24, 2025
Introduction
In episode 796 of The Creative Penn Podcast, Joanna Penn explores the pivotal role of Kickstarter in empowering authors to bring their creative projects to life. Joining her is Oriana Leckert, the Director of Publishing at Kickstarter, who shares her expertise on navigating crowdfunding to successfully fund and distribute literary works.
Innovations in Audiobook Narration
Joanna kicks off the episode by highlighting a significant advancement in audiobook production:
"AI narrated audiobooks from 11 Labs will now be accepted on Spotify through findawayvoices.com. Now indie authors have been using ElevenLabs for a while and could sell the files direct..."
– Joanna Penn [05:15]
This integration democratizes audiobook creation by reducing costs and increasing accessibility, enabling authors to reach broader audiences and cater to diverse linguistic groups.
New Product Launches from BookVault
The discussion transitions to BookVault's latest offerings:
"Box sets are designed to house multiple books in a custom printed, high quality box... A slip case is a protective sleeve for a single book designed to enhance its look while providing durability."
– Joanna Penn [06:30]
These products provide authors with premium options to present their works, catering to collectors and enhancing the perceived value of their books.
Spotlight on Becca Syme's Quitcast
Joanna recommends Becca Syme's Quitcast, a resourceful podcast focused on building sustainable author careers with emphasis on:
- Managing attention
- Financial planning
- Maintaining health
"Becca is very wise and a great coach... includes managing your attention, your finances, your health and more."
– Joanna Penn [08:00]
Personal Highlights
Guest Appearance on End of Life University
Joanna shares her recent experience on the End of Life University podcast alongside Karen Wyatt, discussing:
- Writing non-fiction books
- Tackling sensitive subjects like death and dying
- Overcoming imposter syndrome
- Effective editing techniques
"If you have found the book useful, a review would be super useful either on Amazon or Goodreads..."
– Joanna Penn [09:30]
Experience at the Berlin Film Market
Joanna recounts her brief yet insightful trip to the Berlin Film Market, highlighting the stark differences between film and book distribution:
"The distribution was not like it is for books... extremely hard, it's very expensive and it takes a lot to get things moving."
– Joanna Penn [12:15]
She emphasizes the challenges in the film industry, contrasting it with the more accessible pathways available to authors.
Success at the Bath Library Author Fair
Despite battling illness, Joanna successfully participated in an author fair at the Bath Library, where she engaged with readers, signed books, and connected with fellow authors.
"Was it worth it? Yes. I was really happy to support the library and I donated some books as well."
– Joanna Penn [16:00]
Interview: Orianna Leckert on Kickstarter for Authors
Orianna's Role and Kickstarter's Mission
Oriana Leckert introduces herself and elaborates on Kickstarter's unique position in the crowdfunding ecosystem:
"Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform... every project has to create something new to share with the world."
– Oriana Leckert [19:36]
She underscores Kickstarter's commitment as a public benefit corporation, focusing solely on creative projects and fostering a mission-driven environment.
Evolution of Authors on Kickstarter
Oriana discusses the transformative shift in authors' perceptions of Kickstarter over the years:
"The shift has been absolutely massive... Kickstarter can be transformative for an author's career."
– Oriana Leckert [22:12]
This change reflects a growing trust and recognition of Kickstarter as a viable platform for authors beyond traditional publishing avenues.
Creative Rewards for Campaigns
The conversation delves into innovative reward strategies beyond conventional merchandise:
"If you've got a romance novel with a pivotal scene on the beach, maybe you'd make some candles that smell like the ocean..."
– Oriana Leckert [24:35]
Oriana encourages authors to think creatively, offering personalized and experience-based rewards that resonate deeply with backers.
Understanding Kickstarter's Publishing Statistics
Oriana shares compelling data illustrating Kickstarter's impact on the publishing sector:
"In publishing specifically, we've had 69,000 projects launched, 3.2 million unique backers, and over $380 million pledged to campaigns."
– Oriana Leckert [30:01]
These statistics highlight the platform's significant role in facilitating authorial success and innovation.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Identifying prevalent pitfalls, Oriana advises authors to align their project ambitions with their actual audience reach:
"Overestimating their abilities to reach their crowd... make sure that your ambition matches your reach."
– Oriana Leckert [33:16]
She stresses the importance of realistic goal-setting and thorough audience understanding to enhance campaign viability.
The Importance of Pre-launch Pages
Oriana emphasizes the strategic advantage of setting up pre-launch pages to build momentum before the official campaign kick-off:
"A pre launch page... designed to generate followers... helps you have a strong first day."
– Oriana Leckert [43:03]
This approach maximizes early engagement and boosts the campaign's visibility and credibility.
Financial Planning and Budgeting
Highlighting financial prudence, Oriana advocates for meticulous budgeting:
"The importance of doing a full, real detailed budget... understand all of your costs."
– Oriana Leckert [47:10]
She recommends utilizing resources like Russell Nolte's budgeting worksheet to ensure comprehensive financial preparation.
Navigating Taxes and Legalities
While Orianna cannot provide tax advice, she advises authors to consult with accountants regarding tax obligations related to crowdfunding:
"You should certainly talk to your accountant about what you're doing on Kickstarter and how you should report that..."
– Oriana Leckert [49:57]
New Kickstarter Features
Oriana introduces upcoming Kickstarter features aimed at enhancing creator flexibility and backer experience:
"We are working on secret rewards... a direct link to a reward that's not listed in the campaign."
– Oriana Leckert [53:14]
These innovations are designed to cater to diverse creator needs and improve overall campaign management.
Listener Engagement and Feedback
Throughout the episode, Joanna shares enthusiastic feedback from listeners, reflecting the podcast's impact and longevity:
"Reading the Lunar Chronicles inspired me to write sci fi fusion novels... Welcome."
– Listener Comment: Fantastic ogicalinsanity
Conclusion
Joanna wraps up the episode by promoting her upcoming project Death Valley, encouraging listeners to engage through various platforms, and expressing gratitude to her Patreon supporters. She previews next week's episode focused on writing action adventure and traveling for book research with Luke Richardson.
"Let me know what you think... Happy writing, and I'll see you next time."
– Joanna Penn [55:19]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Joanna Penn [05:15]:
"AI narrated audiobooks from 11 Labs will now be accepted on Spotify through findawayvoices.com..."
-
Joanna Penn [06:30]:
"Box sets are designed to house multiple books in a custom printed, high quality box..."
-
Joanna Penn [08:00]:
"Becca is very wise and a great coach... includes managing your attention, your finances, your health and more."
-
Joanna Penn [09:30]:
"If you have found the book useful, a review would be super useful either on Amazon or Goodreads..."
-
Joanna Penn [12:15]:
"The distribution was not like it is for books... extremely hard, it's very expensive and it takes a lot to get things moving."
-
Joanna Penn [16:00]:
"Was it worth it? Yes. I was really happy to support the library and I donated some books as well."
-
Oriana Leckert [19:36]:
"Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform... every project has to create something new to share with the world."
-
Oriana Leckert [22:12]:
"The shift has been absolutely massive... Kickstarter can be transformative for an author's career."
-
Oriana Leckert [24:35]:
"If you've got a romance novel with a pivotal scene on the beach, maybe you'd make some candles that smell like the ocean."
-
Oriana Leckert [30:01]:
"In publishing specifically, we've had 69,000 projects launched, 3.2 million unique backers, and over $380 million pledged to campaigns."
-
Oriana Leckert [33:16]:
"Overestimating their abilities to reach their crowd... make sure that your ambition matches your reach."
-
Oriana Leckert [43:03]:
"A pre launch page... designed to generate followers... helps you have a strong first day."
-
Oriana Leckert [47:10]:
"The importance of doing a full, real detailed budget... understand all of your costs."
-
Oriana Leckert [49:57]:
"You should certainly talk to your accountant about what you're doing on Kickstarter and how you should report that."
-
Oriana Leckert [53:14]:
"We are working on secret rewards... a direct link to a reward that's not listed in the campaign."
-
Joanna Penn [55:19]:
"Happy writing, and I'll see you next time."
Resources Mentioned
- 11 Labs: AI-narrated audiobooks
- Findaway Voices: Platform for distributing audiobooks
- BookVault App: For creating box sets and slip cases
- Becca Syme's Quitcast: Podcast on sustainable author careers
- End of Life University Podcast: Joanna's appearance
- Russell Nolte's Budgeting Worksheet: Financial planning resource for Kickstarter campaigns
Connect with Joanna Penn
- Website: thecreativepenn.com
- Patreon: patreon.com/TheCreativePen
- Social Media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram @fpenauthor
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing actionable insights for authors considering Kickstarter as a platform to fund and distribute their works. From innovative rewards to meticulous budgeting, both Joanna and Orianna offer valuable guidance to navigate the crowdfunding landscape successfully.