In the latest episode of the Creatively Speaking: Beyond the Binding podcast, listeners are invited to embark on a revelatory journey with Leslie Jonath, the creative force behind Connected Dots Media. Leslie unveils the transformative world of book publishing, offering her best tips for crowdfunding born from her pivot from traditional publishing to the innovative realms of Kickstarter and custom publishing.
As our conversation begins, Leslie launches into the tale of her Kickstarter success with Feed Your People, exploring the emotional twists and turns of her crowdfunding triumph. As Leslie shares her story, listeners are treated to a firsthand account of how Kickstarter can chart a new path for creative ventures, showcasing the power of community in breathing life into a book project.
The discussion changes gears as Leslie sheds light on the multifaceted role of a book, from its inception to the expansive network of intellectual properties it can generate. Leslie offers her insights into building and nurturing a community through Kickstarter, emphasizing that the platform can serve as a catalyst for lasting engagement and connections that extend far beyond the final page.
Our conversation with Leslie offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to navigate the intricacies of a crowdfunding campaign. She offers practical advice on campaign planning, audience engagement, and maintaining a customer-focused mindset throughout the process.
“I think if you’re driven to do a Kickstarter, you have to be driven to learn it … They have lots of people who can help, consult, and help you through it, but I think Kickstarter itself has a lot of readers and a lot of different opportunities to just learn about it on the platform itself.”
Leslie illustrates how Kickstarter serves as more than just a fundraising tool—it’s a platform for cultivating vibrant communities around creative endeavors. From the utility of a robust mailing list to the magnetic pull of events, Leslie explores how a book can act as a hub for a galaxy of intellectual properties, sparking serendipitous opportunities and new creative ventures.
Listeners are treated to a generous helping of practical advice for anyone considering a foray into crowdfunding their literary ambitions. Leslie shares tips for crowdfunding goals, maintaining momentum and engagement throughout a campaign, and the importance of a customer-focused approach to publishing. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the nitty-gritty of budgeting, emotional investment, and the unpredictable nature of bringing a dream to life through the collective support of backers.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- 0:00:00 | Leslie Jonath’s Introduction + Background
- 0:10:01 | Tips for Crowdfunding a Book Project Through Kickstarter
- 0:14:13 | Launching Creative Kickstarter Campaigns
- 0:28:30 | Goal-Setting in Kickstarter Campaigns
- 0:32:16 | Cooking and Community Connection
- 0:39:38 | Navigating Challenges in Creative Projects
- 0:43:28 | Setting Timelines on Crowdfunding Platforms
- 0:50:11 | Exploring Tools for Creative Projects
Join the Creatively Speaking: Beyond the Binding podcast as we welcome Leslie, the innovative mind behind Connected Dots Media, for an enlightening chat on the shifting landscape of book publishing. Through Leslie’s journey, learn valuable tips for crowdfunding, for community building, and about the multifaceted role of books in today’s creative ventures. Whether you’re an author looking to fund your next book or a creative soul curious about the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, this episode will invigorate you and equip you with insights to fuel your journey forward.
Episode Resources:
Website: https://wellersmithdesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellersmithdesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannawellersmith/
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