Joe Carter's book project


Evangelical Outpost's Joe Carter is attempting a unique way of raising funds for a book

Friend and blogger Joe Carter is planning on writing a book, but he has a novel idea on how to actually fund the project (Samuel - not sure if this may or may not work for your novel, but its worth some thought). It is based on the 1000 true fans idea - that artists or content creators need no longer hope for the longshot big win deal, but instead can use the power of the long tail to make a living by creating for their True Fans.

The idea is that every artist has a set of True Fans. They are the people who buy every release, get everything signed, show up for every show, etc. Back in my band days, we always had a few of those people. You could count on them to be at nearly every show, and they were the bedrock of your support. The 1000 True Fans idea is that if you can get 1000 of these type of fans, you can make a living by releasing things just for them. They are happy, because their favorite artist is still making music/writing/etc. You are happy because you can actually make a living and devote real time to the thing you're passionate about.

This is an idea I had been thinking about in the back of my mind ever since PodShow had launched the PodSafe Music Network. Most artists are really not hoping to score the triple platinum, major label, millionaire success. They'd take it, of course, but thats not why they make music. Most of them would really just be happy not having to slog through their day job, tired from being up all night playing music. The 1000 True Fans idea does just that - you may not strike it rich, but at least you might quit your day job.

Anyway, all of this is the background to Joe's idea for funding his book. He is going to attempt to raise $5,350 on Fundable as a sort of advance for the book. In return for people donating, he is offering some perks - $15 or more gets you a signed copy of the finished book, $100 or more gets your name and URL on the dedication page, etc. It's a really great idea and I hope he can pull it off.

My advice to Joe - expand his blog series On Conservatism into a full length book. Lay out precisely what conservatism is, what our main values should be, and how to rebuild a movement that seems to be a bit lost of late.

Posted: Thu - March 6, 2008 at 10:25 AM | | | | | | |

©