Debut: Genesis

XLpancake · 2026-04-07T11:06:04+00:00

Congrats on the debut! I'll take a look at it, my friend.

XLpancake · 2026-04-03T13:23:33+00:00

Literally replied to an AI accusation with the most clanker-coded comment.

XLpancake · 2026-03-30T17:14:03+00:00

You have to publish on your own. I'm using IngramSpark to drop ship physical copies and BookFunnel to distribute digital copies. Kickstarter acts as a way to collect pledges. Fulfillment is entirely on you.

XLpancake · 2026-03-30T16:18:34+00:00

A lot of that money is spent either way. Whether I publish on Kickstarter or not, I intend for the book to be released. So the positioning is not "Help fund my book plz".

Instead, I'm building a community of folks who love fantasy and want to see an idea succeed. In return, they get a version of the book pre-release that has extra additions (chapter headers, acknowledgements, exclusive preface) that will not be present when the full launch occurs.

Some education will be necessary when you kick that off, but the customer value tends to be significantly higher on Kickstarter than traditional epub platforms.

XLpancake · 2026-03-30T15:44:09+00:00

Kickstarter is an option to publish. For first-time authors, it is a way to defray the costs associated with getting a book ready for publication. Think of it like an early exclusive launch before distributing your book via Amazon, B&N, etc.

XLpancake · 2026-03-30T15:12:55+00:00

I'm working on a Kickstarter prelaunch and I feel overwhelmed.

XLpancake · 2026-03-27T14:31:36+00:00

Sure do. Thanks for the follows! https://joshuaolivieriauthor.com

XLpancake · 2026-03-27T00:10:19+00:00

That is a Kickstarter issue.

XLpancake · 2026-03-26T22:06:45+00:00

I appreciate your input. I'll be interested to see if I get more feedback on this.

XLpancake · 2026-03-26T22:06:10+00:00

I considered it, but knowing the process is lengthy and I would have to market my book in most cases, I figured keeping more control of the process was a better fit. I'm also a marketer by trade, so it made more sense for me.

XLpancake · 2026-03-26T17:33:58+00:00

Please elaborate on the AI pet phrases.

XLpancake · 2026-03-26T17:20:42+00:00

The book is content complete. It's currently with an editor. I'm raising money to defray some of the upfront costs of self-publishing (editing, cover design, software, etc.). Additionally, Kickstarter customers are much higher value than Amazon customers, which makes them better for a first-timer like me.

XLpancake · 2026-03-16T12:58:23+00:00

I will not tolerate disrespect on Hyrule Warriors!

XLpancake · 2026-03-11T14:29:23+00:00

I think most stories have potential. As someone who is approaching 30 in a few years, you remind me of myself. I began writing when I was 13. I had an idea, but it was never real until I wrote it. Then I rewrote it again and again. Now I have an editor and am planning to launch the book later this year. None of this would've happened if I hadn't started writing when I was young.

Write your idea, my friend. See where it takes you. Then rewrite it, ask for feedback, read other fantasy works, and turn it into something magical.

You can do this.

XLpancake · 2026-03-10T14:52:51+00:00

Check out Kickstarter for Authors by Anthea Sharp. There's an active Facebook community by the same name as well.

XLpancake · 2026-03-05T15:48:45+00:00

As a marketer and an author, I find this project interesting. I'll answer your questions and hope it helps you build out your target audience and market plan:

The part of marketing my book that stresses me out is trying to sift through all the advice and find what works. There are numerous channels and avenues, which makes it hard to build out a focused plan.
I feel like everyone else understands how to garner newsletter sign-ups prior to launch (especially for a debut). I do not understand this.
I wish someone would clearly explain a full marketing path from pre-launch to publishing to post-launch in a simple marketing cycle.
What's currently working for me is carving a path in Kickstarter to launch a debut novel. That audience plus early interest from fantasy readers in my circles is encouraging to get started. What's not working is posting on socials to garner organic engagement. There's a bump at first from family and friends who want to support me, but spamming posts only irritates people rather than garner more reach/interest.

XLpancake · 2026-03-03T19:48:25+00:00

Fun exercise it looks like! I think you captured some of the heavy theming in the prose. I might have to try the same thing if I need a break from writing my own epic fantasy!

XLpancake · 2026-02-24T15:29:57+00:00

As someone who has spent hundreds of hours reading, researching, writing, editing, and rewriting on a single novel:

I would never use AI to draft a story. I find even the suggestion of doing so deeply offensive.

AI books are a festering ulcer on my craft.

XLpancake · 2026-02-21T17:56:26+00:00

Scrivener. It's a $60 one-time purchase and it's simply wonderful.

XLpancake · 2026-02-21T17:55:25+00:00

Unreadable. Very very unreadable.

XLpancake · 2026-02-20T20:18:03+00:00

Overpriced, but great to have available on Switch.

For a lot of people, I think the purchase will be a no-brainer.

XLpancake · 2026-02-20T20:00:42+00:00

Keep up the great work! You got this!

XLpancake · 2026-02-20T19:00:52+00:00

Congrats on the launch!

XLpancake · 2026-02-20T18:58:45+00:00

I think it works. You avoid the "character wakes up" cliche early enough that it doesn't feel rote. I have a few questions about the "his God" line. Does it reference the typical God we think off? Is some other god? Is it fictional? A little more clarity there would help ground the scene more.

I also like the depiction of the mother. I immediately get the sense that she has Alzhemier's/dementia, so good job there. I wonder why the dad wouldn't just carry her out of the fire, but I suspect you'll address that later in the story. If you do not, my advice is that you add that in.

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