Once Upon a Gothic: Kickstarter FAQs
Ever since we announced the Once Upon a Gothic book series would be available only from Kickstarter, we've received lots of questions. Here's answers to some of them.
Why are these books only available on Kickstarter?
Because it could very well be the future of fiction—or at least one type of future. When you back Once Upon a Gothic on Kickstarter, you’re purchasing books 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 most 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. Ideally speaking, we envisioned these books being read by candlelight during a storm.
What formats are the books available in?
All four books in the Once Upon a Gothic series will be published in Tête-Bêche format, meaning they are two books in one, with the classic novel and the retelling bound together—
read one side for the retelling, flip the book for the original gothic. Because these books won’t be sold through retailers, there are no ISBN barcodes or sales text on the books to undermine the Tête-Bêche design.
All of the books will be available in softcover and as special edition hardcovers individually and as a four-book set. An e-book omnibus will also be available of all four novels.
The four books in the Once Upon a Gothic book series are Nancy Bilyeau's The Heiress of Northanger Abbey, 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—think of it as akin to a pop-up shop!
What 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 Once Upon a Gothic books 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, book reviews can be posted on Goodreads, if readers want to.
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 in a way that wouldn't be feasible through a traditional publishing path. :-)
How do I ask my librarian to order it?
Once the Kickstarter is finished, you can ask your librarian to order the softcovers, which will be available for six months afterwards. Contact us here.
