Smart, Doable Crowdfunding for Children’s Book Creators
The Kidlit Creator’s Chronicle Issue #43
You’ve probably seen children’s book authors launching on Kickstarter or Indiegogo and wondered, “Could I really do something like that?” Maybe you’ve got a great story, but no funds for editing, illustrations, and printing. Crowdfunding seems like a smart way to move forward… until you start looking into the details.
How do you choose the right platform? What’s realistic to raise? And what do you even offer as rewards to get people excited enough to back your campaign?
In this issue, you’ll get a clear breakdown of the two most popular crowdfunding platforms for picture book creators, how they differ, and what makes each one work. Then we’ll cover reward ideas that are creative and exciting, AND manageable to deliver.
Done well, crowdfunding can do more than just fund your project. It can grow your audience, generate early buzz, and help turn supporters into long-term readers who cheer you on through future books as well.
Let’s take a closer look at how to make that happen.
First off, what is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is when you raise funds for a project (like a book project) by collecting small contributions from a large number of people. This is usually done online, typically in Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Backers pledge money to support your book before it’s published, and in return, you offer them rewards.
Quick How-To: Running a Crowdfunding Campaign for Your Book
Here’s a simple breakdown to get you started:
1. Choose a Platform
Most children’s book authors go with Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Here’s a quick comparison between the two:
Kickstarter
Kickstarter runs on an all-or-nothing model, which means you only get the funds if you hit your goal, e.g. $20,000 in 28 days. While that might sound a little scary at first, it actually works in your favour because it creates urgency and gives people a reason to jump in and support you now.
When you don’t hit your goal, the backers aren’t charged, and the funds aren’t collected. That might sound harsh, but it protects you from having to deliver a project without enough resources.
Studies show that all-or-nothing campaigns, like those on Kickstarter, are twice as likely to reach their funding goals compared to keep-it-all campaigns.
Another big perk is that Kickstarter has a strong built-in community of backers who are actively looking to support creative projects.
The platform has a success rate of over 39% across all projects.
Notable Kickstarter Case Study:
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
This title holds the record for the highest-funded children’s book in Kickstarter’s history, raising over $675,000. The book includes 100 stories about real women who did amazing things, from astronauts to activists.
The authors offered rewards such as:
- PDF bundle of “How to Raise Confident Girls”
- eBook of the title + Kickstarter exclusive
- Hardcover copy
- Poster featuring great women in science
- Name of the backer’s daughter/niece/friend in the book
- 1-hour chat with the authors
- One-day workshop at a school of choice
Indiegogo
Indiegogo gives you more flexibility. You can choose a fixed model (funds only if you reach your goal), or a flexible model (keep whatever you raise).
Indiegogo’s audience leans toward product-based campaigns. Creative campaigns like children’s books are less prominent but still raise an average of $20,000.
The success rate is lower: only around 9 to 18% of campaigns reach their goal, so you’ll want a solid plan and clear value proposition to stand out.
Notable Indiegogo Case Study:
Younger Me Academy by Ben Okon
This STEM picture book series raised almost $57,000 on Indiegogo in 2023.
Perks included:
- PDF colouring pages
- Hardcover (personal, donated, or mystery)
- Book sets
- Gift sets
2. Set a Realistic Funding Goal
Figure out how much you need to actually make and ship your book. Factor in:
- Printing costs
- Illustrator and editor fees (if applicable)
- Shipping and packaging
- Platform fees (~5%)
- Buffer for unexpected costs
Don’t forget: you’re not just funding a book; you’re funding the rewards too.
3. Create a Campaign Page That Makes People Want to Support You
This is where you tell your story. What’s your book about? Why are you making it? What inspired you?
You’ll also want:
- A short, clear video (even filmed on your phone!) introducing yourself and your book
- Eye-catching visuals: book mockups, illustrations, anything you can show
- A list of reward tiers
Keep it human in your campaign. Be real. People are backing you as much as your book.
4. Promote the Campaign
This is the part people underestimate. Crowdfunding isn’t “if you build it, they will come.” You need to be visible.
- Tell your friends and family before you launch.
- Build an email list early and start warming them up.
- Post updates throughout the campaign.
- Ask your network to share.
People want to support creative projects, but they need to know you’re doing one.
5. Fulfill Rewards
Once your campaign is funded, it’s time to deliver. Stick to your timeline, package things nicely, and keep your backers updated via a short email or campaign update post.
You’re not just shipping rewards. You’re building trust.
What Makes a Great Crowdfunding Reward?
A few musts:
- It should be exciting for your audience. This isn’t just any kind of campaign – it’s about bringing a children’s book to life. Think about what will make kids and parents smile, laugh, or feel connected to your story. Maybe it’s a personalised illustration or a fun activity tied to the book’s world. The key is to deliver something that feels special and playful.
- It should be doable for you. Don’t promise a hand-painted mural for every $20 backer! Instead, you could offer a signed bookplate, a downloadable art print, or a small reward that still feels thoughtful and connected to your book.
- It should connect to your book’s world. Keep everything on-theme. Your book is the star, so build the universe around it.
Let’s look at some possibilities.
1. The Book Itself (But With Flair)
Definitely offer the actual book as a reward, but don’t just make it one flat option. Give it tiers!
- Signed Copy
- Personalised Copy: Add their child’s name
- Early Access Copy
- Deluxe Edition: Hardcover, higher-quality paper, bonus pages
Pro Tip: “Early + exclusive” makes people feel special, and that’s what you want.
2. Book Bundles and Multipacks
Great for backers buying for multiple kids, gifting, or donating.
- Buy One, Gift One
- Sibling Pack: Slight customisations
- Birthday Gift Pack: Book + birthday card + printable activity
Sample book bundle rewards fromYounger Me Academy campaign:
3. Digital Goodies (They Cost You Nothing to Ship!)
Perfect for international backers and lower tiers.
- Printable Activity Pack
- Lesson Plan
- Digital Audiobook
- eBook Version
- Behind-the-Scenes PDF
- Writing/Drawing Process Video
Pro Tip: Batch these into a “Digital Treasure Chest” to increase perceived value.
4. Character Cameos and Personalised Stuff
This one is fun!
- Name a Character After a Backer’s Child (limit slots)
- Custom Illustration: Simple, black and white, head/shoulders
- Mini Story Featuring Their Child: Short story PDF (500 words max)
Even 3 slots can feel premium and manageable.
Image source: Dreams Aboard the ‘L’ Kickstarter campaign
5. Book-Themed Merch (A Little Goes a Long Way)
A few thoughtful items can take your campaign from good to unforgettable.
- Stickers
- Bookmarks
- Art Prints
- Postcards
- Puzzles
- Tote Bags
- Poster of the book cover
Pro Tip: Keep merch flat and lightweight if you’re handling shipping.
6. Experiences (Low-Cost, High-Connection)
Stand out by offering time or experiences, not just things.
- Virtual Author Visit
- Book Launch Party Invite (Virtual)
- Workshop for Kids
- Behind-the-Scenes Q&A
These can feel special and are often easier to deliver than physical items.
7. Stretch Goal Bonuses
Think of these as gifts you’ll unlock if you hit milestones.
- Hit $X? Everyone gets a bonus colouring page.
- Hit $Y? You record a special thank-you video from you and your character.
- Hit $Z? Everyone’s name goes in the back of the book as a supporter!
These keep people engaged after they pledge, and get them excited to share your campaign.
Source: I Love You Ocean Kickstarter
Final Tips for Reward Planning
Let’s wrap this up with some no-fluff advice that’ll help you stay sane:
- Keep your reward tiers clear and simple. Don’t overwhelm people with choices.
- Factor in production and shipping costs.
- Deliver on your promises. Always better to underpromise and overdeliver than the reverse.
- Show mockups when you can. Even a Canva image of your sticker pack makes it 10x more appealing.
- Ask your audience! Before you launch, do a poll or ask a few fans what rewards would excite them. You’ll get ideas and build anticipation.
A Common Mistake Most Authors Make with Crowdfunding
Many children’s book authors think their campaign will rise or fall based on how many stickers or bookmarks they offer. But the truth is, rewards don’t create backers. Your connection with the audience does.
In fact, offering too many complex or time-consuming rewards can sabotage your campaign by making fulfilment a nightmare or diluting your message.
Start with a strong book and a simple promise. The rest is sprinkles, not the cake.
Over to you…
If you’ve been wondering whether crowdfunding is worth it, or possible for someone at your stage, I hope this gave you a clearer picture of what’s involved and what’s within reach.
You don’t need a huge audience or a marketing team to make it work. You need a good book, a realistic plan, and rewards people want.
Have you ever backed a campaign yourself? What made you want to support it? That insight alone might unlock the kind of experience you want to create for your future backers.
I’d love to hear from you. Have you considered crowdfunding your children’s book? Does it feel exciting, intimidating… both?
