That's right! I've been working with Open Book Audio over the course of the last four or five months, and we've finally put together and signed a contract that will result in the first book being produced as an audiobook! All KickStarter backers will receive a free copy of the audiobook, even though we didn't make it to that stretch goal. That's why it took months of discussion to figure something out.
To those who didn't back the KickStarter, never fear! You, too, will have the opportunity to purchase the audiobook when it's complete. I'm very excited about being able to offer this option, as I know that at least a few of my readers have vision impairments that make it difficult to read text. I'll keep you all updated about the audiobook as production progresses.
As you may notice, adding the audiobook section to the progress bar above actually set back the overall progress percentage, which may seem counter-intuitive. But since that bottom progress bar is actually an average of all of the other figures, it was bound to happen.
In other news, I've been going over the proof in excessive detail and ended up making some formatting changes that I think will look much, much better in the final print copy. The ebooks are practically complete, however. I may even be able to release them even further ahead of schedule than I'd anticipated. I'm just waiting on the ebook reviewer and the final piece of setting concept art.
All in all, this is what's left:
- Upon receipt of the last art and the review, order another proof copy.
- Finish fine-tuning the ebooks.
- Keep track of audiobook progress.
- Order and sign the paperbacks for the pre-order packages.
- Send out the ebooks (and audiobooks) to backers.
- One week later, release the books on Amazon.
Once the above is complete, the progress bar will look like this:
That's the goal I'm planning to hit by mid-November. I'm actually much of the way there even now. I've given a deadline to the review backer--specifically, I sent them the early copy about two weeks ago and told them that I could give them a month to write their review. In two weeks, if I haven't heard from them, I'll have to give them some different compensation instead. I should get the last of the art by the end of the weekend, regardless.
As a result, by three weeks from now (early October), I should have my new proof copy. If it looks the way it should, then the ebooks and paperbacks will be ready for readers. I'll approve the proof, order the paperbacks, and make the ebooks available to backers for download shortly thereafter. (end of October/early November) Once backers have had a week to read their advance copies of the book, I'll make the paperback/ebooks available to everyone else.
Meanwhile, the audiobook should be chugging along. I can't guarantee the release date, but I suspect that it'll be available before the end of the year, hopefully in time for holiday shopping.
Once all of the ebooks and audiobooks are out, I think it'll probably take backers a little time to read them and decide what sort of trivia they want, not to mention the characters they want to read about in their short stories. That accounts for the remaining 15% of the rewards. As I hear back from them, I'll fulfill their rewards.
In short, I'm on track to give backers more than they pledged to receive, and I'm going to do it at least a month ahead of the schedule I promised during the KickStarter campaign.
I just want to say again that I am just so thankful for all of the support that I've received. Without all of you, this would still be a pipe dream. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You've given me more than I ever dared to want. You are amazing--each and every one of you. I can't wait to get the ebooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks into your hands!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!
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