Conduit 1: limited-editions?

ETA: Sept 28, at 9:27 a.m.: Okay, I think this project is a go! Obviously I’ll leave the interest form open a bit longer so I can get a good sense of the numbers (specifically for a paperback) b/c the price per unit lowers (obviously) the more I order. I’ll aim to have the preorder up for the beginning of November. I’ve answered some of the questions I’ve seen through the form below.

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I’ve gotten the story notes back from the editor (aka SFG) for Conduit 1, which allows me to take a look at my schedule – and everything that needs to be done to release the book – so that I can (eventually) put up a preorder.

And, because it is a brand new universe and I’m in a super indulgent mood, I have a lot planned for this book launch. Instead of just letting it build over time, apparently, I want all the maps, artwork, and extras all right away!

This got me thinking (as did my post about AI yesterday and also how much readers are enjoying purchasing the audiobooks directly from me) about delaying the release slightly. I avoid releasing in December anyway, and honestly, releasing at the end of November might be doable but also really stressful. If I delay, I can offer my core readership limited edition paperbacks and eBooks.

Limited edition paperbacks and eBooks are totally just a treat for my readers and not at all an attempt to justify just how much art (etc.) I’ve already commissioned. 😜

Anyway! I have no idea if enough of you are interested (specifically in the autographed paperbacks) to justify the extra time on my part and to reduce the printing costs to a somewhat reasonable amount. Hence the interest form I’ve spent the entire morning putting together! 😂

Normally, I wouldn’t want to divert sales from the main retailers. I’ve spent a good amount of focus in the last few years trying to ‘hit’ lists (and therefore gain more visibility on the retailers). But I’ve decided that 2024 will be a year of focusing (even more) on my core readership, and hoping for, but not worrying about ‘marketing’ to draw in new readers.

Quick ideas (some info doubled on the google form):

How will the limited edition differ from the regular paperback? The limited editions of Conduit 1 will be autographed and contain extra art (maps, illustrations, etc) plus an appendix with character bios/bible, timeline, etc. No gold foil (it is expensive and easily marked up (?) ), but the cover design will still be slightly different, specifically the back cover will likely be a quote, not a synopsis and MCD’s bio, etc. The quality of the printing is also just nicer than the regular paperback, with thicker paper and MCD being seriously picky about any damage, etc. 😂 Also possibly in full colour (see the option on the form). Also possibly with the interior of the paperback cover printed. See Google form for approx. pricing, etc.

How will the limited edition eBook differ from the regular eBook? All the extras as listed above, except with a digital autograph, plus all interior art will automatically be in colour (as long as your eReader is colour). Same price (even with the extras) but MCD sees more of your $$ (as with the audiobooks). This book will be delivered through BookFunnel and can be read in their app (or web browser) or sent to your personal device of choice.

How will the audiobook differ from the regular audiobook? It won’t be, except it will be exclusive for at least two weeks (if not longer) and way less expensive. The audiobook will be delivered through BookFunnel and can be listened to in their app (or web browser) or sent to your personal device of choice.

So! If you’re interested please fill out the form (linked above). Let me know if you have any questions that haven’t been addressed here or in the form.

Fun?

Fun!

Questions (as of Sept 28 am):

What bundles will be available? eBook/paperback, eBook/audiobook, eBook/paperback/audiobook, paperback/audiobook. Because there will be multiple offers available at once, please, please, read carefully when the time comes to preorder. I can refund, of course, but I actually still get charged the credit card fee when I do.

The ‘extra postcards, art, stickers, etc’ ‘Add On’: can be purchased separately for anyone also grabbing an eBook or audiobook, or added to a paperback box (to combine shipping).

International shipping? All shipping other than Canada (which already has crazy expensive shipping) is international for me. And I promise to try to find the best rates I can – trackable for the paperback, letter mail for the ‘postcard’ bundle.

Would the eBook be downloaded through BookFunnel? Yes. But it can be transferred to a device of your choice!

Would the audiobook be downloaded through BookFunnel? Yes. But it can be transferred to a device of your choice!

Can I buy multiple paperbacks? If you want to buy multiple paperbacks (i.e. combine shipping) you’ll have to send me a note and I’ll have to get up a private buy link (after double-checking shipping rates).

Are you doing limited-edition hardcovers for the Conduit Series? Not anytime soon. I might be persuaded to do another Kickstarter for the upcoming tenth anniversary of Oracle 1, but let me just get through the first Kickstarter first! 😁

Okay! I think I’ve covered all the questions so far!

I think this is going to be so fun!!