Have you ever dreamed of creating stunning special editions of your books—foil covers, sprayed edges, custom merch, even plushie characters—but wondered how to fund it all?

In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Steffanie Holmes (a.k.a. Steff Green), bestselling author of the Nevermore Bookshop series and a true expert in Kickstarter for authors.

Steff has successfully crowdfunded multiple six-figure campaigns to produce beautiful collector’s editions and build a fiercely loyal reader base. We dive deep into how she uses Kickstarter to create immersive book experiences that fans can’t resist—and the exact steps she takes to plan, promote, and deliver them.

We also talk about:

• How to know if you’re ready to launch a Kickstarter as an author

• What kinds of special edition book ideas attract superfans

• Common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to fulfillment and shipping

• How to grow a fandom through merch, exclusivity, and reader connection

• Behind-the-scenes stories from her record-breaking campaigns

Whether you’re Kickstarter-curious or just looking for ways to deepen reader engagement and monetize your backlist, this episode is packed with gold.

📦 Want to see Steff's latest campaign? Visit: nevermorebookshop.co.nz
📍Want to go deeper? Join me at my next Queenstown Writing Retreat in 2026, where Steff will teach an exclusive virtual masterclass exclusively to our attendees. Details at serenadepublishing.com/retreat-2026

Summary

In this episode, Sarah Williams interviews Steff Green, a successful author who has mastered the art of using Kickstarter to fund special editions of her books. They discuss the importance of building a loyal fandom, the mechanics of running a successful Kickstarter campaign, and the creative ways to engage readers through unique reward tiers. Steff shares her experiences with multiple successful campaigns, the challenges of fulfillment, and the logistics of signing books for backers. This conversation is a treasure trove of insights for authors looking to enhance their self-publishing journey.

Takeaways

1. Steff Green has successfully run four Kickstarter campaigns.

2. Kickstarter allows authors to create immersive products and engage readers.

3. Building a loyal fandom is crucial for successful crowdfunding.

4. Reward tiers can include unique items that enhance reader experience.

5. Stretch goals can incentivize backers to contribute more.

6. Promoting a Kickstarter requires consistent social media engagement.

7. Fulfillment can be complex and requires careful planning.

8. Authors can use tip-in pages for signed books without direct handling.

9. Hiring fulfillment services can alleviate logistical burdens.

10. Understanding your audience is key to a successful campaign.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stephanie Holmes and Her Work

03:16 Understanding Kickstarter for Authors

07:35 The Importance of Audience and Engagement

10:27 Running a Successful Kickstarter Campaign

19:34 Creative Strategies for Kickstarter Rewards

28:00 Challenges and Logistics of Fulfillment

37:03 Promoting Your Kickstarter Campaign

44:54 Managing Post-Campaign Fulfillment

52:56 Conclusion and Future Plans

56:06 Building a Loyal Fandom through Creative Vision

57:12 Elevating Your Author Career: Retreat and Masterclass Opportunities