Crowdfunding for Writers: The Secret Sauce Behind 90% Success Rates

Double Funding Success

How can indie authors nearly double their chances of crowdfunding success? In this episode, our hosts break down the latest data and insights from a featured article in Indie Author Magazine, exploring why crowdfunding doesn’t have to be a solo journey—and why, frankly, it shouldn’t be.

Together, they unpack the real numbers behind structured author communities, like the Author Nation Kickstarter cohort, which took first-time authors’ success rates from the industry average of 56% to an astonishing 90%. Along the way, they highlight proven strategies: from tightly-run mastermind groups, to the magic of anthology collaborations, to the dos and don’ts of effective backer swaps.

Whether you’re a first-time crowdfunder or a seasoned indie publisher, this episode offers practical takeaways, real-life examples, and a fresh mindset for your next campaign. You’ll walk away understanding not just what works, but why it works—and ready to find your own collaborative edge.

Key Segments:

• [00:02:01] Debunking the “solo grind” of indie authorship

• [00:02:25] The data that proves community nearly doubles success rates

• [00:04:07] Inside the Author Nation Kickstarter cohort model

• [00:05:14] The power of masterminds and direct mentorship

• [00:06:26] Facebook groups and the evolution of constructive feedback

• [00:07:44] Anthology collaborations, book collections, and aggregation strategies

• [00:09:45] Backer swaps—what works (and what really doesn’t)

• [00:12:30] Actionable advice: how listeners can apply these tactics now

Curious about making your next campaign a sure thing? Tune in and discover how finding your team can change everything for your indie author journey.