So you have a favourite author preparing a Kickstarter and you’re wondering how you can help.

Kickstarter is one of the most exciting ways for authors to create beautiful books and bring ambitious projects to life. From special editions with beautiful sprayed edges and interior art, to early releases and merchandise, Kickstarter allows us all to connect over something exciting and unique.

But here’s something many people don’t realise:

A successful Kickstarter isn’t built by the author alone.

It’s built by you, the readers who believe in these projects.

Whether you’re an ARC reader, a Street Team member, or simply a fan of an author you love, here are some of the most impactful ways you can help.

1. Follow the Prelaunch Page

Before a Kickstarter goes live, authors can create a prelaunch page for readers to follow.

This is one of the MOST valuable things you can do. There’s a strong link between the number of prelaunch followers, and overall success of a Kickstarter project.

This is because when a Kickstarter launches, the platform sends everyone who have been following that project a notification. And that early momentum gives the project a boost. This also increases its chances of snagging a “Projects We Love” mention later.

So if your favourite author is prepping for a Kickstarter, make sure you follow the prelaunch page.

2. Back Early (If You Plan To)

If you’re already intending to back the project, consider doing it during the first day or two.

Early momentum is incredibly important. Projects that fund quickly often gain more visibility on Kickstarter, bringing in readers who may never have discovered the campaign otherwise.

Most campaigns also offer early bird exclusive items or special deals that’s only available in the first few days or sometimes hours of a project launch.

3. Share the Campaign (during and at prelaunch)

Doesn’t matter how big your follower count is on social media platforms, every share and mention can help.

Create social media posts if you have the time (some authors offer premade graphics for convenience). Post it on Instagram, Facebook groups (if appropriate), TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, Discord, or wherever you spend your time online. You never know which friend, book club, or fantasy reader has been waiting for exactly that kind of project.

People connect with people, not advertisements. Tell others why you’re excited about the project, what are you looking forward about it, share the art and merch reveals etc. Word of mouth and social proof all the way.

4. Celebrate the launch day

Launch day is one of the most exciting moments of any Kickstarter campaign. And for many authors I personally know, the most nerve-wrecking.

Some authors organise a launch day event on social media, similar to a book launch. Share and post whatever you can, and help spread the word. Some very brave people do live launches or virtual launch parties. Join in and celebrate.

Or just congratulate the author and tell them to stop refreshing the page every 3 seconds, go get a drink and breathe 😀

5. Share Again

Kickstarter campaigns don’t end when they’re funded.

Many people assume that if a Kickstarter has already reached its funding goal, their support is no longer needed. In reality, the final few days—especially the last 72 hours—are often some of the busiest and most important of the entire campaign.

As the deadline approaches, Kickstarter begins reminding followers that time is running out, and many readers who have been “thinking about it” finally decide to pledge. This creates a natural wave of interest, making it the perfect time to share the campaign again.

6. Comment on the project page

Kickstarter project page is where conversations happen. There’s a comment section at the bottom. Leaving a comment, asking a question, sharing your excitement tells the platform very healthy things about that project.

Comments can also help answer questions that other potential backers might have. If you’re wondering about a reward, a stretch goal, shipping, or anything else, there’s a good chance someone else is wondering the same thing. By asking, you’re helping both the creator and future backers.

7. Engage with Backer Updates

Similarly, you can also leave comments on backer updates.

Throughout a Kickstarter campaign, creators post updates to keep backers informed about new artwork, production progress, stretch goals, unlocked rewards, milestones, and behind-the-scenes developments.

Rather than simply reading the updates, consider interacting with them. Leave a comment, react to a reveal, participate in polls, or join the discussion if something catches your interest.

8. Leave a Review

If you’ve read the author’s work, consider leaving a review (on Goodreads, StoryGraph, or Fable) before or during the campaign.

Many potential backers will look up reviews before deciding whether to support a project. You can repost your review on social media mention the special edition.

9. Give the Author Emotional Support 😀

Creating a Kickstarter is months—sometimes years—of planning, designing, procrastinating, budgeting, writing, more procrastinating, stalking and hunting artists, commissioning, coordinating, graphic designing, panicking, taking deep breaths, and finally building the courage to press that launch button.

A kind comment, a message of encouragement, or simply letting an author know you’re excited can mean more than you realise.

At the end of the day, Kickstarter is about community. Not everyone can back every campaign, and that’s perfectly okay. But there are still small ways everyone can help.

If there’s an author whose work you’ve loved, and they’re preparing a Kickstarter, know that your support can help turn an ambitious idea into something beautiful.