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(Apologies if this isn't the right place, since it isn't actually miniatures related figure it was as good a place as any)

I'm currently working on a wargame/RPG setting soucebook called Frozen Skies, its a Pulp Era Fantasy set in an Alaska/Canadian Artic style land combing elements of Indiana Jones, Call of Cthulhu and Crimson Skies.

I'm going to be self-publishing this and looked at Kickstarter, though then I found that I could do it via RPGNow as a 'zero cost startup'. This also includes a print on demand option for hard copies and works as the best option for me.

Now I'm looking at going to Templecon next as a vendor in order to get some exposure for my book in the US (I live in Britain), whilst I can stay with a friend in New York its travel costs and getting a pile of books for the con that'll be a problem money wise. Couple of options I have for getting the cash needed is either Kickstarter or perhaps doing some type of discounted pre-order deal for people to pick up the book from Templecon, figured it to be 250 books I need to sell to make the money back from the airline tickets.

Now the issues I see are that it might not be something I can use Kickstarter for and I might not get enough pre-orders to cover the costs.

So I'm curious what you guys think?

Why the long distance trek to the US? Wouldn't it be easier to demo close to home in the UK?

250 books seems to be a very aggressive sales plan, TempleCon seems to have an attendance of about 1500+ people. That would be a very high conversion rate.

Kickstarter might be a good option to set up a professional print run, but you seem to have already settled on PDF print on demand. Its not clear what you intend on using the KickStart funds for, other than the (promotional) trip to the US.

There really aren't that many big shows in Britain, Salute and UK Games Expo are the two I can think of though they're (correct me if I'm wrong) smaller than most US based cons. Besides I highlighted the idea I was to get more exposure, the US is a much bigger market.

250 is the figure I've worked out to cover my costs and make a bit of a profit if possible, about 100 would cover most of the airline ticket.

Its really the promotional trip along with a print run, but as I said I'm not sure whether its something that can be done on Kickstarter not to mention I'm favouring the pre-order option.

There are heaps of shows in the UK. Some of them are a pretty good size.

https://sites.google.com/site/tringwargames/wargames-shows

The US is a larger market overall but it is also much more spread out.

You should contact Kickstarter to see if their rules allow what you want to do.

Yes a few shows, the one in Norwich is right on my doorstep but I'm not sure whether I can meet the deadline for that one.

I'd like to get in at least one US show, the exposure will help....may look at doing couple of other US shows if things go well.

You had me Crimson Skies. Your game idea sounds pretty neat. Are you intending it to be a miniature game or an RPG initially?

Just an RPG setting book to begin with, so really just the fluffy stuff....leaving the choice open at present for people to choose which system they wish to use.

If things go well I'll look to expand, I have a second book planned to cover another part of the setting.

Do have a few wargames ideas kicking around, was looking at a resource harvesting mechanic at one point.

250 copies of a new and unheard of RPG can be a very tough sell.

Our first RPG (Legendary Realms, released in '08) hasn't moved 250 copies, and we were giving them away at Gencon last year.

Cyporiean wrote:250 copies of a new and unheard of RPG can be a very tough sell.

Our first RPG (Legendary Realms, released in '08) hasn't moved 250 copies, and we were giving them away at Gencon last year.

Thats why I've been looking to see if I can some cheaper flights, found one I can get for around £500 which works out as about 50 books I need to sell at ~£10 each.

You cant fall off with KS can you?

Not that Ive done one, but If it doesn't cost you anything to try, you may as well have a bash. You might not get the support... but you might, so why the feth not eh?