Hello, brave readers! As you may have heard, we Book Smugglers have been in the midst of our very first Kickstarter Campaign. On Friday, we successfully hit our funding goal–and while there are still four days and change left in our campaign before the clock expires and anything could happen (including not making our funding goal), we wanted to take the time to reflect today. Thanks to your support and readership, we’ve been able to keep this website going for almost ten years. (Ten years! That’s an eternity in website-time. It’s like dog years, but at a higher multiplier.)
Yesterday, we asked two female entrepreneurs to talk about their path to making their business idea a reality and experience with Kickstarter. Today, we wanted to take the time to answer our own questions–a self-reflection of sorts, on why we do what we do, and why your support means everything to us.
The Smugglers, circa 2010 at our first Book ExpoAmerica
What’s the underlying idea and mission? Why did we decide to take this idea into reality, and how did we get to launch?
We are readers. We are obsessed with the act of reading, of discussing books, and sharing new stories and voices with the rest of the world. We discovered, back in 2014, that we wanted to do more than just talk about books that others had published–we wanted to find, edit, and share new stories ourselves. That’s when we decided to enter the publishing game–the product of an annual State of the Union Book Smugglers meeting in which we simultaneously agreed that we should step up our game and start finding the new voices and nurturing them ourselves.
We launched our first cover reveal exactly three years ago today: Hunting Monsters by S.L. Huang. Our first season of short stories published fast and furious in the weeks that followed–we took our nascent publishing house from idea to reality in the span of months.
As female independent business owners, what are some of the unique challenges and opportunities we face?
We are two business partners running an independent publisher and website online with the added challenge of being on different continents and different time zones. Physical distance is a hurdle, but not an insurmountable one! We find a way to make the time zones work in our favor (i.e. when one of us is asleep, the other is working). Like any small business owners, we are always working–we have 8am conference calls on weekends, we are always thinking about the next thing that we need to write, the next piece that requires editing, the next database update we need to implement to make sure our site is up and running smoothly.
More importantly, we are two women and best friends, running a business in a traditionally male and large-publisher dominated industry. Our biggest initial challenge, as publishers, was establishing legitimacy–why should anyone trust us with their stories and their work? With a lot of effort and time, we think we’ve been able to overcome that initial skepticism and have established ourselves as a discovery outlet for new, diverse voices. We’ve been very lucky to have acquired amazing authors who have trusted us with their words–and who have also gone on to write for larger publishers with traditional book deals, like Roshani Chokshi and S.L. Huang. That’s an amazing challenge–and opportunity–all in itself.
In book world, we often hear about the importance of finding your niche or community. Who is your community? Why is it so important to you?
This is the most important thing: community. We got our start as bloggers and book reviewers because of the community of readers we met online and in person over the years. Our community is you–our regular commenters and readers, the quiet lurkers, the folks that follow us on twitter. People who care passionately about books, about science fiction and fantasy fandom, about representation and diversity in SFF from around the world. You are important to us because your words and your thoughts are why we do any of this–you keep us accountable, you make us smarter, and stronger, and better. Your passion fuels our passion, and makes this fandom the best goddamn fandom in the galaxy.
What words of wisdom would you give to other women or entrepreneurs thinking about taking their product or business from ideation to reality? Specifically, what advice do you have for those who want to use crowdfunding platforms, like Kickstarter, to reach their goals?
Crowdfunding is an amazing tool and concept–it allows creators to connect with their community, and empowers the community to support with their wallets actual projects they care about. For female business owners and creators this is particularly important, as there is bias in the fundraising and startup world, and platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo remove some of that investor funding bias from the equation.
That said, Kickstarter ain’t easy. It’s a marathon of tension, of constant tweaking and repositioning, and awkward self-promotion. You have to carefully plan out your P&Ls to cover costs, you need to have an outreach campaign ready to roll, and you need to be flexible enough to completely change course if something isn’t working. Everyone’s path to funding is different–just keep calm and smuggle on. That’s our motto right now.
Are there any other independent businesses, female-owned or otherwise, that you particularly admire?
Oh, there are many. We admire other website owners and bloggers–from The Mary Sue, to Dear Author, from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, to Lady Business. We admire Bea and Leah Koch, sisters behind awesome romance bookstore The Ripped Bodice, the brilliant mastermind Dominique Raccah (CEO and founder of Sourcebooks). We are in awe of designers and business owners like Grace Bonney (Design Sponge), Anna Bond (Rifle Paper Co), and Miriam Brafman (Packlane). To name just a few!
So there you have it–our self-reflected roundtable, as we think back on our own business. Our Kickstarter campaign is still going strong with just over four days to go until the project closes–we’ve still got some amazing rewards left, with stretch goals in sight. Thank you, to everyone, for supporting us!
We are, as always…
~ Your Friendly Neighborhood Book Smugglers
70 Comments
PlusPrinters
April 24, 2018 at 10:57 amVery nice to see the book of the smuggler in this content. Thanks for sharing with us!
Thecosmeticboxes
April 25, 2018 at 5:44 amI’ve read you blog (thebooksmugglers) which is very informative blog and the blog design is also awesome. Thanks
Chris
March 12, 2019 at 3:31 amit is a great book I have read your blog which is very informative
John Smith
March 25, 2019 at 10:09 amThe Custom Packaging CO is a One-stop shop for custom printed boxes and custom boxes packaging wholesale that fit to your budget.
John Smith
March 26, 2019 at 12:11 amWe offer short long term custom boxes packaging solutions including pop, floor pallet displays, protective, medical, cosmetic plastic packaging at Yebo. custom boxes and packaging in various Welcome to Custom Box Service! You’re on
John Smith
March 26, 2019 at 6:43 amWe offer short & long term custom boxes packaging solutions including pop, floor & pallet displays, protective, medical, cosmetic & plastic packaging at Yebo.custom boxes and packaging in various Welcome to Custom Box Service! You’re on.
chris12
March 27, 2019 at 7:17 amI have read your blog its realy informative.
Chrisa
April 2, 2019 at 5:28 amIt’s neutral in that regard. Thanks for sharing.
Custom Printed Boxes
May 19, 2019 at 2:39 amGet the best Quality Custom Boxes. We have a top Quality Custom Printed Boxes with logo and custom packaging solution to the customers free shipping and free design support
the custom boxes
May 20, 2019 at 8:29 amReally appreciate you sharing this article.Really thank you!
Health Hope
June 18, 2019 at 1:31 pmHealth Hope is a comprehensive presentation of health and diseases & support researchers across the world
BBC Cargo Services
July 8, 2019 at 8:32 amBBC Cargo Shipping Services had started its operations in Dubai, established by the Experienced Emarati Management who have a great experience in Freights Fields, and in a few Months, it became one of the leading International Freight Forwarding and Shipping Agents in the Middle East and around the World.
DODO Packaging
August 10, 2019 at 2:22 amI found Your blog Really helpful and
it is good that you are passing a really informative information to spread awareness among others.
Thank you
Custom Bath Bomb Packaging
Company Listing
August 11, 2019 at 12:38 pmAlongside innovativeness in the structure of the boxes, Company Listing can likewise be printed with various choices of decorating.
DODO Packaging
August 19, 2019 at 2:48 amI found Your blog Really helpful and
it is good that you are passing a really informative information to spread awareness among others.
Thank you
Custom Boxes With Logo
Theme4you
August 22, 2019 at 1:24 pmThemetrap is a beautiful theme maker.Themetrap make with all the feature to maker your website successful.
Saad
August 23, 2019 at 12:54 pmGet beautiful customize match boxes at budget friendly prices
shaheen Books
September 14, 2019 at 2:08 amthe Experienced Emarati Management who have a great experience in Freights Fields, and in a few Months,
Donald Max
October 9, 2019 at 3:51 amthank you so much for sharing Kickstarter’s independent publishing in this article you have mention less number of women there is a lot of women which are doing this. anyway very nice and keep sharing
DnPackaging
November 15, 2019 at 8:47 amnice
DnPackaging.com
November 15, 2019 at 8:47 amThanks for sharing such informative post. You’re always giving your readers something new. Therefore, I’ve bookmark it and I’ll definitely recommend my friends to read this information post.
Millie David
November 15, 2019 at 8:49 amDo you want to give an exceptional look to your boxes with the exquisite touch of beautifully designed packaging boxes? We are offering vibrant and marvelous Custom Packaging Boxes in all shapes, sizes, and colors available at wholesale prices along with free shipping and free design support with quality packaging and printing. You can get these boxes in many styles and colors for all occasions and special event. You can fill Custom Packaging Boxes with edibles and non-edibles both like Sleeve Boxes, Pillow Boxes
Vape Packaging Boxes
November 15, 2019 at 10:49 amLooking for vape packaging solutions? Our vape packaging boxes are the ideal way to package vape products. Additionally, we have a wide range of vape cartridge packaging boxes to protect, complement and to make your products stand out in terms of branding and presentation. Our printing style will definitely grab the attention of your customer and will make them think about buying the vape products once more.
Rose
November 17, 2019 at 8:23 amGreat Story
http://www.aglcourier.com
mary
November 17, 2019 at 8:24 amSuper Article
http://www.aglme.com
Mathew
November 17, 2019 at 8:25 amBest Article
http://www.aglexpresscargo.com
Charles taylor
November 25, 2019 at 7:25 amWe offer beautiful & stunning custom boxes packaging solutions with logo, custom display boxes, Eco-friendly packaging, medicine boxes, cosmetic & plastic packaging at wholesale. Must visit our site if you have a small business Enterprise.
walmart near me
December 9, 2019 at 11:24 pmI hope that there will be miracles, heal the broken heart is crying and sad.
novels classic
December 12, 2019 at 2:07 amGreat and amazing story
Daniel White
December 27, 2019 at 8:12 amGreat.. Evaluate Custom Printed Boxes Wholesale for boundless acknowledgment which can entrance passerby to purchase your product from the market.
Mack Allen
February 21, 2020 at 12:17 pmA soulmate is a person with whom one has a feeling of deep or natural affinity. This may involve similarity, love, romance, platonic relationships, comfort, intimacy, sexuality, sexual activity, spirituality, compatibility and trust.
Aimee Clair
February 21, 2020 at 12:20 pmOur setup boxes are not only eye catching, but also available in different styles, materials, size, shapes and color scheme. The use of modern graphics on the boxes will increase the beauty of your product and attract the customers towards your packaging. Our setup boxes wholesale Boxes can help you earn greater sales by increasing the customers trust by facilitating them with durable and long lasting packaging.
Mack Allen
February 21, 2020 at 12:23 pmAccessily is the first Ebizz for Guest Posts. You can buy guest posts from high quality websites. You can sell guest post opportunities on your website.
Best Packaging
February 29, 2020 at 6:45 amThe packaging of any product is so important that every business owner wants best packaging for their products so that they can be able to sell their product in large number and get more famous easily.
Max Custom Boxes
March 17, 2020 at 2:58 amAmazing article. Very inspirational and knowledge-based.
Dodo Files
March 29, 2020 at 4:01 pmJetBrains phpStorm 2019.3.4 Crack is an advanced IDE for PHP developers that allows editing code of HTML, php, and javascript. Moreover, it supports almost all frameworks such as laravel, Drupal, WordPress, CakePHP and much more. The program basically understands all code in a while and convert to machine level language that is accessible yo computer. And, the application offers the best refactorings, error detecting and code completion. The user gets an advantage of preset code while writing code in this framework. For example, the upcoming text appears before writing the code without any error.
Nazim
August 12, 2020 at 9:35 amThis post is very nice.
JetBrains phpStorm 2019.3.4 Crack is an advanced IDE for PHP developers that allows editing code of HTML, php, and javascript. Moreover, it supports almost all frameworks such as laravel, Drupal, WordPress, CakePHP and much more. The program basically understands all code in a while and convert to machine level language that is accessible yo computer. And, the application offers the best refactorings, error detecting and code completion. The user gets an advantage of preset code while writing code in this framework. For example, the upcoming text appears before writing the code without any error.
Nazim
August 12, 2020 at 9:40 amThis post is very nice.
JetBrains phpStorm 2019.3.4 Crack is an advanced IDE for PHP developers that allows editing code of HTML, php, and javascript.
Jack Smith
September 15, 2020 at 8:22 amThe Custom Boxes are one of the major things in any kind of product packaging and the custom boxes provide an important role to provide you the ease to Enhance the Beauty of Christmas gift Products. The ornament boxes allow you to pack your custom products and gifts for packaging and other custom products.
Burger Boxes
September 25, 2020 at 12:51 amNowadays Custom Packaging Boxes are using very widely. https://www.icustomboxes.com/burger-boxes/ Custom Burger boxes are higienic and keep yourfood fresh and germs free
Rafay Saleem
October 19, 2020 at 2:53 pmOUR BEST 3 PICK: Vigorously tested by our professional team of US showerhead experts to highest US quality and performance standards. INDEPENDENTLY TESTED to meet latest US compliance standards unlike most other showerheads sold on internet. PREMIUM 6-SETTING 7? RAINFALL SHOWER HEAD: Huge 7-inch Face for drenching flow coverage, High-power Click Lever Dial, Rub-Clean Jets (easy cleaning/preventing lime buildup), Angle-Adjustable. All-Surface Brushed Nickel Finish (including back and face).
PREMIUM MATCHING-STYLE HAND SHOWER: Can be used as Overhead or Handheld shower, Large 4-inch Face, High-power Click Lever Dial, Ergonomic Grip Handle, Rub-Clean Jets (for easy cleaning and preventing lime buildup). Angle-Adjustable, Modern Design, All-Surface Brushed Nickel Finish (including face).
EACH SHOWER HAS 6-SETTINGS: Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Power Mist, Rain Massage, Rain Mist, Water Saving Pause mode. PATENTED 3-WAY WATER DIVERTER: Simply turn switch to direct water flow between two showers. Features Anti-Swivel Position Lock Nut for easy & secure connection. ANGLE-ADJUSTABLE OVERHEAD BRACKET: Lets you point each shower where you want it for hands-free operation at desired angle. REINFORCED 5 FT. STAINLESS STEEL HOSE: Durable Heavy-duty Design with Brass Connection Nuts.
INCLUDES: 6-setting 7? Rain Shower Head, 6-setting Hand Shower, 3-way Water Diverter with built-in Bracket, Shower Hose, Washers, Plumber’s Tape, Installation Manual and Warranty. STUNNING GIFT BOX DESIGNED IN USA: Sophisticated, upscale packaging for a perfect gift.
EASY TOOL-FREE CONNECTION: No need to call a plumber – installs in minutes with just four hand-tighten connections. Fits any standard shower arm. BEST LIFETIME WARRANTY: Hassle-Free US Limited Lifetime Warranty with live American customer service representatives in US to assist you immediately by phone or email.
Rafay Saleem
October 19, 2020 at 3:01 pmOUR BEST 3 PICK: Vigorously tested by our professional team of US showerhead experts to highest US quality and performance standards. INDEPENDENTLY TESTED to meet latest US compliance standards unlike most other showerheads sold on internet. PREMIUM 6-SETTING 7? RAINFALL SHOWER HEAD: Huge 7-inch Face for drenching flow coverage, High-power Click Lever Dial, Rub-Clean Jets (easy cleaning/preventing lime buildup), Angle-Adjustable. All-Surface Brushed Nickel Finish (including back and face).
PREMIUM MATCHING-STYLE HAND SHOWER: Can be used as Overhead or Handheld shower, Large 4-inch Face, High-power Click Lever Dial, Ergonomic Grip Handle, Rub-Clean Jets (for easy cleaning and preventing lime buildup). Angle-Adjustable, Modern Design, All-Surface Brushed Nickel Finish (including face).
EACH SHOWER HAS 6-SETTINGS: Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Power Mist, Rain Massage, Rain Mist, Water Saving Pause mode. PATENTED 3-WAY WATER DIVERTER: Simply turn switch to direct water flow between two showers. Features Anti-Swivel Position Lock Nut for easy & secure connection. ANGLE-ADJUSTABLE OVERHEAD BRACKET: Lets you point each shower where you want it for hands-free operation at desired angle. REINFORCED 5 FT. STAINLESS STEEL HOSE: Durable Heavy-duty Design with Brass Connection Nuts.
INCLUDES: 6-setting 7? Rain Shower Head, 6-setting Hand Shower, 3-way Water Diverter with built-in Bracket, Shower Hose, Washers, Plumber’s Tape, Installation Manual and Warranty. STUNNING GIFT BOX DESIGNED IN USA: Sophisticated, upscale packaging for a perfect gift.
EASY TOOL-FREE CONNECTION: No need to call a plumber – installs in minutes with just four hand-tighten connections. Fits any standard shower arm. BEST LIFETIME WARRANTY: Hassle-Free US Limited Lifetime Warranty with live American customer service representatives in US to assist you immediately by phone or email.
Mary Rose
November 2, 2020 at 9:45 amThis is a good strategy. Finding all types of packaging boxes and other packaging options under one roof helps buyers select everything without surfing much.
By: custom boxes with logo wholesale
Mary Rose
November 2, 2020 at 9:48 amAwesome! Can you please tell me more about food boxes and their templates? I want to compare it with other lists, available on the internet.
By: custom boxes with logo wholesale
French Fries Boxes
November 9, 2020 at 4:05 pmOur service has been very supportive to our customers and especially in solving their problems and providing them with best boxes which are fully credible and worthy of their trust.
qureshi
November 20, 2020 at 9:59 amFull Online is a best full online website.This website is FuLLonline – Stiri online de ultima ora !You can see the full details on this link.
Kidulto est une boutique française.Nous sommes une petite équipe, composée de quelques spécialistes passionnés, c’est la vraie force de notre boutique.Nous mettons un point d’honneur à assurer la qualité de nos produits ainsi que le respect des délais de livraison.Vous pouvez avoir plus d’informations sur la FAQ.
Britain Daily CO & UK is an online news publication providing the latest news from around the UK covering topics including business, trade, education, politics, tech, art & culture along with opinion blogs from leading industry experts.
We believe in Britain and want to highlight the best stories from across the country that can inspire people, support the business community and make a positive impact that encourages innovation. Britain has so much to offer the world and is a vibrant country with many dialects, a rich history, and so much potential. Our entrepreneurs, thought leaders, teachers, activists and change makers aa voice that stands up for them and believes in their dream.
Nutritions N Fitness
December 3, 2020 at 2:27 ambest b log site are here
Custom Box
December 8, 2020 at 1:37 pmNice posts….
kindly visit our website..
sex in lahore
December 25, 2020 at 7:25 amthanks for sharing this for site you information
Aeryn Watts
December 28, 2020 at 11:06 amI really liked your post. Thanks for sharing!
Custom Tuck End Boxes
custom sized Handover Boxes
December 28, 2020 at 1:58 pmGreat post I like it very much keep up the good work.
prostitutes in lahore
December 30, 2020 at 2:01 amthabk for watch
https://lahorevipmodels.com/
gamer flirty
December 30, 2020 at 2:43 amtop gaming website
best apk sites
andriod apk
andriod auto apk
andriod 1 games
best offline games for andriod
offline games for andriod
free games for andriod
https://www.gamerflirty.com/
primasystems
January 23, 2021 at 1:36 amamazing post i like this
Sustainable Packaging
January 28, 2021 at 2:24 amValuable post shared. It was a great read.
Best Handover Boxes
January 29, 2021 at 11:32 amAmazing product thanks for sharing with us It is very informative.
Robin Adam
February 9, 2021 at 8:16 amWOw!! This really is a nice and awesome post. Thanks for the share!!
visit here
monica
February 16, 2021 at 4:33 amI thank you for giving us such a brilliant piece of space where we can read a very interesting knowledge about how to select a suitable product for your self.
Custom Boxes UK
February 25, 2021 at 5:53 amSimple, easy words and communicative description. I appreciate such an article. Burger Boxes are one of the most popular packaging stuff. We are providing over services with discounts and wholesale ate with free shipping. Some other the most Paramount products are given below:
https://gotoboxes.co.uk/custom-hot-dog-boxes/
https://gotoboxes.co.uk/french-fries-packaging/
https://gotoboxes.co.uk/noodle-boxes/
Refugiul Gurmanzilor Cofetarie Zalau
March 8, 2021 at 6:21 amI really like this information.
Taxi London
March 8, 2021 at 6:25 amThank you for the information.
Bitcoin Exchange
March 8, 2021 at 6:26 amThe art in this article is amazing.
Statii Grafice
March 8, 2021 at 6:27 amNice posts are here.
Custom Boxes
March 8, 2021 at 1:13 pmNice post! Custom credit card Boxes
markhenrry123
March 9, 2021 at 12:01 pmGreat Work.
affordable Candle Boxes new jersey
Friday Packagaing
March 17, 2021 at 1:50 amBravo! Amazing post such a nice piece of article.
Cosmetic packaging Custom boxes
Friday Packaging
March 17, 2021 at 1:55 amnice post! All the wording is really attractive.
Cosmetic packaging Custom boxes
sunny
March 17, 2021 at 5:34 amGreat! Thank you for sharing with us such unique article.
James Oscar
March 22, 2021 at 3:16 amInformative and attractive article dear.
Fridaypackaging
Allie
March 24, 2021 at 3:38 amGood article dear. As female independent business owners, we face many new challenges and tackle the hurdles.
cbdboxmakers
Fridaypackaging
us cbd boxes