Surprise Kickstarter!

3/7/2022

Bottom Line: our Kickstarter got started early! It was supposed to go up tomorrow, but I guess it went live about fifteen minutes ago.

And somehow it's already funded. We didn't even know it was up. You guys are insane.

I intended to make a blog post today about the Kickstarter going up tomorrow, but surprise! It's available now!

So anyway, for those of you who are (understandably) out of the loop, we're Kickstarting special editions of the first three Cradle books!

As you may know, our current paperback editions are print-on-demand, which is almost impossible to get stocked in bookstores. We wanted to fund a print run to potentially get into bookstores, and while we're at it, we can print special editions for the fans!

There are three hard copies available through the Kickstarter: a paperback (similar to what you may already have purchased), a hardcover, and a faux-leather special edition. Any book received as a Kickstarter reward will be signed by me, and will also contain a tiny fragment of my soul.

These books will also come with bloopers! The current version doesn't have bloopers, as I didn't start doing those until Ghostwater. I'm taking this Kickstarter as an opportunity to write bloopers for the first three books!

Which is great, since as I've recently established, I spent 82% of my time on bloopers.

We also have available as add-ons: Unsouled badges, limited to two thousand total, and my love. Which is unlimited.

If you're looking to check it out, do so here!

...and while you're on Kickstarter, if you're looking for another awesome project, take a look at the Mother of Learning Kickstarter! Today's the last day to back, and MoL is an incredible web serial that more than deserves its reputation as one of the pillars of progression fantasy.

You know, just in case you've accidentally stolen a bunch of money from the mob and need to burn it on a bunch of Kickstarters quick before they catch you.

If you have any further questions, I'll be responding to these comments as often as I can! And, as usual, I'm available on Facebook and Reddit.

What an interesting start.

-Will

81 Comments

April

3/7/2022 09:38:25 am

That's kind of like being fully funded in -24 hours. Congrats!

Jeremiah

3/7/2022 09:39:50 am

Well here we go. Glad to see it find early. And up to 50k already

Will link

3/7/2022 12:31:07 pm

It essentially tripled while I was writing the blog.

Jordan

3/17/2022 09:35:14 am

So I'm wondering... how are you planning to field 3256 video calls?

DreamweaverMirar

3/7/2022 09:49:17 am

Hah, this guy doesn't post stretch goals cuz he isn't sure the Kickstarter will fund and we've already smashed the goal into smithereens.

Love you, Will!

3/7/2022 12:31:51 pm

I try to keep my hopes low and my expectations lower. Every day I'm not mauled by a bear is a good day.

The_DemoCorgin

3/7/2022 03:51:11 pm

I think I am going to start using this as my bar for a good day too 😂

Kade

3/7/2022 09:54:58 am

Can't wait to read the bloopers. And even more exited for the faux leather additions. Out of curiosity will you be doing this with the other books at some point as well? I know this might be too soon to ask... Thank you so much for these books. Keep up the good work

Devin

3/7/2022 10:29:37 am

The kickstarter page said he would be doing the other cradle books as well. Hopefully this means we will get ones from the other series at some point too.

tRaVeLErs hArdCovEr WHeRe!?!?!?!?

Kamran

3/7/2022 12:14:48 pm

I had a moment of stupidity when I read the kickstarter first, and I thought it was Travelers Gate, and I zoomed over to buy hardcovers of them. But then I saw it was cradle so I ended up spending money anyway....
Thanks for coming to my tedtalk

Eric

3/7/2022 09:59:30 am

Your self-doubt is weirdly amusing. As soon as I got the kickstarter notification I opened it. It was already at about $50k with a $10k goal… and you seemingly didn’t add the stretch goals in as to not get too far ahead of yourself? Can’t disappoint yourself if you’re always underestimating yourself right? :D

3/7/2022 12:34:00 pm

That's exactly right. I was like "Well, I'm PRETTY sure we can hit ten thousand. But maybe not. Let's not get a big head."

3/8/2022 06:57:56 am

I just don’t know how you plan to actually sign that many books. I almost hope you have a signature stamp.

Bryce L

3/7/2022 10:03:24 am

Greetings! This is very exciting news and I'm happy to be a part of the masses backing this lovely project.
I was also thinking it could be nice to add the youtube and twitch links to the social bar on the website?

Clint

3/7/2022 10:11:27 am

Hey, Will. Have you thought about a badge collection like the one Lindon found in the Transcendent Ruin? I bet that would also get funded.

Theophilus

3/7/2022 10:53:35 am

Will the faux-leather editions be available if you don’t pledge money?

3/7/2022 12:32:59 pm

They will not. The special editions are Kickstarter-exclusive, because we can't afford to print a bunch more and let them sit around.

Regular hardcovers and paperbacks should still be available afterwards, though!

Jakee

3/7/2022 05:19:54 pm

Hey will, will you be getting the faux-covers to everyone who pledges for them? I made the pledge and am hoping I don't miss out.

3/9/2022 08:45:27 am

@Jakee

If I understand correctly, you're asking if you'll get the leather special editions if you pledged for them? Yes, of course! We're going to send you anything you pledge for.

Theophilus was asking if the special editions would be available outside of the Kickstarter, and they will not.

Chubbykittens

3/7/2022 11:32:12 am

I love how humble you are, man, but I'm hoping you find this as an excuse to be a little more openly proud of your work? I know it must seem insane to you that you got so much funding in so few hours but I feel like its probably not that surprising to literally anyone else! We love your work, Will! Feel free to let Dross set you some stretch goals and higher pledges or something!

3/7/2022 12:50:22 pm

>openly proud

Let me be as clear as I can that this lack of confidence I project is very real. I can predict more objectively, but whenever I look at it subjectively, I feel "Uh-oh, better not get ahead of myself."

But even predicting objectively our expectations were exceeded.

Jamie

3/7/2022 12:17:18 pm

As of this comment, the kick starter is sitting at *checks* $156k! That's freaking FANTASTIC!!

So, Will, you need to start coming up with some cool things to do for stretch goals!!

Nate

3/7/2022 12:35:58 pm

will seen what Brandon Sanderson is doing on kick-starter and jump in.
just joking Will
PS: i got the leather editions of the first 3 books and hope i will not have to wait too long before i can get the others.

3/7/2022 12:53:03 pm

All of my best ideas come from Brandon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjoQate39Po

...also, I too hope you won't have to wait too long!

Brian Lindauer

3/7/2022 01:01:22 pm

My kids have not stopped bugging me about this one since they saw your vid last week. (To be fair, they've also bugged me about Sanderson's, but I mean, come on...it BRANDON SANDERSON! 🤪)

LOL, we can't wait to see these beauties. Thanks for your amazing work! My whole family loves The Cradle!

Marvin B

3/7/2022 01:20:03 pm

It was an honor to pay tribute!

Bill Redflame

3/7/2022 01:49:41 pm

Ooh… how much for that “Will’s Unlimited Love” add-on and is it regiftable to in-laws, politically opposite family, or random ducks that one sees?
“Take Will’s love you ducks! I’m all out of grapes!”

Also. What type of sacred beast is a “faux” and are there enough of them to turn into these books?

Also - anychance you could bind books 1-12 as a single book since there’s no stopping a Cradle reread? I meant 1-3…. Cuz 1-12 would be too big right?!? Maybe? But 1-3 in one book would be excellent!

Also any added interior artworks? Or an emergency inflatable map of sacred valley in 16 EGA vibrant-like colors?

David Maxwell

3/7/2022 01:57:53 pm

So proud of you, my lad. Seeing almost everyone go the full leatherbound set is beautiful. I'm so glad you included the option! And you should know the inspiration you are. Your success before this convinced me I could write to self-publish. This will inspire even more people to do what you've done, to the benefit of us all.

Zephoria

3/7/2022 02:04:13 pm

I got the notification 10 minutes after it was live and it was already at 22k - I am so happy for you! I can't speak for anybody else but I would say not to worry too much about stretch goals, I'm just happy that these books will be available in bookstore in the hopefully near future. I need more people than my brother to about this series. I look forward to reading your future books!

Noah

3/7/2022 03:02:47 pm

Yeah its great that you got funded instantly, but how about the fact that a Hard Core Pledge cost $69 ;)

Derrick

3/7/2022 03:58:05 pm

I am a huge cradle fan and I can’t wait for the rest of the books to come out. I am also ready to be a kickstart backer for the television series, anime and movie series.

Would you go with a real movie format like the Harry Potter series or anime?

3/9/2022 08:41:48 am

Idk if an adaptation Kickstarter is in the cards, but if it is, it'll be as an animation for sure.

For fantasy projects, animation is just...better.

Justin

3/7/2022 04:14:41 pm

Will's kickstarter made almost double in the first day what the Mother of learning kickstarter made in a month.

3/9/2022 08:40:54 am

I was very surprised by that, to be honest. Mother of Learning has an awesome fanbase, and their Kickstarter was great. I am humbled and grateful!

Kyle

3/7/2022 06:20:29 pm

It your kickstarter reaches $1,000,000 can we get a preview of a chapter of the book you are working on, wether it be cradle 11 or a new project? Asking for a friend of course, you already have my money.

ISO Remnant

3/7/2022 07:14:27 pm

How much is the pledge for a custom remnant for advancement??

David

3/7/2022 07:20:32 pm

So excited for these!

Limited edition books! Thank you very much.

I may be old school but there is just something special about reading a full size real book.

I stare at my phone way too much already.

Asher

3/7/2022 07:56:16 pm

Just take my money. I’ve never really been interested in backing any other Kickstarter, but you have provided much more enjoyment and value then what I’ve already paid for you books.

Thanks!

Michelle

3/7/2022 09:07:18 pm

When I saw the amount already pledged I panicked thinking I was late and nearly missed the kickstarter. Going by the comments and the post I’m apparently early?? And WILL YOU’RE ALMOST AT 300K IN 24 HOURS I think you deserve some sort of award. Definitely Oreos. My cradle book club has never been so active this kickstarter has us freaking out. Keep up the good work!!! I’m so pumped for the faux leather books!!!

3/7/2022 09:10:48 pm

^^^correction my math is bad you did it in 12 hours. That’s actually insane. Eithan would be proud

Divine Godking of the Outer Lithosphere

3/7/2022 09:59:09 pm

Hehe... 69 dollars...

Shawnee Beavan

3/7/2022 11:58:53 pm

Hi will,
Just wanted to say I love your work, it was the book series that made me fall in love with reading, it will now and always have a special place in my heart as number 1.

So far I’ve got the paperbacks, kindle edition, audible edition and now buying the leather faux limited editions .
So excited for the future books to come :)

Arsim612

3/8/2022 01:51:05 am

Poor Skysworn. Now its even shorter than the other books

Charles

3/8/2022 05:37:01 am

I have been thinking of buying the physical books for a while and this is the perfect opportunity to start. This does mean that I am going to need the special faux-leather editions of the remaining books. Super excited.

Jeff Hastings

3/8/2022 06:04:04 am

Sooo, any chance a stretch goal or add-on could be a print copy of a collection of all related Cradle short stories/novellas you may have written? And even though you don't own the rights to the Audible books, would it be possible to throw Travis some of the kickstarter $$$ as a stretch goal to read these shorter works and throw them out on your site with a login/password for backers? Either way, congrats on the campaign, I'm in for the faux-leather books made, no doubt, by the Sage of "I Can't Believe It's Not Leather".

3/9/2022 08:39:31 am

I'll be honest with you, Jeff: we never expected the Kickstarter to blow past all our expectations so fast, so we're kind of at a loss when it comes to stretch goals. We'll be putting some up later today, though!

Jenifer Monett

3/8/2022 01:39:29 pm

So. Many. Signed. Copies.
Good Ghandi, Will! Your typing hand is going to need it's own sling.
Cradle has a very special place in my heart. I can't wait to see it in Barnes and Noble! (Its where my husband and i go on dates)
I may be waiting a long time, but I hope im not too late to get a signed copy. First backing of a kickstarter, ever. Congrats, you deserve it!

3/9/2022 08:46:34 am

Thanks, Jenifer!

You are not too late to get a signed copy, because every copy we send out as part of the Kickstarter will be signed!

My wrist may not forgive me for making that promise, though. I'm not sure my hands will HOLD up.

Ba-dum-pssshhh.

Chris

3/8/2022 05:49:31 pm

Congrats on the Kickstarter!

Alas, I live in Japan and space is scarce. And I am more of an audio book guy anyway.

Any chance of getting signed audiobooks for download? Digitally signed? Voice signed? Will-power signed? With personal message (I was thinking of "What the bearer does is done at my order and by my authority. Obey, and keep silent, at my command..."). Just kidding.

I didn't know about the Brandon Sanderson kickstarter until I saw your video. BS is great and all and I will definitely get the next Stormlight Archive audiobook when it gets out, but I am not holding my breath for it.

I can go for years without thinking about BS or SA, but I am excited about Cradle and am checking your blog for news at least once a week. Please keep up the great work!

PS: The next book after "Dreadgod" should definitely start with "Un" again. Maybe "Unrepentant" or the like (in regard to Eithan).

BlackMage

3/8/2022 07:44:06 pm

I'm following the Brandon Sanderson kickstarter. Really curious to see when (not if) it will cross USD30 million for four mystery books!

The book I am most waiting for though is not SA but Dreadgod. It's been more than 4 months since Reaper so should not be long now. :)

Jenifer Monnett

3/9/2022 07:08:13 am

Sanderson writes some great epic novels, but 'Cradle' is just so much fun!

Ryan

3/9/2022 02:45:06 pm

Agreed. Cradle is my favorite at the moment

3/9/2022 08:38:30 am

Unfortunately, we don't have the audio rights anymore. Audible does. So we can't privately sell audiobooks separately, or they'd each get to kick me in the back of the head. It's in their contract.

However, I have signed each of your digital copies with my psychic signature, which can be verified by any Level 4 or higher psionic. No need to thank me.

3/10/2022 04:55:56 pm

Yeah, well, I suppose they are taking on the cost (and risk) of production in exchange for the exclusive audio rights or some such. But as long as you get some decent amount of money out of it...

I hope you (and Travis) do get a decent piece of the cake. I would hate it if the Lion monarch's share of my money went to Jeff instead of the people doing the hard work.

Clarence Voyant

3/17/2022 09:26:21 am

Hi Will,

I just passed my level four examinations last week, and i’m trying to verify your signature for some clients. I just wanted to check that I’m getting the right signature, since there’s a lot of psychic background noise from fans arguing about whether Lindon should split his cores again.

When I examine the first few minutes of each copy (where i expect the signature to evidence most strongly) i detect a faint rhythm of the opening of baby shark transitioning into the star wars emperor music. Overtop the star wars music is a voice shouting “WILLIAAAAMMMM” like mel gibson in Braveheart, except it trails off and ends in a sort of question, so it is more like “WILLIAMMMMMMmmmmmm?” Finally that’s all followed by microsoft sam saying “Wight”. That is your signature, right?

3/9/2022 02:42:49 pm

I hope you have some sort of jitsu that will let you sign multiple books at once. Doing the math here: 2226 backers x 3 books * 30 seconds per book to sign ~ 55 hours. Lol let me know if you need help. Or feel free to not sign mine. I've been holding out on purchasing physical copies of cradle hoping for a nice hard cover. The faux leather is unexpected. Thanks for doing this!!!

Andrew Williams

3/9/2022 02:51:37 pm

I just started thinking about my 3 faux leather books so I checked the kickstart, now I’m wondering if I should let you know that “I’ll be ok” if you need to pull your family and friends together to help you sign books with you. I would be crushed if we had to wait to get the last books because your fingers fell off 10,000 signed books in lol.
Do you think we get the “Will signed” books by 2023?
Ps I love you bro!

Carson Wolfe

3/10/2022 08:24:12 am

Will, please. kindly take my money. I have listened to your books on audible several times(haven't had the time to read them... but that's the gift of audio books, isn't it?) and me and my family just love it, hearing little details we missed in past runs, forgetting then laughing at the same jokes over and over again, crying at the end of Reaper... you've made life much more colorful, creative, and worth living. I'm pledging you the Rare Breed pledge so that I may have these books as the centerpiece of my collection, and so you may achieve your dreams. so please, take my money, and have a wonderful day.

Logan

3/11/2022 06:17:14 pm

So the badges will clearly be made of Wintersteel right?

Bob

3/15/2022 11:57:50 am

Clearly these badges were shaped by your will as the Oreo sage

Adam m.

3/11/2022 07:39:07 pm

Will, take the left over money and invest in a pocket world that 1 day in our time is 365 days inside. Take your laptop with you. Cant wait for book 11, read theloi whole series 3 times. Tricked my wife into reading unsouled and she won't put cradle down.

Drew

3/12/2022 03:28:54 pm

Please for the love of GOD tell us about the next book!!!

Not That Michael

3/13/2022 03:21:00 pm

What amount would we have to reach to have you write the Lindon vs Vampires dream as a story?

Mr Underhill

3/14/2022 09:11:23 pm

Will,

Will there at any time be other covers besides faux leather? Like, maybe faux wood. Or faux cheese. Or faux back hair? I’m also open to real back hair.

Just please not faux popsicle wrappers, since they make a mess when stacked on my other back hair editions.

Steven

3/15/2022 10:27:05 am

I'm so glad that we finally got to you. I've been working with the aforementioned fairy for a few years now, trying to coerce you into doing this very thing. You wouldn't believe a.) how many times we had the wrong address and accidentally threatened a person into giving us a signed baby bed and b.) how willing people are to write off those experiences as a normal part of living in Florida.

Also, if you need some more rewards for the stretch goal, we have a number of actual cradles you could give away.

Josh

3/17/2022 08:52:52 am

So happy to see another author doing a kickstarter for leather bounds. A friend introduced me to the cradle series last year, and since then have read the series twice. Really love it alot. Since the kickstarter is doing so well does that mean the odds of the other books coming out in faux leather through other kickstarters is good. And will all of the books be the same height (just like it they when line up nicely). Ended up buying the faux leather set and an extra set for my buddy that introduced me as a birthday gift.

Jeremy

3/21/2022 02:06:11 pm

I am also trying to order a second set, but not sure how to manage on the Kickstarter. First set first goes to my son as this is his favorite series (followed by Stormlight) and second set goes to me if I can figure out how as this is also my favorite series for rereading. Any guidance here for Kickstarter would be welcome. At the moment it only offers me edit my order, but I didn’t see option for ordering two sets. Thanks!

Nanashi

3/23/2022 08:38:34 am

You should be able to by adding everything on via add-ons. Its more expensive but making another account may be against kick-starter's terms of service.its about $9 more expensive plus shipping.

Cody

3/20/2022 10:45:01 pm

If it allows me to add the badge as an add on, does that mean that the limit of 2000 hasn't been hit. I'm wondering because so many people have supported the Kickstarter, but adding the badge option is still available.

Thanks,
Cody

3/23/2022 08:31:47 am

got all the books. learned about mother of learning thanks to you. It's good. also learned about Brandon thanks to you will check out some of his books too. Hopefully they are on audible. Its hard to do many fun things with this job... Sigh.

Nathan

3/24/2022 09:50:14 am

I'm late to the party but thankfully not too late! Pledged the moment I discovered this. Thank you for the amazing world of Cradle and of Traveler's Gate. Can hardly wait for more. Congratulations on demolishing the Kickstarter goal. Much deserved.

Ward

3/25/2022 12:05:16 pm

Just found out that you are a "class act". Quite the compliment I'd say

Jeff h

3/25/2022 04:23:31 pm

I knew I loved your work. I knew I wanted something cool to show off to people. I didn’t know that I wanted SIGNED COPIES of cradle! I’m so excited to have these on display in my game room. Congrats on crushing your measly $10,000 goal and becoming one of the top funded publishing projects on Kickstarter!

Aka Bob Smith

3/25/2022 06:20:21 pm

Bought the leather book package, went back in to buy the badge upgrade to help push it passed the 750k mark. Thanks for the hours of escape and enjoyment Will.

3/25/2022 11:42:40 pm

I missed it! Any way to still get in on the faux leather signed books and bloopers?! My wife and I love the cradle series!!!!

3/26/2022 03:41:02 am

Yes, you can! Follow the Kickstarter link from Will's blog above, and there's a big button you can click on that will tell you how to do it.

Bhuddi

3/26/2022 12:30:30 am

Best series ever deserves a 750K+++ kickstarter

Ixozz

3/26/2022 11:26:21 am

Just saw a Youtube video of Brandon Sanderson funding kickstarters for other publishers, and your kickstarter is at ~ the 5:45 mark. He's right; you are a class act! Thanks for your novels!

Anonymous

3/29/2022 10:00:38 am

Hi, I just saw this kickstarter. Is it too late to join a tier? I'd love to get the rare breed reward. thank you.

3/30/2022 06:11:59 am

Yes! Look three posts above yours (my last post) for information.

6/16/2022 11:14:06 am

Jäger doesn mean master. Are you dodging copywriter again?

In which we ramble on.
And by we, I mean me.