A bunch of updates
over 8 years ago
– Fri, Aug 28, 2015 at 09:43:18 PM
Hey all, Robin here. Thought I would update you on what's been going on.
- Now that most everyone has been locked down, I an start distributing the digital rewards. First up is the Hollow World Novel - because I already have it done ;-) Everyone who has filled out their survey (all but 18 of you) will receive the book in .pdf (computers, tablets, and printing), .mobi (Kindle), and .epub (Kobo, Nook, and iBooks). You should have received an email, and you can access the file from BackerKit - if you have questions don't be afraid to ask.
- Michael has been spending his time, learning how to produce a good quality video diary. Using his iphone wasn't working (the picture was good but sound was terrible. Nor was the camera on his computer (picture bad but sound good). He's purchased a web camera that allows him to use his good microphone and this seems to be going better. He also is learning how to edit a video and has even added music and cut ins. I've seen the "test" versions and I think he'll be able to start posting them soon.
- I've FINALLY distributed the next section of the novel to the beta testers. They now have 75% of the book and as soon as I get done with this update, I'm going to work with the last 25%. Feedback is coming in - and all in all it's positive. The beta people have been instrumental in deciding some issues where Michael and I had different ideas, and I'm really happy that the book is, for the most part looking very solid.
So, go get your free Hollow World. I should also note, that there is a "PG-13" version that doesn't have swearing in it. If you would like to receive the non-explicit language version, just send a message here, or send an email to [email protected] and we'll send out a "clean" version.
Oh, and if you do read the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads. I can't emphasize how important third-party validation of a book is for getting others to try out the book - Even if you found the book "not your cup of tea" feel free to review - all we ask is for an honest opinion.
Thanks all! It's getting pretty exciting.
Still herding a few cats...
over 8 years ago
– Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 10:28:15 PM
Hey all, Robin here again. I just wanted to update people on where we are. We've locked down BackerKit for most of the backers, but there are still a few cats I'm chasing around. Michael has finished the icon for the Death of Dulgath so we should be able to start ordering t-shirts and coffee mugs soon. I'm also going to start the presses running on the posters. So, I'm hoping to have some ship dates for the "non-book" stuff soon...and I'll be doing the drawings for the Tuckerization, audio books, and special edition of Rhune. I just want to try and get the last few people locked down to make sure they have a chances at such things.
On the beta front...I'm a bit behind. The first half of the book has gone out and I'm getting great feedback on it. But I still have to get the second half out. We might need to extend the beta by a week or so, but I had some extra time built into the schedule so that shouldn't be a problem and overall we are still on schedule. I'll keep you all posted as we continue on.
A little gift from Del Rey
over 8 years ago
– Wed, Aug 19, 2015 at 07:06:20 PM
As some of you may know, Del Rey is the publisher of my next epic fantasy series, The First Empire. I turned that book in to them back in April and it is scheduled for release on June 7, 2016. Because the Death of Dulgath is coming out this year, Robin asked my editor if she...and the production staff (who does copy editing) could possibly do Chapter one of that book ahead of the rest of the book so we could include it with the Death of Dulgath novel. They said yes!
One of the rewards for being a Kickstarter is getting a sneak preview, but now you can have a fully-edited sneak preview! I want to thank Del Rey for rearranging their schedule so we could get the best product possible.
In other news...we are officially in lock-down mode, which represents the next stage in the project and the Beta readers have the first half of the book in their hands. The second half is being worked on now, and we hope to have it shortly.
For those in the Critical Critique Reward level.
over 8 years ago
– Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 06:21:54 PM
A post in the comment section reminded me I hadn't talked about this yet, so I'm going to take a minute to update you all on how and when to send your pieces for evaluation.
First, we had to make sure the credit cards processed, because sometimes there is a a problem and people end up dropping out as a result. The money recently cleared to our bank, so now that we know everyone has paid...and thank you for that. We can start making plans for the analysis.
I''m not sure if everyone read the whole Kickstarter, but there is a very real, and very unmovable deadline regarding the release of this book. In short, it had to get out by the end of the year, or wait a very long time....it has to do with a non-compete in my latest contract with Del Rey.
Anyway, because of the dire circumstances revolving around a failure on that front, the book has to be the highest priority. That being said, there are times when I have "down time." For instance, when Robin was reading the book as the alpha reader, I had some time, and so I looked at some of the short stories to get ahead on that.
Currently, I'm reviewing her copy edits so that will have me occupied for the next few days. But once that occurs I'll have three weeks of nothing to do. While I COULD be looking at your critiques, I'm going to be honest and say I won't be. I'll be getting back on the short stories, because the winner must be picked and edited for the larger manuscript.
Once the beta is over, I'll switch to making it's changes and Robin will continue to work on the short stories, passing to me the ones she thinks I should look at. After that....the book will go to the copy editors...and again I'll be going back to short stories. If by that time one has been selected (which I hope there will be), then I'll be working with Robin and the author to get it structurally edited. Then we'll be sending it to the copy editors as well.
Then....with that done. I have nothing to do. And I'll be turning my attention to the Critical Critique pieces. Which brings me to you all.
Here's how it will work:
- I'll be looking at them in a first-come, first-served basis.
- You are free to continue to polish your work before sending (something I highly recommend as it will enable me to focus on the important things and not silly mistakes that you would have fixed anyway)
- At some point, I'll make the official announcement. Which will have a post, and a date on which you can start sending. That way everyone has advanced knowledge and the race is a fair one.
- As I said, this will happen after the book is essentially out to production (getting ready for print) so I'll have plenty of time on my hands to give your pieces my full attention.
If you have any questions on the process, please let me know.
Don't miss any of your rewards...fill out your surveys...Lockdown occurs in less than 3 days!
over 8 years ago
– Sat, Aug 15, 2015 at 06:54:05 PM
The number of backers, and total funding continues to grow. This is great, and we remain excited, but I get anxious when I see people who might miss a reward because they haven't finished their survey. We're so committed to getting everyone everything they deserve, that Robin has volunteered to to your survey for you. Just send an email to [email protected] with a subject of SURVEY as the subject and she'll gather the infrormation for you and get it into the database.
What are some of the cool things you'll miss out on if you don't get your data in before lockdown?
- Your name in print - in the acknowledgement of the book.
- Signed bookmarks and postcards
- A chance to win one of the three raffles with prizes including audio books, a rare edition of Rhune (Book #1 of the first empire), and having your name appear in the book! (also known as Tuckerization).
- Having your ebook signed and/or dedicated.
- Having your print book(s) signed and dedicated.
While missing out on all those are bad, the worst are those who have physical books coming but we don't know your address and can't send them! Robin has sent more than a half dozen reminders to each person still outstanding...it's time consuming but she doesn't want you to miss out so please, please, please...fill out your survey or email her.
Once last thing before I go, while I have you all. I'd like to also report on the latest numbers of the project. All these numbers come from Robin.
- 1,772 total people who backed the project in Kickstarter (before cancellations and failed credit cards)
- 21 people (1.2%) who cancelled or failed
- 68 people who joined after the Kickstarter (via Paypal)
- 10 people who joined after the Kickstarter (via BackerKit)
- 1,829 total contributors
- 55 (about 3%) who haven't completed their survey.
- Current amount raised: $89,049
- Current leader for "best guess": Asa Clapp
A few other things I should report on.
- I finished my "behind the scenes write up."
- Robin is nearing the end of the copy edit for the beta readers and is on track to deliver it on time.
- We'll start the short story contest reviewing once the book goes to beta.
I think that's about it for all - thanks again for all the support, and please help Robin help you by getting her the information to lock down the records.
