Dear Reader,

Today at noon, my Kickstarter campaign goes live.

I've been working toward this day for months—a rhythm I'm familiar with from launching my books. What is bizarre to me is that this isn't a book launch day. It's a day when I'm launching the promise of a book and a new series—which is quite a novel idea (pun intended).

Of course, the book exists already. It will be published as scheduled on January 5, and Kickstarter backers will get pre-publication editions if the campaign funds. So why go to all the trouble of creating a Kickstarter campaign?

There are a couple of reasons. The first one is a matter of launch strategy. If I launch the book as usual, I do all the regular promotion activities (blog tour, ads, ARC campaign, newsletter promotions), hope the series starts big and then continues as I put the finishing touches on book 2. And then the launch is over.

By running the Kickstarter, I effectively have two launches. The first one offers rewards to backers and gets the eBook into more readers' hands before publication. It also forces me to think of creative ways to generate excitement, to offer readers additional resources and materials that will enhance their experience of the book itself. And that creative thinking carries forward into the actual launch—which I hope more people will be looking forward to because of the Kickstarter.

Why didn't I launch my first series on Kickstarter?

That's a valid question, and the answer has to do with world building.

The Double-Dilemma series had a strong shared setting, but it was a historical setting that readers of Regency fiction are already familiar with.

The Pinkstocking Club has that same Regency backdrop plus an invented world layered over it—a club readers can almost imagine joining themselves. That opened the door to membership cards, applications, mission reports, archive objects, and all the other playful things that make a Kickstarter feel natural rather than bolted on.

That's part of what makes it exciting. I've never launched a book quite like this before, and whatever happens, I've already discovered new ways of thinking about this series and inviting readers into its world.

There's still time to register for the Zoom call at noon eastern.

If you want to join me as I click the "launch" button and then have an informal chat with me about the whys and hows of Kickstarter, please register to join me today at Noon eastern on Zoom!​

In a few hours, if you feel so moved, you can back the Kickstarter.

No pressure. But I'd be so grateful to have your support as a backer. Remember, you will not be charged anything unless the campaign fully funds.

Last week's poll results

Perhaps predictably, results were spread almost evenly across all the choices of what you'd most like to see from the Pinkstocking Club archives. Which is good news and bad news for me, LOL! I have so many fun ideas but don't have time to implement all of them. I was hoping you'd help me pick and choose.

Oh well.

Until next week, wish me luck!

Susanne

P.S. Don't forget that I love to hear from you! Respond to this email and I promise I will respond back.