Is it red enough?
12 months ago
– Tue, Apr 01, 2025 at 04:36:49 AM
Yesterday, I paid the invoice for the printing. After recovering from the shock—and realizing I’d just spent more on printing than I did on my first used car in high school—I also approved the bookmark color.
I wanted a bright red bookmark, and a bright red bookmark I’m getting.
Now, I need to design covers for every version of the Rulebook. DriveThruRPG wants separate files for hardcover and softcover. Amazon and Ingram have their own specs.
Once that’s done, the Companion book is next. It’s already laid out and nearly ready—but every version needs its own cover, too. And once that’s finished? I get to do it all over again.
Twice the work.
In the end, however, it will be worth it.
Start the presses!
12 months ago
– Fri, Mar 28, 2025 at 05:54:02 AM
So, this came in yesterday morning.
Yes, this is what you think it is. The proof, the cover, the book, and a few loose pages.
The book is now going to press.
Whew.
With this, the major work is done. Yes, it still needs to be printed, shipped to the warehouse, and mailed to you. However, none of that can happen without the physical book.
This isn’t a wrap-up of the project—I still have updates to share. However, it feels great to have reached this point in the process.
So, here we are—the book is nearing the finish line.
Current status and setting up sales
about 1 year ago
– Wed, Mar 19, 2025 at 05:41:14 AM
Yesterday, I approved the digital proof, and the physical proof was ordered. I should have it by next week. Once it arrives, I’ll need to review it one last time, approve it, and then wait four to six weeks for the book to be printed and shipped to the warehouse. Of course, this timetable could change given current events.
I’m using QinPrintingas the printer, and though I haven’t worked with them before, they’ve been one of the easiest printers I’ve ever dealt with.
While QinPrinting handles the printing, I’m setting up the book for other platforms where the Rulebook will be sold and offered via POD. This includes creating listings and assigning ISBNs for each version.
Where will the book be sold, and what versions will be available?
Amazon
The Kindle version requires its own ISBN. Amazon sales are smoother if you let them print your books, which they’ll sell on their site. Ignoring Amazon’s reach by not offering a POD version is unwise, and using their service also helps avoid the dreaded “not in stock” status.
Previously, you could set up your book with LightningSource (LSI). Amazon would use that listing to populate its database, keeping the book “In Stock.” However, once Amazon acquired CreateSpace, they pressured publishers to use their POD services for better placement.
It was an easy decision for large publishers who rely on POD to keep older titles in print and warehouse costs down. However, small publishers had to stick with LSI, risk their books appearing out of stock on Amazon, or they could burn an extra ISBN to ensure Amazon availability. There’s still no consensus on the best approach among smaller publishers.
As for me, I create an edition through Amazon. I’m a small press, and the more places my book is available, the more revenue I can generate.
DriveThruRPG
Hardcover and softcover sales for game consumers.
Ingram
Ingram is a major player that offers extensive tools, markets, and sales channels. They handle my book-trade sales and all non-Amazon eBook sales. I set up the title, used their sales tools, and leveraged their global network of printers.
Ingram offers offset printing and POD. Its presses are worldwide, which lowers costs by printing and shipping from the region where the order is placed.
For example, an order in the UK is printed in the UK and shipped locally; the same applies to the EU, Australia, and other regions.
This global reach makes setting up a title with Ingram essential.
It also opens the educational market for you, and Colonial Gothic has seemed to find steady sales in this market since its early days.
Studio2 Publishing
After the remaining Kickstarter books are sold, Studio2 will need a specific edition. (Studio2 handles my retail distribution sales.)
What’s the return on investing all this time across multiple channels?
It’s been better than I anticipated when I first tried this approach when Turncoats was released. I get sales from all channels, and in some cases, they exceed my expectations—particularly Kindle sales. Some months, my Kindle sales are better than my Drivethrurpg sales.
When all of the above is done, I then repeat the process for the Companion.
There we are, the current status and another peak at how the sausage is made.
What is there to update when everything is on track?
about 1 year ago
– Tue, Mar 04, 2025 at 08:50:37 AM
I skipped last week’s update because there wasn’t much to report.
The final draft of the new campaign is complete and ready for playtesting. The second part is nearly finished, and the third part is done. Overall, I’m happy with how they have turned out.
The supplement layout is finished and is undergoing another round of proofreading. It’s a well-thought-out book with a lot of valuable information.
Work on the custom dice is underway, and the image for stamping has been submitted.
The Rulebook is at the printer, and I’m waiting for an update on that.
The only other news is my surgery on Friday. I’ll have a week of post-op recovery so that I won’t be online much. If anything major comes up regarding Kickstarter, I’ll post an update. Otherwise, I’ll be in silent mode.
That’s where things stand for now.
