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Trans in the Machine | First Draft Finished
The first draft of Trans in the Machine: Chronicling the New Cyberpunk Canon is now complete!
It’s been a year this week since the idea of writing a book about transness in cyberpunk first occurred to me.
Since then, it’s been months of research, writing, conducting interviews, finding sources, and having long, impassioned arguments about cyberpunk.
None of this would have been possible without you believing in the idea and backing the project.
What Now?
With the full manuscript printed out, I’ll spend the next few weeks giving it a tidy up before sending along to my amazing editor Lillian Boyd.
Then it’s time for the big edits and rewrites where needed, the last few proofreads, and off to the printers.
All being well, you should receive your digital and/or physical copies by April at the very latest.
Poster Update
Work is due to begin next week on the cosy cyberpunk poster for Tier 3 backers and up. I’ve been chatting with artist Lyss Menold and they have something special planned. And there’s a little something extra for backers there too. But that surprise will have to wait.
I’ll share the final approved design of the poster before getting it printed and posted out with the next few months.
In the meantime, keep looking after each other, finding joy where you can, and supporting trans cyberpunk.
Stefanie
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October/November Update
Hi folks,
As one backer has kindly pointed out, it's been two months since the last project update. I honestly don't know where the time has gone.
Timeline
Fortunately, I've been busy working on the book over the last few months. We're on the home stretch now.
I'm on track to finish the first draft at the end of October, giving me a few weeks to proofread before it's sent to editor Lillian Boyd in mid-November. Then it's redrafting, final edits, and a last spit and polish before it's sent to print.
The finished book is still on track to be posted out by the end of Q1 2027.
New Interviews
Happy to report that, since the last update, I've interviewed authors Cameron Reed and Kira Leigh and film critic Willow Catelyn Maclay.
Stretch Goal Poster
Artist Lyss Menold is due to start working on the stretch goal poster in November. Hoping to have these printed and posted out in January.
Until next time,
Stefanie (they/them)
As one backer has kindly pointed out, it's been two months since the last project update. I honestly don't know where the time has gone.
Timeline
Fortunately, I've been busy working on the book over the last few months. We're on the home stretch now.
I'm on track to finish the first draft at the end of October, giving me a few weeks to proofread before it's sent to editor Lillian Boyd in mid-November. Then it's redrafting, final edits, and a last spit and polish before it's sent to print.
The finished book is still on track to be posted out by the end of Q1 2027.
New Interviews
Happy to report that, since the last update, I've interviewed authors Cameron Reed and Kira Leigh and film critic Willow Catelyn Maclay.
Stretch Goal Poster
Artist Lyss Menold is due to start working on the stretch goal poster in November. Hoping to have these printed and posted out in January.
Until next time,
Stefanie (they/them)
4
0
0
Delays to Trans in the Machine (and what that means for you)
It’s the one update I didn’t want to write but, on reflection, one that seems inevitable.
When I was preparing this project for crowdfunding, I wanted the gap between backing and delivery of the book to be as small as possible. Accomplishing that meant giving myself six months to do all the research and write a full first draft ready for the editor.
Given I’m writing this book on top of a full-time job and childcare responsibilities, I can see now just how ambitious that target was. That’s resulted in some changes to the project and readjusting the timeline, which I’ve outlined below.
What’s Changed?
Thankfully, nothing major. But I’m having to adjust the amount of research I had planned, and the scope of some of the book’s later chapters.
This won’t impact its intended punch, nor compromise the book you thought you were backing. It just means I can’t go as broad or as deep as I would have liked in all areas. For that, I would have needed 12-18 months.
Is the Book Being Delayed?
Although I’ve had to take an additional 6-12 weeks to write the first draft, it’s my deepest hope that the final delivery date hasn’t been impacted.
You should all receive your digital and physical books by the end of March 2027 at the latest. We’re still on track to hit this date but, if anything changes, I’ll let you know. I’m trying my best not to let that happen.
What About the Posters?
Artist Lyss Menold is due to start working on the bonus poster reward within the next few months. These are still on track to be delivered by the end of January 2027.
I’ll share finished artwork once finalised in an update before shipping. To confirm, shipping is included as part of hitting the first stretch goal, so there’s nothing to pay.
When the books are ready to ship, you’ll be notified to pay P&P as per Backerkit’s approach.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ve got a book to finish first.
So, Where Are You at With the Book?
I’m just finishing up with the chapter exploring the intersections of cyberpunk and disability. I’ll then move onto the video game chapter and the one focussed on artificial intelligence (the good, the bad, and the ugly).
Until the next sporadic update, look after yourselves!
Stefanie
2
0
2
Cyberpunk Poster Update
Poster Update
Delighted to report I've signed the contact this week with the artist for the cosy cyberpunk poster that'll be sent out to all ICE Breaker and Dues ex Machina backers.
Lyss Menold, the incredibly talented artist did the cover art for this book, is returning for the poster. I've already seen preliminary sketches and it looks amazing.
But Lyss is busy and work won't begin working on the poster in earnest until around November.
Posters should land with you late this year or in early 2027 - but definitely ahead of the book itself being posted out.
Book Update
The research and writing for the book is progressing at pace. I'm currently analysing some key anime titles and getting lost in research for the music chapter.
The draft is at around 40,000 words. I'm currently on schedule to get the draft to my editor Lillian Boyd by September-October.
Stay beutiful,
Stefanie (they/them)
Delighted to report I've signed the contact this week with the artist for the cosy cyberpunk poster that'll be sent out to all ICE Breaker and Dues ex Machina backers.
Lyss Menold, the incredibly talented artist did the cover art for this book, is returning for the poster. I've already seen preliminary sketches and it looks amazing.
But Lyss is busy and work won't begin working on the poster in earnest until around November.
Posters should land with you late this year or in early 2027 - but definitely ahead of the book itself being posted out.
Book Update
The research and writing for the book is progressing at pace. I'm currently analysing some key anime titles and getting lost in research for the music chapter.
The draft is at around 40,000 words. I'm currently on schedule to get the draft to my editor Lillian Boyd by September-October.
Stay beutiful,
Stefanie (they/them)
2
0
0
Progress Update
Happy to report all the art bundles have now been posted to eligible backers who completed the survey.
If you haven't received yours by mid-July, just get in touch and I can arrange another to be sent out.
Progress on the book itself is going incredibly well. I'm writing one chapter while researching for another. And there's tens of thousands of words already put to paper.
I've still a bunch of books to read and films to watch, but the timeline's looking good for me to deliver the full manuscript to the editor by October. I'll let you know if that date needs pushing back before then.
Stay safe and keep shining brightly,
Stefanie (they/them)
If you haven't received yours by mid-July, just get in touch and I can arrange another to be sent out.
Progress on the book itself is going incredibly well. I'm writing one chapter while researching for another. And there's tens of thousands of words already put to paper.
I've still a bunch of books to read and films to watch, but the timeline's looking good for me to deliver the full manuscript to the editor by October. I'll let you know if that date needs pushing back before then.
Stay safe and keep shining brightly,
Stefanie (they/them)
3
0
0
Art Bundles - Shipping Now!
The very first batch of art bundles have now been posted out!
As I’m based in the UK myself, I’m starting with UK folks, then Europe, before moving onto the US and Canada. They’ll all be posted out within the next few weeks.
Each bundle is packed with card inside to keep things flat. Plus, a ‘Do Not Bend’ sticker on the envelope.
If you haven’t received your bundle by August, let me know and I can get another sent out.
I can’t wait for the art to finally and with you. Please feel free to share on socials and spread around.
As a reminder, I can’t send bundles to anyone who hasn’t locked their order in. If you’ve lost your survey link, just give me a shout and I can get another emailed across.
I’ll go back to working on the book now!
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PROJECT UPDATE
Project Update: Trans in the Machine | First Draft Finished
The first draft of Trans in the Machine: Chronicling the New Cyberpunk Canon is now complete!
It’s been a year this week since the idea of writing a book about transness in cyberpunk first occurred to me.
Since then, it’s been months of research, writing, conducting interviews, finding sources, and having long, impassioned arguments about cyberpunk.
None of this would have been possible without you believing in the idea and backing the project.
What Now?
With the full manuscript printed out, I’ll spend the next few weeks giving it a tidy up before sending along to my amazing editor Lillian Boyd.
Then it’s time for the big edits and rewrites where needed, the last few proofreads, and off to the printers.
All being well, you should receive your digital and/or physical copies by April at the very latest.
Poster Update
Work is due to begin next week on the cosy cyberpunk poster for Tier 3 backers and up. I’ve been chatting with artist Lyss Menold and they have something special planned. And there’s a little something extra for backers there too. But that surprise will have to wait.
I’ll share the final approved design of the poster before getting it printed and posted out with the next few months.
In the meantime, keep looking after each other, finding joy where you can, and supporting trans cyberpunk.
Stefanie
PROJECT UPDATE
Project Update: October/November Update
Hi folks,
As one backer has kindly pointed out, it's been two months since the last project update. I honestly don't know where the time has gone.
Timeline
Fortunately, I've been busy working on the book over the last few months. We're on the home stretch now.
I'm on track to finish the first draft at the end of October, giving me a few weeks to proofread before it's sent to editor Lillian Boyd in mid-November. Then it's redrafting, final edits, and a last spit and polish before it's sent to print.
The finished book is still on track to be posted out by the end of Q1 2027.
New Interviews
Happy to report that, since the last update, I've interviewed authors Cameron Reed and Kira Leigh and film critic Willow Catelyn Maclay.
Stretch Goal Poster
Artist Lyss Menold is due to start working on the stretch goal poster in November. Hoping to have these printed and posted out in January.
Until next time,
Stefanie (they/them)
As one backer has kindly pointed out, it's been two months since the last project update. I honestly don't know where the time has gone.
Timeline
Fortunately, I've been busy working on the book over the last few months. We're on the home stretch now.
I'm on track to finish the first draft at the end of October, giving me a few weeks to proofread before it's sent to editor Lillian Boyd in mid-November. Then it's redrafting, final edits, and a last spit and polish before it's sent to print.
The finished book is still on track to be posted out by the end of Q1 2027.
New Interviews
Happy to report that, since the last update, I've interviewed authors Cameron Reed and Kira Leigh and film critic Willow Catelyn Maclay.
Stretch Goal Poster
Artist Lyss Menold is due to start working on the stretch goal poster in November. Hoping to have these printed and posted out in January.
Until next time,
Stefanie (they/them)
PROJECT UPDATE
Project Update: Delays to Trans in the Machine (and what that means for you)
It’s the one update I didn’t want to write but, on reflection, one that seems inevitable.
When I was preparing this project for crowdfunding, I wanted the gap between backing and delivery of the book to be as small as possible. Accomplishing that meant giving myself six months to do all the research and write a full first draft ready for the editor.
Given I’m writing this book on top of a full-time job and childcare responsibilities, I can see now just how ambitious that target was. That’s resulted in some changes to the project and readjusting the timeline, which I’ve outlined below.
What’s Changed?
Thankfully, nothing major. But I’m having to adjust the amount of research I had planned, and the scope of some of the book’s later chapters.
This won’t impact its intended punch, nor compromise the book you thought you were backing. It just means I can’t go as broad or as deep as I would have liked in all areas. For that, I would have needed 12-18 months.
Is the Book Being Delayed?
Although I’ve had to take an additional 6-12 weeks to write the first draft, it’s my deepest hope that the final delivery date hasn’t been impacted.
You should all receive your digital and physical books by the end of March 2027 at the latest. We’re still on track to hit this date but, if anything changes, I’ll let you know. I’m trying my best not to let that happen.
What About the Posters?
Artist Lyss Menold is due to start working on the bonus poster reward within the next few months. These are still on track to be delivered by the end of January 2027.
I’ll share finished artwork once finalised in an update before shipping. To confirm, shipping is included as part of hitting the first stretch goal, so there’s nothing to pay.
When the books are ready to ship, you’ll be notified to pay P&P as per Backerkit’s approach.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ve got a book to finish first.
So, Where Are You at With the Book?
I’m just finishing up with the chapter exploring the intersections of cyberpunk and disability. I’ll then move onto the video game chapter and the one focussed on artificial intelligence (the good, the bad, and the ugly).
Until the next sporadic update, look after yourselves!
Stefanie
PROJECT UPDATE
Project Update: Cyberpunk Poster Update
Poster Update
Delighted to report I've signed the contact this week with the artist for the cosy cyberpunk poster that'll be sent out to all ICE Breaker and Dues ex Machina backers.
Lyss Menold, the incredibly talented artist did the cover art for this book, is returning for the poster. I've already seen preliminary sketches and it looks amazing.
But Lyss is busy and work won't begin working on the poster in earnest until around November.
Posters should land with you late this year or in early 2027 - but definitely ahead of the book itself being posted out.
Book Update
The research and writing for the book is progressing at pace. I'm currently analysing some key anime titles and getting lost in research for the music chapter.
The draft is at around 40,000 words. I'm currently on schedule to get the draft to my editor Lillian Boyd by September-October.
Stay beutiful,
Stefanie (they/them)
Delighted to report I've signed the contact this week with the artist for the cosy cyberpunk poster that'll be sent out to all ICE Breaker and Dues ex Machina backers.
Lyss Menold, the incredibly talented artist did the cover art for this book, is returning for the poster. I've already seen preliminary sketches and it looks amazing.
But Lyss is busy and work won't begin working on the poster in earnest until around November.
Posters should land with you late this year or in early 2027 - but definitely ahead of the book itself being posted out.
Book Update
The research and writing for the book is progressing at pace. I'm currently analysing some key anime titles and getting lost in research for the music chapter.
The draft is at around 40,000 words. I'm currently on schedule to get the draft to my editor Lillian Boyd by September-October.
Stay beutiful,
Stefanie (they/them)
PROJECT UPDATE
Project Update: Progress Update
Happy to report all the art bundles have now been posted to eligible backers who completed the survey.
If you haven't received yours by mid-July, just get in touch and I can arrange another to be sent out.
Progress on the book itself is going incredibly well. I'm writing one chapter while researching for another. And there's tens of thousands of words already put to paper.
I've still a bunch of books to read and films to watch, but the timeline's looking good for me to deliver the full manuscript to the editor by October. I'll let you know if that date needs pushing back before then.
Stay safe and keep shining brightly,
Stefanie (they/them)
If you haven't received yours by mid-July, just get in touch and I can arrange another to be sent out.
Progress on the book itself is going incredibly well. I'm writing one chapter while researching for another. And there's tens of thousands of words already put to paper.
I've still a bunch of books to read and films to watch, but the timeline's looking good for me to deliver the full manuscript to the editor by October. I'll let you know if that date needs pushing back before then.
Stay safe and keep shining brightly,
Stefanie (they/them)
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Become an active participant Learn more