funding flailings

 As some know, I have been interested in running a Kickstarter campaign to help fund my writing projects.  M.C.A. Hogarth in "From Spark to Finish: Running your Kickstarter Campaign" suggests breaking large projects (like Selkies' Skins, for instance) into chunks.  

This brings me to these needs:

1. Ink/paper money to prepare the manuscript for my editor as I make progress
2. Another computer for the household, preferrably a laptop, so that I can write and do my classwork, but daughter will still be able to do her own classwork when needed
3. Money to give Faith for her editing (which is intensive levels, she deserves pay)
4. Money to take care of the publishing/proofing process (reimbursing myself for the ISBNs, creation of proofs and shipping of them)

The above do not include review copies, or backer copies for when getting to the publishing drive section.  I want to get through segments 1 through 3 first.  So the first drive, ink and paper, will cost less (at least initially, since it depends on how many revisions I ultimately go through, but at least the first revision or two would be covered).  Then I can move to funds for securing a new computer or repairing the laptop, then money for Faith (seriously, taking her coffee and taters is an unequal exchange and I really would like to properly compensate her other than recommending her to people).

For the first drive on Kickstarter, these are the monetary levels and gifts that I could come up with, so I am looking for feedback before I finalize...  I am not entirely certain yet on the number of slots open for each level yet either, so input is welcome.  I want to get this settled before I work on the other steps outlined in the guidebook... especially as I'll have to plan regular comment content too.  Since I'll only get any money depending on whether the goal is met and funded, I want to do this right to increase my chances.

Prizes:

$1 - my sincere thank you and your name placed on a list of backers that will be viewable in the Selkies Skins section of my story archive site (unlimited)

 

$5 - digital art computer background, plus my sincere thank you and your name placed on a list of backers that will be viewable in the Selkies Skins section of my story archive site (unlimited)

 

$10 - background, plus a ebook in your format of choice of the released episodes of Selkies' Skins to date of funding, my sincere thank you and your name placed on a list of backers that will be viewable in the Selkies Skins section of my story archive site. Each pdf will include a scan of a hand written and signed thank you letter. (unlimited)

 

$25 - the above, a personalized handwritten postcard, my sincere thank you and your name placed on a list of backers that will be viewable in the Selkies Skins section of my story archive site (10?)

 

$50 - all that comes with the previous option, plus a thank you shout out on my twitter every day for a week. (5)

 

$75 - all that comes with the previous slots, and a short story written for and dedicated to you, delivered in your format of choice.  This will also go on Smashwords for everyone to see, as well as on my story archive and journals. (2)

 

$100 - all that comes with the lower slots, and a video posted of me singing (my song choice though) (2)

 

$200 - all that comes above minus video posting, with instead the chance to have a Skype convo with me (must be scheduled for sometime between 11AM and 2PM Pacific time) (2 slots)

 

$500 - what comes with the previous slots, a free complete set of ebooks of my published titles to date and a handwritten thank you letter. (2 slots)

 

$1000 - Staying updated with my published work for free.  Each time I release a new ebook title, you will receive a free copy (so long as you keep me updated with your email if you ever change your address).  You also get my eternal gratitude and in addition to the previous items. (1 slot)

 

When funded and the ink obtained, I will post photos (you will have a rare chance to see my work area, my inner sanctum) as well as send out the prizes.

If the project segment does not fund, it does not mean I'll drop Selkies' Skins.  The story is being written for a reason and I want it told.  It just means it will take longer before getting more stuff in hard copy to be ready to take for editing.  So no panicking just yet.  I do want feedback though.