Anthea Sharp

Anthea Sharp is a USA Today bestselling author, platform pro, and experienced creator who has successfully run seven book project campaigns on Kickstarter, funding nearly $70,000, plus helped scores of authors set up and launch their own. Sharp has published her lessons learned in her book Kickstarter for Authors and shares her tips for 2024 below.

On Connecting with Backers

"Kickstarter is a naturally interactive place, and many backers love the direct engagement they get to have with creators," Sharp says. "As well as using regular backer updates, authors are getting clever about finding ways to connect with supporters and get input on their projects while the campaign is in process. I’ve seen authors invite feedback via the comments section on the campaign itself, or via Google surveys or other poll options. If you’re the type of author who enjoys engaging with your readers, definitely lean into this aspect of running a campaign."

On Strategic Stretch Goals

"Early bird rewards are a time-honored way to give your campaign a strong launch while rewarding your first supporters who help get your project off the ground," Sharp says. "Some authors give a slight discount on one or more of their tiers, while others add extra perks or a bonus piece of swag to early backers. There’s no one way to do it, and they’re not required, but as more authors start using Kickstarter, it’s one of many tools you can use to help make your campaign a success.

"Stretch goals, stretch rewards, and backer bonuses are also in the toolbox for keeping your campaign moving, rewarding your backers with extras, and helping sustain the excitement of a project beyond the first few days," she continues. "My most important piece of advice is to not put your monetary goals for unlocking your stretch goals," or goals that extend your campaign’s funding goals after your initial benchmark is reached, "in the campaign details until after you’ve hit your funding goal. Especially if this is your first campaign, chances are very good you’re guessed wrong in one direction or the other. It’s always best to wait and see what your funding velocity looks like, and then decide where to set those goals."

On Social Media

"Definitely plan to post regularly on your social media about your Kickstarter campaign," Sharp says. "Use a number of different approaches: one day talk about the artwork, the next highlight the bonus goodies, the third do a deep dive about your characters, etc. Provide something interesting and different in each post. Also, if you’re thinking of doing a Kickstarter campaign in the future, start supporting projects now, and post about them to your readers and fans. Warm up your newsletter audience. Make it clear that Kickstarter is a place where creative projects come to life, and supporters get to basically 'preorder' the books while directly supporting the author, plus get bonus goodies in the bargain."

Tanya Nellestein