Day 5: Your Rewards and Reward Tiers
Here's the thing about Kickstarter campaigns - they live or die by their reward tiers. You can have the prettiest campaign page in the world, but if your rewards aren't something backers actually want? Well, you're not going to have much success.
PART 1: THE BASICS OF REWARD PLANNING
Let's start with your foundation. Every campaign needs a solid base to build from.
Digital RewardsNot every campaign needs digital options. If you're in KU, pulling your book out might not make sense just for a campaign. But if you can offer digital rewards, they're fantastic for boosting funding without the headache of physical shipping.
Consider:
• Basic ebook tier
• Enhanced digital bundles (wallpapers, artwork, behind-the-scenes)
• Early release options
• Digital stretch goal content
Quick Note About Audiobooks: While they make excellent stretch goals or add-ons, they rarely work as standalone Kickstarter projects. The production costs and timeline are usually too hefty for most campaigns.
Physical Rewards: Your Campaign's Backbone
You don't need fancy special editions to run a successful campaign. Remember, Kickstarter only requires that you're creating something new - not necessarily something elaborate.
Your options include:
• Paperback editions
• Hardcover options
• Signed copies
• Special editions
• Book boxes
PART 2: PRICING STRATEGY
Kickstarter pricing isn't like regular retail pricing. You need to account for Kickstarter fees, packing materials, shipping costs (both to you and to backers), production costs, and the audience of Kickstarter itself. Make sure to buffer for unexpected expenses
Pro Tip: Look at other Kickstarters in your genre to gauge pricing. Remember, Kickstarter backers aren't looking for bargains - they're looking for something special and are willing to pay for quality.
PART 3: MAKING IT SPECIAL - SPECIAL EDITIONS
Want to create something extra special? Kickstarter is honestly the place to do it, but first, you have to do your homework:
• Request quotes from multiple printers
• Use online printing calculators when available
• Compare print-on-demand vs. offset printing (Consider services like The Inkfluence for offset printing negotiations)
• Get sample packs to check quality when available
• Join groups like Kickstarter for Authors to learn from others' experiences
Special Edition Options:
• Foil stamping for metallic elements
• Custom book box that it comes in
• Vellum inserts
• Cover cut outs
• Duplex cover paperbacks
• Sprayed edges
• Embossing for raised cover designs
• Custom endpapers
• Ribbon bookmarks
• Exclusive dust jackets
• Interior formatting touches (like my flying bee in Bound by Honey - people still go crazy for it!)
Production Tips:
Contact printers early - options vary between printers
Ask about minimum order quantities
Request samples when possible
Understand which elements can be combined
Get multiple quotes - prices vary significantly
Discuss packaging options (shrink wrap, foam)
Ask about tip-in sheets for signed editions
Timeline Planning:
While you don't need physical proof copies to launch - many successful campaigns market entirely with 3D mockups - you do need to plan your production timeline carefully. Special features like foiling or sprayed edges need extra production time, and printers often batch similar projects together for efficiency. If you're working with international printers, add even more buffer time for shipping and customs. Always include time for proofing once production starts - this isn't something you want to rush. Here's the most important advice I can give you: whatever timeline you think you need? Triple it. No, I'm not exaggerating. I've seen too many campaigns get overwhelmed when their small funding goal suddenly explodes into something bigger. That "quick and easy" campaign can suddenly turn into months of fulfillment. Better to promise a longer delivery date and surprise backers with early delivery than the other way around. Remember, backers would rather wait longer for quality than receive a rushed product full of mistakes.
PART 4: EXPERIENCE UPGRADES
Book Boxes and Premium Tiers
Want to go beyond just books? Book boxes can command higher prices and create unique experiences. Remember - your backers probably haven't read the book yet, so items need visual appeal beyond just book references. Creating an experience box or even an experience add on option is a great way to let someone who really enjoys that get that delux experience and help convert them from a backer to a fan.
Dream Tiers
Consider creating one "dream tier" - something expensive but creative. These rarely get backed, but they create intrigue. Think commissioned short stories, character creation rights, or one-of-a-kind editions. Yes, I've had a $500 tier for naming a character and a $1000 tier for having a short story written and printed in the book set in the world of the book with a character they create get picked up by a backer before.
PART 5: SHIPPING STRATEGY
Before Finalizing Any Tiers:
Calculate product weights. You may need to use a book of similar size and weight for this.
Research packaging needs
Check Pirateship rates for all regions
Build shipping into pricing
Research international shipping rules and costs
Consider customs requirements
PART 6: SETTING UP YOUR TIERS IN KICKSTARTER
Setting up your actual rewards can feel a bit confusing, but they really try to make it simple by allowing you to set things up once and reuse info you've already input. One section will have you put in your individual items. You can add pictures if you want, but you don't have to. Then you move to tiers, select the rewards that are included in the tier and add your description and shipping info.
Basic Structure Requirements:
• Clear, engaging title (Not "Hardcover Tier" but "Deluxe Collector's Edition")
• Accurate reward amount
• Detailed description
Description Tips:
• List items by value/importance
• Use bullet points
• Clearly separate shipping info (Kickstarter does this for you but you can also make sure to have any extra info needed on your shipping section of your campaign story)
• Include size/format details where necessary
• Note limited quantities
• Highlight Kickstarter exclusives
Shipping Settings:
• Set regional ratesUse accurate shipping estimates
• Decide whether to include shipping in initial costs or charge later (I prefer upfront - fewer surprises for backers)
FINAL CHECKLIST:
□ Clear, engaging titles
□ Accurate reward amounts
□ Detailed item lists
□ Regional shipping costs
□ Estimated delivery dates
□ Quantity limits (if needed)
□ Correct item type settings
□ Desktop and mobile previews
□ Link verification
□ Price calculations double-checked
Remember, your reward descriptions need to be crystal clear. Have someone unfamiliar with your project read them - can they tell exactly what they'd receive? If not, revise.
Graphics Tip: Keep your reward tier images simple. You can reuse images from your campaign story section - no need to create entirely new assets for each tier.
The key to successful reward tiers is balance - make them exciting enough to attract backers but practical enough to fulfill. Don't promise what you can't deliver, but don't be afraid to get creative within your capabilities. Your backers are here for something special - make sure you give it to them.
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