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Ever wondered what truly makes a Kickstarter campaign magnetic instead of merely functional? This episode pulls back the curtain on the art of author crowdfunding with someone who's witnessed thousands of campaigns from behind the scenes.

Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, joins us to share insights that go far beyond the typical campaign advice. As she reveals, her role encompasses far more than just technical guidance – she's part publishing expert, part crowdfunding consultant, part life coach, and part cheerleader. This unique perspective allows her to spot the subtle differences between campaigns that simply meet goals and those that transform author careers by building genuine community.

We explore the most overlooked opportunities in author campaigns, from creatively engaging backers to designing rewards that deeply connect to your book's world. You'll discover why some authors set funding goals too low out of fear (and the potential consequences), how to strategically reveal stretch goals to maintain momentum, and why Kickstarter's algorithm rewards early engagement. Oriana also shares stunning examples of imaginative rewards that created unforgettable backer experiences, from custom yarn for knitting-themed novels to scented candles based on romance protagonists.

Whether you're contemplating your first campaign or looking to elevate your next one, this conversation will reshape how you think about crowdfunding as a cornerstone of your author career. Kickstarter isn't just a funding platform – it's a powerful community-building tool that can transform not just how your books are published, but how you connect with readers for years to come.

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