Have you ever dreamed of launching an exciting creative project but couldn’t because you lacked the funding to get it off the ground?
If so, I’d like to introduce a book that has the potential to change your life. The Kickstarter Handbook – Real-Life Crowdfunding Success Stories by Don Steinberg describes everything you need to know about the Kickstarter project, which is one of the most amazing concepts I have ever read about!
The Kickstarter.com website was launched in 2009 as a funding platform for people with lots of creative ideas – but not an overflowing bank account. Through a process called crowdfunding, the Kickstarter website connects creative people with potential investors all around the world who might be interested in backing your project! In return, you offer a reward that is commensurate with the amount of money that they are pledging.
Sound crazy? Perhaps, but it works – if you approach the venture with the proper mindset and planning! As you might imagine, there are a number of stipulations that govern a website such as this. Asking for money does not mean you will automatically receive it. Likewise, receiving money does not mean that your project will automatically be a success. That’s where The Kickstarter Handbook kicks in.
There are a number of things you need to know before you venture into the Kickstarter universe – and The Kickstarter Handbook guides you through every step of the process. The book is both inspiring and cautionary (and rightfully so!)
You’ll read real life success stories – but you’ll also learn valuable lessons from those who failed. Because Kickstarter is an all or nothing proposition, you’ll find plenty of invaluable worksheets to help you plan your project. You’ll even find alternatives to Kickstarter in case you’re looking for funding of a different nature!
Although Kickstarter has only existed for a few years, it has impacted the world of creative arts in a major way. According to author Don Steinberg:
By 2011, Publishers Weekly magazine calculated that Kickstarter had become the No. 3 publisher of indie graphic novels in the United States, in terms of the number of book projects it funded.
The 2012 Sundance Film Festival, a major showcase for independent films, featured seventeen movies that had received Kickstarter funding, amounting to 10 percent of the festival’s lineup.
Early in 2012, Kickstarter announced that it expected to fund creative projects to the tune of $150 million for the year, a slightly larger sum than the 2012 fiscal budget for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Before I read this book, I had never heard of Kickstarter or crowdfunding. By the time I finished the book, I was inspired by the prospect that such a place exists – and that generous strangers are willing to invest in the dreams of creative visionaries and help bring their visions into fruition!
Whether you have a dream – or know someone who does – I highly recommend The Kickstarter Handbook as a gift for yourself or a friend. Through this book, you have the power to change a life – either your own or someone else’s!
Quirk Books publishes innovative and buzzworthy books that entertain, amuse, and inform. For additional reviews on Quirk Books, check out:
- Blank Books For Writers And Artists
- Books For Cooks
- Craft A Day by Sarah Goldschadt
- Crafting With Cat Hair by Kaori Tsutaya
- Microcrafts – Tiny Treasures To Make And Share
To see my full line-up of book reviews, visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this books from Quirk Books for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Joy:
This book review was exquisitely written and contained just the right amount of information to make this book an interesting read. I’ve known about kickstarter for quitesome time, but had no idea there was now a guidebook written about it.
My one suggestion for you, Joy, since you are enjoying books so much and are happy writing book reviews, is for you to join http://www.goodreads.com and to become an active member and write abbreviated book reviews of the same exact books over there. By being an active book reviewer over there, you will slowly be getting a brand new audience for http://www.create-with-joy.com. Something to think about!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thank you so much, Amanda, for your constructive feedback!
I recently joined Goodreads and Library Thing and would love to connect with you (and my other readers who are there). You will find me at:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13599031-create-with-joy
Library Thing: http://www.librarything.com/profile/CreateWithJoy
Now, to be honest, both accounts are relatively new and I haven’t had the chance to develop them in the way that I would like as of yet – but, I will continue to add content and reviews over time. So, look me up, and thanks for your fabulous tip! 🙂
Thank you for sharing!
sounds great! thanks so much for sharing. i’ll have to check this out.
Stopping by from GYB hop!
Trish @ Tales from …
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks for stopping by Trish – I also enjoyed my visit to your delightful blog! 🙂
I’ve never heard of the website (or book) but it’s definitely something I’d be interested in checking out! Thanks for sharing!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
You’re welcome Kim! Hope you’re able to use this info in the future! 🙂
What a fabulous concept
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
I thought so too! I wish I had known about this sooner. I have several friends who could have benefited from this site!
Twitter: tinarobmorley
says:
Wonderful resource! I’ve tweeted and shared it on Google+.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks for the share Christina – wouldn’t it be amazing to change someone’s life through this book?
This all sounds like an amazing opportunity ~ pinning!!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks for sharing Paula – when you read about something so fabulous, you want to share it with everyone you know! 🙂
You know that is amazing! People can be very generous if they want to be. I’m happy I came across this review!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
I’m glad you found it too Rosey! I love it when people use the Internet and their creativity for GOOD! 🙂
I’ve heard of Kickstarter (my hubby is a huge fan and has supported several projects ) and as a creative business owner I have toyed with the idea of crowdfunding. This book is new to me and it sounds like a great read–I will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing, and happy Sharefest!
Twitter: RecentBooks
says:
This sounds like a very inspiring book! =)
Thanks for the great review!
Twitter: apriljharris
says:
Sounds very interesting! What a great programme!
Twitter: dearcreatives
says:
I have heard of this & a few like it I would love to read more about it. Thanks for sharing!!