Some of you may remember that I ran a Kickstarter campaign prior to Memory Lane’s release and offered swag boxes full of books and items that tied in with the theme of the novel. We ended up hitting and surpassing the Kickstarter goal and the profit raised went to support the production of Memory Lane’s audiobook. To be honest, though, I found Kickstarter challenging in a few ways. One, I was surprised by how nervous it made me feel to put a project out there where everyone could see how close (or far!) I was from my goal. For the first few days, I was fairly convinced I wouldn’t get anywhere near the amount I hoped to raise. Two, on Kickstarter, if you don’t hit your goal before the campaign ends, then nothing happens. No one gets charged a penny and the campaign organizer doesn’t receive a penny. Your project is just . . . a public flop. Which added pressure. Three, most readers were unfamiliar with Kickstarter and I don’t think any of us love trying to figure out technology platforms that are new to us. Four, Kickstarter takes a portion of the money raised.
That said, there were many things about the project that were wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed not just shopping for Memory Lane’s boxes, but also assembling them and sending them. Even better, it turned out that many readers loved receiving the boxes. So, for Rocky Road–my next release–I decided to skip Kickstarter and offer the boxes on my own website bookstore. All of the fun, none of the stress!
Here’s a peek at Jude’s box, the one with the most swag . . . .
I adore the handmade book cozies in this box! I show them off in the below video.
Jude’s box isn’t the only swag box available, however. I have five different boxes to choose from! Click on the graphics below to see what’s inside each of the other four boxes.
Shipping is included in the price of the box. Also, anyone who orders a swag box will receive Rocky Road early, before its official release date in February. Also, the profit raised from the boxes will, once again, go to support the production of the audiobook.
I’ll leave the boxes up for sale until December 26th, in case any of you would like to add a box to your Christmas wish list. When you’re asked, “What would you like for Christmas?” you can answer with, “Swag box!” Then, one day in February, your box will surprise you when it arrives on your doorstep. 🙂
I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you may have!
Becky Wade
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Swag boxes are so much fun! I particularly like that you reveal everything that’s in each box up front so the reader knows what they’re buying.
Thanks, Joy! You’re the BEST!
Such a great idea and cute swag boxes. Kudos for doing this outside of Kickstarter. You are an inspiration as usual.
I really appreciate that encouragement, Barbara. Thank you!
I love this idea and that you did it outside of Kickstarter this time. I didn’t like the lack of guarantee of receiving the swag box when it was in Kickstarter. Straight forward is much better! Such cute swag!!!
Thanks so much, Gena! Yes, it’s fun and relaxed to offer these outside of Kickstarter. So long as readers continue to enjoy these boxes, I can see myself doing this for every release. 🙂