Letter & Journals Update
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It’s been awhile since I’ve had any update on the status of the Letters & Journals magazine. Currently, I’m working on creating a Kickstarter campaign to get the jump start on printing the first issue of L&J.
If you’re familiar with Kickstarter, then you know that people can give various amounts of money for some type of reimbursement if the campaign is successful.
For example, if you give a one-time gift of $10, $20 or $30 (or more) then you would receive the gift associated with that level.
Here are some thoughts in no particular order:
Special L&J stamp
First issue of L&J print edition
Set of L&J postcards
What other thoughts and ideas would you suggest to encourage people to donate to a Letters & Journals Kickstarter Campaign?
I’d love to have a variety of levels and offerings that will be appreciated by the donors and also be reflective of what L&J is all about.
The first issue of the magazine would be a good one and possibly a years worth for those who donate quite a bit more. I don't know how often you're planning to publish, of course, so that may not work.
Good luck! I'm looking forward to reading the magazine and to seeing the kickstarter campaigne.
Great idea. I have seen some really cool ideas on Kickstarter. I agree a copy of the first magazine is a must,need to think on what other things would add some spark to get people to donate.
you might check out the incentives offered by Letters of Note, since I assume that was aiming at similar audience
http://unbound.co.uk/books/letters-of-note
A branded magazine case similar to what you used to be able to find for NatGeo ones to keep a dozen or so might be a good idea. Or a case more like a branded binder for several magazines similar to what some libraries store their's in. Basically something that helps keep the "collection" together and makes it feel premium. I'm thinking of the appeal of a box set kind of thing.
Maybe at a certain funding level a personal page handwritten letter?
Here's my .02. Have you done the research on what the first run will cost you (qty/price). I'm pretty sure you have.
Most Kickstarter projects I've backed (over 50) and that have been successful have one thing in common. Don't over shoot the monies needed.
The main thing I am interested in is the magazine. So many people try to get gimicky on add-on levels. "if we raise another $2000 we'll toss in an egg beater"
If anything just make bundles.
Examples:
Lower level – cards
lower mid – cards/hand written postcard
mid – stamp
mid high – stamp/cards
high – mag
premium – everything
I would be happy to fund this project.
Thanks to each of you for your great ideas posted here, on Facebook and in your emails. I really appreciate your input, ideas and, especially, your love for this project. Will have more info as we get closer to making this happen with Kickstarter.
THANK YOU!
As someone who's helped raise over $60K for various Kickstarter projects my advice is to keep tangible rewards to as few as possible (to avoid surprise costs) and to keep each reward level unique instead of just building on each other.
Non-tangible rewards ideas:
Donor names in print as co-publishers or sponsors in the magazine.
Personal mentions/shoutouts via social media
The ability to submit a small feature to be included in the first issue
Advertising/promotional space in the first issue
Low-cost tangibles
Branded Pens
Branded Bookmarks
Branded Magnets
Best of luck!