208% of goal with 3 days to go!
about 1 year ago – Tue, Apr 18, 2023 at 08:21:11 AM

Very few people make it big in children's literature. 

The data across all publishers doesn't exist, but it's highly likely that, thanks to you, we've already pre-sold more books through this Kickstarter than many authors ever see in total sales. 

Google "how much do authors make" and you'll get a huge range of answers. One agent is quoted as saying he usually tells new authors that if all goes well, they can make about enough in royalties to cover their annual Christmas card expenses. That is, if their list isn't too long. And if the price of stamps doesn't go up. And be sure to use the discount code on your ordering site of choice. 

The book is only the beginning of our story.

I'm so proud of our "sales" so far and have reason to think we'll continue to beat the status quo.  But I have to be honest, this effort was never really just about a book. It was about helping kids explore the world around them and the unexpected ways we shine together.

And we're doing it! In addition to raising essential funds to get this book in print, this campaign has kickstarted some amazing conversations. We've already presented to two elementary schools. We're talking to astronomy clubs and science museums and curriculum directors. If you have a connection or potential collaboration in mind, please message me! 

This campaign is where it all starts 

It's not just about the book, but the book and this Kickstarter campaign is where it starts. We've done so well that next stretch funding level where we'll be able to add the special shiny spot UV treatment to the cover art is within reach. We need $1,280 to get there.

How far will we go by combining our powers over the next three days? I can hardly wait to find out. 

Together we shine,

Jayme

Stretch goal #1 unlocked - exclusive sticker!
about 1 year ago – Fri, Apr 14, 2023 at 11:32:13 AM

Houston, we've reached our 1st stretch goal! 

Every backer who has pledged a level with physical rewards will now also get a water bottle sticker we're creating exclusively for our Kickstarter backers!

Our next stretch goal is $5,500, which will go toward the cost of adding Spot UV coating to the cover of BOTH paperback and hardcover books secured through Kickstarter. Spot UV is a clear, shiny coating applied to specific areas of the artwork--in our case Sun and Moon--which creates an eye-catching contrast. It will be the perfect cover enhancement for a book about shinning in new and unexpected ways, don't you think? 

Thank you so very much for your continued support! 

Please share this campaign on Facebook by clicking here!

Together we shine,

Jayme

We're so close to our first stretch goal!
about 1 year ago – Thu, Apr 13, 2023 at 02:33:28 PM

Just one week to go and it's really getting good! We're only $141 away from unlocking our first stretch goal, which is an exclusive book-themed water bottle sticker just for Kickstarter backers! 

And more exciting news: There has been a slight change to the second stretch goal. When we reach $5,500 (WE CAN DO IT!) I'll be able to add spot UV (shiny highlights) to the paperbacks AND the hardcovers of our first off-set print-run. That means the books you get from this Kickstarter and those books from the first printing will be next-level awesome. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart your support! Please continue to share the campaign in this last week as we shoot for the stars together!

Together we shine,

Jayme

The countdown to the total solar eclipse is on!
about 1 year ago – Sat, Apr 08, 2023 at 01:21:14 PM

Today marks the one year countdown to the the North American Total Solar Eclipse! Where will you be a year from now on April 8, 2024?

“The opportunity to see an eclipse without traveling internationally should not be missed,” expert eclipse photographer Gordon Telepun told AccuWeather. “It is not too early to begin making plans.”

We introduced our timely book to the world with this Kickstarter and are so grateful that you’ve chosen to be part of it.

Please continue to share it over the next 12 days so we can add those bells and whistles in our stretch goals before we send off the first edition for printing.

Together we shine, Jayme

Stretch goals announced!
about 1 year ago – Fri, Mar 31, 2023 at 02:11:16 PM

Dear friends and fans,

Thanks, again, for helping us come out of the gate and CRUSH our goal in less than 24 hours. I'm still grinning from ear to ear! We've just published the stretch goals and wanted you to be the first to know.

When we reach the next milestone--$4,000--every backer getting physical rewards will also get an exclusive water bottle sticker based on the book that you can only get by being part of our Kickstarter club. (Hey, you know a winning campaign when you see one and people need to know!) 

Please continue to share it so we can keep climbing higher together!

We are not-so-secretly hoping to reach (and surpass!) that $10,000 level so we can put together an awesome animated video. Classrooms are more digital than ever and teachers would be able to use the video with the lesson plan to engage their classes on this super cool phenomenon. 

But, one step at a time. Onward to $4,000!

Together we shine,

Jayme