Crowdfunding Your Book: How Authors Use Kickstarter and Patreon

In an era where traditional publishing routes are no longer the only path to getting a book into the world, crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful alternative. Platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon have revolutionized the way authors can finance, produce, and promote their books. Instead of waiting for a publisher’s approval or fronting all the costs themselves, writers are now turning to readers and supporters to fund their creative projects directly.

Crowdfunding a book isn’t just about raising money—it’s about building a community. For many authors, the process of launching a book through platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon is as much about audience engagement as it is about dollars and cents. It represents a shift toward independent creative control, personal connection with readers, and sustainable support for long-term writing careers.

What Is Crowdfunding for Authors?

Crowdfunding is the practice of raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, usually via an online platform. For authors, this can involve pre-selling copies of a book, offering exclusive rewards, or gaining recurring financial support to write full-time. Unlike traditional publishing, where authors might receive a single advance and then wait months or years for royalties, crowdfunding enables them to earn money upfront—and stay connected to their supporters throughout the process.

There are two major crowdfunding models that authors typically use:

1. Project-Based Crowdfunding (Kickstarter): Authors launch a campaign for a specific project—often a single book—with a target funding goal. Supporters back the project in exchange for rewards like signed copies, behind-the-scenes updates, or even character naming rights.

2. Subscription-Based Crowdfunding (Patreon): Authors build an ongoing relationship with supporters, who pledge a monthly amount in exchange for exclusive content, early drafts, serialized chapters, or other perks. This model is ideal for writers producing a series or who want steady income.

Both models offer unique benefits and come with different expectations, but they share a common core: empowering authors to take control of their careers while engaging with a loyal readership.

Using Kickstarter to Launch a Book

Kickstarter is one of the most popular platforms for creative project crowdfunding. For authors, it offers a way to raise funds for the production costs of a book—editing, cover design, printing, marketing, and distribution—before it ever hits the shelves. It also allows readers to become part of the process, from idea to launch.

To create a successful Kickstarter campaign, authors typically follow a few key steps:

1. Set a Realistic Funding Goal

A common mistake is aiming too low or too high. Authors must account for all expenses, including platform fees, production, shipping, and taxes. Transparent budgeting is essential to build trust with backers.

2. Offer Meaningful Rewards

Kickstarter campaigns rely heavily on the appeal of reward tiers. These might include digital and print editions, personalized thank-you notes, merchandise, live Q&A sessions, or even naming a character in the book. The more creative and personalized, the better.

3. Tell a Compelling Story

Campaigns succeed when they convey passion and purpose. Authors need to explain why this book matters, what makes it unique, and why backers should invest in it. A strong campaign video and persuasive copy can make a significant difference.

4. Build Momentum

Most Kickstarter campaigns rely on existing followers, mailing lists, or social media audiences. Success is rarely spontaneous. Authors often spend weeks or months building buzz before launch day, ensuring they hit the ground running.

5. Stay Engaged

Communication is critical. Updating backers throughout the campaign—and after it ends—shows professionalism and builds long-term trust. Many authors turn one successful campaign into a career-long connection with readers.

Examples of Success

Many writers have raised tens of thousands of dollars on Kickstarter, funding not just their books but entire writing careers. Graphic novels, fantasy trilogies, self-help books, and poetry collections have all found homes on the platform. Kickstarter’s reach is global, and campaigns that resonate emotionally or fill niche needs often outperform expectations.

How Patreon Supports Writing Careers Long-Term

While Kickstarter is ideal for one-off projects, Patreon is designed for sustained support. On Patreon, authors build a membership-style following. Fans commit to supporting them monthly (or per creation), in exchange for content that’s often exclusive, early, or personalized.

For authors, this model creates an ongoing revenue stream. It works particularly well for writers of serialized fiction, bloggers, non-fiction writers, or anyone producing frequent updates or chapters. Some Patreon creators even use the platform as their main publishing outlet, releasing full-length novels in parts.

Benefits of Patreon for Authors

1. Stable Income
   Traditional writing can be unpredictable. Patreon offers financial consistency, helping authors budget, plan, and write without relying solely on royalties.

2. Direct Reader Engagement
   Fans feel like insiders, getting early access, sneak peeks, or behind-the-scenes content. This creates emotional investment and builds a loyal community.

3. Creative Freedom
   Without the constraints of editors, publishers, or algorithms, authors can pursue passion projects that may not be “marketable” in a traditional sense. They answer directly to readers who care about their work.

4. Scalable Opportunities
   As a Patreon grows, so does the author’s ability to offer more value—live events, writing workshops, or even collaborative storytelling projects.

What Makes a Patreon Campaign Work

A successful Patreon requires consistency. Authors must deliver content regularly, communicate with patrons, and refine their offerings over time. It’s not about perfection—it’s about authenticity, reliability, and rewarding reader loyalty.

Some common tiers might include:

• $3/month: Early access to blog posts or chapters

• $5/month: Monthly Q&A videos or serialized fiction

• $10/month: Signed postcards, writing prompts, or access to exclusive Discord groups

• $25+/month: Personalized writing critiques or quarterly gifts

Many authors also cross-promote their Patreon on their website, in their email newsletters, and on social media to attract new patrons and grow their base organically.

The Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding Your Book

Like any publishing path, crowdfunding comes with trade-offs. While the independence and reader support can be empowering, it also demands a high level of marketing, planning, and communication. Here’s what authors should consider:

Pros

• Creative control over content, pricing, and release schedules

• Direct engagement with readers, building community and brand loyalty

• Upfront funding to cover production costs and reduce financial risk

• Flexibility to experiment with unconventional or niche genres

Cons

• Time-intensive campaign management and marketing responsibilities

• Uncertainty—not every campaign reaches its goal

• Pressure to deliver on promises, rewards, and deadlines

• No gatekeepers means no quality control unless the author invests in editing and design

Authors must weigh these factors and decide whether crowdfunding aligns with their goals, audience, and long-term plans.

Tips for Crowdfunding Success

Whether choosing Kickstarter, Patreon, or both, here are some best practices for maximizing success:

1. Know Your Audience
   Identify who your readers are, where they spend time online, and what motivates them. Tailor your pitch accordingly.

2. Leverage Your Network
   Email lists, writer groups, social media followers—all are essential tools. Crowdfunding is as much about outreach as it is about content.

3. Tell a Story
   People support people, not just products. Let your personality and mission shine through. Share your struggles, your passion, and your dreams.

4. Prepare Thoroughly
   Have your content, budget, and timeline ready before launching. A polished, professional campaign earns trust.

5. Reward Loyalty
   Go above and beyond to thank your backers. Send hand-written notes, offer exclusive chapters, or give them a say in your creative process. Loyalty pays dividends.

Final Thoughts

Crowdfunding has transformed the publishing world by giving authors the tools to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with their readers. Kickstarter and Patreon are more than funding platforms—they are storytelling arenas, audience-builders, and sustainable revenue sources for modern writers.

For authors who are entrepreneurial, community-driven, and eager to maintain creative freedom, crowdfunding offers a powerful path forward. Whether launching a debut novel or sustaining a long-running series, it gives writers the ability to turn passion into profession—one pledge at a time.

Let your readers be more than consumers. Let them be collaborators. In the age of crowdfunding, your next book might not just be written for your audience—it could be written with them.