In the not-so-distant past, getting a book published meant one of two things: convincing a traditional publisher to take a chance on your manuscript or self-publishing and shouldering all the costs yourself. But today, authors have another option—one that’s changing the landscape of publishing entirely: crowdfunding books.
Crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful tool for authors who want to bypass traditional gatekeepers and bring their creative visions directly to their readers. Through platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and book-specific sites like Unbound and Publishizer, writers can raise funds from supporters before the book even exists in print.
Let’s dive into how this works, why it’s become so popular, and how you can get involved—whether you’re a writer looking to publish your debut novel or a reader hoping to support the next big literary hit.
What is Crowdfunding Books?
Crowdfunding books refers to the process where authors raise money from readers and supporters to finance the writing, production, and publication of a book. Instead of relying on a traditional publisher, authors use crowdfunding platforms to pitch their idea, gather financial backing, and build an engaged readership.
This method transforms readers into stakeholders. They aren’t just consumers anymore—they’re early supporters and often collaborators in the process.
How Does Crowdfunding a Book Work?
The process of crowdfunding a book typically follows these steps:
- Planning – Authors plan their campaign, including budget, timeline, marketing, and rewards.
- Launching the Campaign – The author shares a compelling pitch with potential backers via a crowdfunding platform.
- Funding Period – Campaigns usually run for 30-60 days, during which authors promote their project heavily.
- Meeting the Goal – If the funding goal is reached (or exceeded), the author receives the money to produce the book.
- Fulfillment – The book is written, published, and delivered to supporters with any promised rewards.
Crowdfunding vs. Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
Here’s a comparative breakdown to help you understand how crowdfunding fits within the broader publishing ecosystem:
| Feature | Crowdfunding Books | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to Author | Low (funded by readers) | Low (publisher pays) | High (author pays all expenses) |
| Creative Control | High | Low to Medium | High |
| Upfront Payment | Yes (via supporters) | No (advance may be given) | No |
| Marketing | Author-driven | Publisher-driven (limited for new authors) | Author-driven |
| Audience Building | Early and direct engagement with readers | Post-publication audience growth | Post-publication audience growth |
| Timeline | Flexible (depends on campaign and writing) | Long (can take years) | Flexible (once book is ready) |
| Risk of Failure | Medium (if campaign fails to meet funding goal) | High (few manuscripts get accepted) | High (no guarantee of sales) |
Why Authors Choose Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding isn’t just about money—it’s about community and control. Here are the main reasons authors are turning to this model:
1. Creative Freedom
With crowdfunding, authors don’t have to answer to publishing gatekeepers. They can write the book they believe in—without compromising their vision to fit a market trend or editorial demand.
2. Upfront Funding
Traditional publishing pays royalties after the book is released. Self-publishing requires authors to invest money upfront. But crowdfunding flips that model—you get paid before you start (or finish) the book.
3. Audience Validation
Running a successful campaign proves there’s demand for your book. It gives you real-world validation from actual readers—and that can be more powerful than a publisher’s nod.
4. Reader Engagement
Supporters of a crowdfunding campaign often feel emotionally invested. They’ll follow your progress, share your updates, and champion your work. Some even help choose titles, covers, or characters.
Popular Crowdfunding Platforms for Books
While general platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo work well, several platforms focus specifically on books:
| Platform | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kickstarter | A general crowdfunding platform with strong visibility in creative fields. | Fiction, graphic novels, memoirs |
| Indiegogo | Similar to Kickstarter but allows flexible funding. | Non-fiction, educational books |
| Unbound | UK-based platform that functions like a publisher + crowdfunding hybrid. | Literary fiction, biographies |
| Publishizer | Matches authors with publishers based on pre-orders from the campaign. | Business, self-help, non-fiction |
| Crowdcast | Offers tools for live webinars and reader interaction. | Serial storytelling, author events |
Real-World Examples
Here are a few standout crowdfunding success stories to show what’s possible:
📘 Brandon Sanderson’s Kickstarter Campaign
In 2022, bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson launched a Kickstarter for four secret novels he wrote during the pandemic. He raised a jaw-dropping $41 million, becoming the most funded Kickstarter campaign ever at the time. His success demonstrated the massive potential of reader-funded publishing—especially when a writer already has a loyal fan base.
📗 Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
This empowering children’s book series began as a Kickstarter campaign and raised over $1 million. It’s now a global brand, showing how crowdfunding can turn a book idea into a phenomenon.
📕 Unbound’s “The Wake” by Paul Kingsnorth
This novel, written in a unique hybrid Old English, was turned down by traditional publishers. It found success through Unbound and went on to be longlisted for the Booker Prize.
Challenges of Crowdfunding Books
Crowdfunding offers many rewards, but it’s not without hurdles:
1. Marketing Demands
You’re not just an author—you’re also a marketer. A campaign’s success hinges on how well you promote it through email, social media, and even press.
2. Time Investment
Planning and running a campaign is time-consuming. Between creating promotional content, engaging with backers, and managing logistics, it can feel like a full-time job.
3. Fulfillment Pressure
You have to deliver what you promise—on time. This includes not just the book but any extras like bookmarks, signed copies, or merchandise.
4. Uncertain Outcomes
Crowdfunding is not guaranteed. If you don’t hit your funding goal (especially on all-or-nothing platforms like Kickstarter), your project may never get off the ground.
Tips for a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
If you’re ready to try crowdfunding your book, here are some tips to increase your odds of success:
✅ Build Your Audience First
Start growing your email list and social media presence well before you launch. A strong base of followers gives your campaign momentum.
✅ Set a Realistic Goal
Calculate your production, shipping, and marketing costs carefully. Don’t forget platform fees (usually 5-10%).
✅ Offer Great Rewards
Include tiers like:
- E-book only
- Signed paperback
- Name in acknowledgments
- Limited-edition cover
- Behind-the-scenes access
✅ Tell a Compelling Story
Your pitch should explain why the book matters, why it’s unique, and why people should support it. Use videos, mock covers, and sample chapters.
✅ Stay Active
Campaigns with frequent updates, thank-you notes, and stretch goals perform better. Keep backers engaged from start to finish.
Who Should Consider Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding isn’t right for every author, but it works especially well for:
- First-time authors with strong niche appeal
- Established authors with a fan base
- Authors of unconventional books that don’t fit traditional markets
- Entrepreneurial writers who enjoy building a community
Also Read: Critic Reviews vs. Audience Scores: Who Should You Trust More?
