It was so heartwarming, watching the community come out for Spider Island. We made $3,369. For a first-time author with barely any platform, that is an huge number!
We also made it through almost all of the stretch goals, and while there were a few we didn't unlock, that just means I have a few goals saved for the next book.
If you're interested the Atrix Files, or any of my books, make to subscribe to my newsletter. Also keep an eye out for the Arbor Giants campaign, launching in 2027.
Surveys are on the way. Sorry they're a bit late. I'm still in the review process with BackerKit making sure everything is accurate, but once they're approved, I'll be sending them out.
Please fill out your surveys as soon as they arrive. Delays in surveys mean delays in fulfillment, and I really want to have everything shipped by the end of August. Please don't make me track you down!
Once again, thank you all so much for your support.
Last few hours of the campaign and we unlocked another stretch goal! This was one of my secret stretch goals, and I'm so happy I get to reveal it to you now!
As you're probably aware, I partnered with Adrift here in Denver to host a release party for Spider Island. As a part of the event, they created three special cocktails, which I'll be sharing with everyone as a stretch reward!
I'm working with Adrift to design the cards and finalize the flavors for home, but I'll give you a little sneak peak of what drinks will be available:
Xianite Shot This sparkly shooter might not give you superpowers, but it's sweet flavor and edible glitter will put some pep in your step ⚡
Non-Alcoholic Far Island Lemonade A twist on your classic lemonade, this full-bodied, non-alcoholic option is perfect for folks who have to drive home at the end of the night. Just be sure to keep it between the buoys ⛵
Fernfruit Sangria My favorite drink of the bunch, this sangria combines red wine and pomegranate for a sweet-yet-tart taste. Spider Aunties rejoice! 🕷️
In addition to the Adrift drinks, I'll also have a special concoction of my own. It's no secret that I drink a lot of coffee, and no recipe pack would be complete without a little bit of java for when you're up late finishing that last chapter.
Tess' Favorite Cold Brew Coffee This marshmallow-coconut drink will help you through any deadline
And if you want to try any of these drinks in person, check out the release events. The Spider Island Release Party will be at Adrift Tiki Bar, July 14th at 5 p.m. and the Silent Book Club will be at Haven Coffee and Books, July 18th at 10 a.m.
Lastly, a quick update on Secret Stretch Goal 2. I'll be honest, I'm not sure we're going to hit this one since we're less than two hours away from the campaign close 😂 Just in case, our goal for this one is going to be $4,000.
What a campaign! This has been a long one, but thanks so much to everyone who backed the project. I worked so hard on this book, and I'm so glad to have this opportunity to share it with you all!
We're on the final day of the campaign and materials have been arriving. I just got the metal bookmarks in for our deluxe tiers and they look nice, thought a bit smaller than I'd been expecting. It's been pretty hard to find places to print metal bookmarks in small batches, and the supplier I chose specialized in business cards. They're super sturdy though! Stainless steel instead of aluminum so you don't have to worry about it scratching or bending in the mail. They also make great keychains!
Also remember that this is the last day to make changes to your pledge! Shipping and tax are charged on top of the order via pledgemanager, so double check that everything is correct. I'll be sending out the surveys as soon as I'm able. Please make sure you fill those out in a timely manner! Delays in the fulfillment surveys mean delays in delivery, and for those of you picking up your book at a local event, surveys need to be filled out before claiming your book at an event!
3 Days Left! Last Chance to Pledge or Make Changes
Hey everyone,
This is your last chance! There are three days left in the campaign, so if you haven't backed yet, make sure you do this soon. Some of these rewards will only be available through BackerKit.
Also, if you need to change your order, make sure you do so before the campaign closes. BackerKit will automatically charge the card on file at the conclusion of the campaign.
Please note, shipping is charged separately through BackerKit's pledgemanager service. This is so projects that take a long time to fulfill can charge the most accurate price for shipping and not have to overcharge. (It seems a little silly, since these books will ship directly after the campaign, but this is how crowdfunding works)
Review the shipping chart below
Some of you might qualify for local pickup. If so, you will not be charged for shipping.
ANOTHER NOTE: You MUST fill out the fulfillment survey if you want to receive your reward!
This will be sent out via BackerKit PledgeManager a few days after the campaigns close.
This is not a marketing survey. It's to confirm your shipping address or request local pickup. You can also request personalizations.
You can change your order in the PledgeManager, but I don't recommend it. Any money refunded from changing your pledge after the campaign closes will be return in the form of BackerKit credit. Save yourself the struggle. Make changes now.
Also, please spread the word that the campaign is closing soon! We're not to far from that secret stretch goal!
You can review my projected timeline on the campaign or in the graphic below. I'll have more info about the release party soon.
Good news! With only 15 days left in the campaign, we just reached stretch goal #3. That means in addition to the All the Bookmarks reward and the Postcard Map Pack, all backers will receive the Total Spider Island Postcard reward!
I'm so happy to share this reward with all you, and now that the first three stretch goals have been unlocked, we can move to our secret stretch goals 😈 These rewards will only be revealed after we've achieved the goal, I'll give you a hint. This first reward will in conjunction with Adrift tiki bar, where I'll be hosting the Spider Island Release Party, July 14th. This reward will also be available to all backers!
We'll unlock this prize when the campaign passes $3,200. We're so close, guys! I know you can do it!
Thanks again to all who have supported the campaign so far,
Today is the last day to pledge if you want to pick up your book at a release event!
Release Event Pick Up is a special reward for followers and folks who pledge early. In order to pick up your book at an event, please do both of the following:
1. Read the instructions in the campaign story and pledge to the tier of your choice 2. RSVP to one of two drop events
I'll be ordering books tomorrow, so make sure you get your pledges in!
(Miss the deadline? Don't worry, you can still come to the events. I just won't be selling physical books there)
It was so heartwarming, watching the community come out for Spider Island. We made $3,369. For a first-time author with barely any platform, that is an huge number!
We also made it through almost all of the stretch goals, and while there were a few we didn't unlock, that just means I have a few goals saved for the next book.
If you're interested the Atrix Files, or any of my books, make to subscribe to my newsletter. Also keep an eye out for the Arbor Giants campaign, launching in 2027.
Surveys are on the way. Sorry they're a bit late. I'm still in the review process with BackerKit making sure everything is accurate, but once they're approved, I'll be sending them out.
Please fill out your surveys as soon as they arrive. Delays in surveys mean delays in fulfillment, and I really want to have everything shipped by the end of August. Please don't make me track you down!
Once again, thank you all so much for your support.
We're on the final day of the campaign and materials have been arriving. I just got the metal bookmarks in for our deluxe tiers and they look nice, thought a bit smaller than I'd been expecting. It's been pretty hard to find places to print metal bookmarks in small batches, and the supplier I chose specialized in business cards. They're super sturdy though! Stainless steel instead of aluminum so you don't have to worry about it scratching or bending in the mail. They also make great keychains!
Also remember that this is the last day to make changes to your pledge! Shipping and tax are charged on top of the order via pledgemanager, so double check that everything is correct. I'll be sending out the surveys as soon as I'm able. Please make sure you fill those out in a timely manner! Delays in the fulfillment surveys mean delays in delivery, and for those of you picking up your book at a local event, surveys need to be filled out before claiming your book at an event!
Last few hours of the campaign and we unlocked another stretch goal! This was one of my secret stretch goals, and I'm so happy I get to reveal it to you now!
As you're probably aware, I partnered with Adrift here in Denver to host a release party for Spider Island. As a part of the event, they created three special cocktails, which I'll be sharing with everyone as a stretch reward!
I'm working with Adrift to design the cards and finalize the flavors for home, but I'll give you a little sneak peak of what drinks will be available:
Xianite Shot This sparkly shooter might not give you superpowers, but it's sweet flavor and edible glitter will put some pep in your step ⚡
Non-Alcoholic Far Island Lemonade A twist on your classic lemonade, this full-bodied, non-alcoholic option is perfect for folks who have to drive home at the end of the night. Just be sure to keep it between the buoys ⛵
Fernfruit Sangria My favorite drink of the bunch, this sangria combines red wine and pomegranate for a sweet-yet-tart taste. Spider Aunties rejoice! 🕷️
In addition to the Adrift drinks, I'll also have a special concoction of my own. It's no secret that I drink a lot of coffee, and no recipe pack would be complete without a little bit of java for when you're up late finishing that last chapter.
Tess' Favorite Cold Brew Coffee This marshmallow-coconut drink will help you through any deadline
And if you want to try any of these drinks in person, check out the release events. The Spider Island Release Party will be at Adrift Tiki Bar, July 14th at 5 p.m. and the Silent Book Club will be at Haven Coffee and Books, July 18th at 10 a.m.
Lastly, a quick update on Secret Stretch Goal 2. I'll be honest, I'm not sure we're going to hit this one since we're less than two hours away from the campaign close 😂 Just in case, our goal for this one is going to be $4,000.
What a campaign! This has been a long one, but thanks so much to everyone who backed the project. I worked so hard on this book, and I'm so glad to have this opportunity to share it with you all!
This is your last chance! There are three days left in the campaign, so if you haven't backed yet, make sure you do this soon. Some of these rewards will only be available through BackerKit.
Also, if you need to change your order, make sure you do so before the campaign closes. BackerKit will automatically charge the card on file at the conclusion of the campaign.
Please note, shipping is charged separately through BackerKit's pledgemanager service. This is so projects that take a long time to fulfill can charge the most accurate price for shipping and not have to overcharge. (It seems a little silly, since these books will ship directly after the campaign, but this is how crowdfunding works)
Review the shipping chart below
Some of you might qualify for local pickup. If so, you will not be charged for shipping.
ANOTHER NOTE: You MUST fill out the fulfillment survey if you want to receive your reward!
This will be sent out via BackerKit PledgeManager a few days after the campaigns close.
This is not a marketing survey. It's to confirm your shipping address or request local pickup. You can also request personalizations.
You can change your order in the PledgeManager, but I don't recommend it. Any money refunded from changing your pledge after the campaign closes will be return in the form of BackerKit credit. Save yourself the struggle. Make changes now.
Also, please spread the word that the campaign is closing soon! We're not to far from that secret stretch goal!
You can review my projected timeline on the campaign or in the graphic below. I'll have more info about the release party soon.
Good news! With only 15 days left in the campaign, we just reached stretch goal #3. That means in addition to the All the Bookmarks reward and the Postcard Map Pack, all backers will receive the Total Spider Island Postcard reward!
I'm so happy to share this reward with all you, and now that the first three stretch goals have been unlocked, we can move to our secret stretch goals 😈 These rewards will only be revealed after we've achieved the goal, I'll give you a hint. This first reward will in conjunction with Adrift tiki bar, where I'll be hosting the Spider Island Release Party, July 14th. This reward will also be available to all backers!
We'll unlock this prize when the campaign passes $3,200. We're so close, guys! I know you can do it!
Thanks again to all who have supported the campaign so far,
