Giveaway of The Heiress of Northanger Abbey & Kickstarter FAQs

 

Muse Books, the publisher of my next novel, is offering a special giveaway of The Heiress of Northanger Abbey.

This is a softcover special edition! To enter the giveaway, go here.  It will be open until September 1st.

The Heiress of Northanger Abbey is part of "Once Upon a Gothic," a four-book set: The other classics with sequels or retellings will be Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, and Dracula.

My novel can be ordered individually or as part of the quartet. This is all an initiative happening on Kickstarter. Fiction sold on Kickstarter is a new path to publishing fiction that's gaining in popularity. Because of its newness, people have a lot of questions. I figured my website blog would be a good place to answer the questions I'm fielding.

Why is this novel available on Kickstarter?

Because it could very well be the future of fiction—or at least one type of future. When you back this book on Kickstarter, you’re purchasing the book directly from the authors and publisher, instead of through a retailer—Kickstarter allows authors to sell our books without splitting profits with retailers, who can take up to 70% or more of a book’s sticker price. This enables us to produce special edition publications that wouldn’t be financially feasible otherwise. In exchange, readers get exclusive, high-quality books and unique swag not available elsewhere.  We envisioned these books being read by candlelight during a storm! 

What format is the book going to be available in?

The Heiress of Northanger Abbey is part of the Once Upon a Gothic book series, which consists of four beautifully designed special edition books in Tête-Bêche format, meaning they are two books in one, with the classic novel and the retelling bound together. All of the books will be available in softcover and hardcover formats individually and as a four-book set. Because these are special editions that won’t be sold through retailers, there are no ISBN barcodes or sales text on the books, which are required by retailers. An e-book omnibus will also be available of all four novels.

The other three books in the Once Upon a Gothic book series are Paulette Kennedy's The Last Bride, told from the perspective of Dracula's bride before Mina and Lucy; Kris Waldherr's Unnatural Creatures, focusing on the women in Victor Frankenstein's life; and Heather Webb's The Phantom's Apprentice, which offers the story of Christine Daaé.  

Is this a fundraiser for the publisher or authors?

No, this isn’t a fundraiser. All Kickstarter funds go to printing books, fulfilling orders, and author royalties. The books are already written, edited, designed, and ready to go on press upon conclusion of the Kickstarter campaign. We already have sample books printed! Again, Kickstarter is an alternative way to purchase books. 

What kinds of extras or swag are planned for the Once Upon a Gothic books?

Every reader who purchases books during our Kickstarter campaign will receive a bundle of exclusive extras. Some are digital—these include a short story by Paulette Kennedy, Nancy Bilyeau's playlist for writing, a never-before-shared alternate ending to Kris Waldherr’s “Unnatural Creatures”, and an invitation to an exclusive AMA Zoom event with all four authors. (The event will be recorded for those who can't make it.) Other extras are physical, such as signed bookplates, custom-designed bookmarks, and more. In addition, special gift packages and add-ons will be available for purchase through Kickstarter, which will offer books bundled with candles, tarot readings, custom-designed book boxes, virtual experiences, and other goodies. 

Will The Heiress of Northanger Abbey be on Goodreads or Netgalley?

No, it won’t be on Netgalley. This is a Kickstarter exclusive that won’t be released to the general public because it is a special edition. However, the book may be posted on Goodreads, if people want to review it. 

Can I purchase The Heiress of Northanger Abbey as an ebook?

Yes. Although the print version is how the special book design features can best be enjoyed, there will be an ebook omnibus of all four novels available through Kickstarter and from the publisher. However, the ebook will only be available for a limited time after the Kickstarter ends. 

Can I get the extras and add-ons after the Kickstarter is finished?

No, those are exclusives for people who purchase books during the Kickstarter campaign. One of the joys of Kickstarter is that we can bundle special edition books this way. 

How do I ask my librarian to order it?

When the Kickstarter is finished, you can ask your librarian to order it. However, these special editions will only be available directly through the publisher for a limited time. 

Please follow this campaign on Kickstarter. Signing up to follow it does not obligate you to buy anything! If you are curious about this publishing journey, following the campaign is the best way to gain information. And if you are a reader, we hope very much you will want to support our breaking free from traditional paths to do something different and creative. Thank you so much!

Sign up here: Click "Notify Me on Launch" It's FREE :)