043 – Kickstarter Secrets with Marvel & DC Writer and Totally Awesome Crowdfunder Greg Pak

Greg Pak is one of the most prolific writers for Marvel and DC Comics (Planet Hulk, X-Men, Batman/Superman) and one of the most successful comic book creators to harness the Kickstarter platform. In this session, Greg shares his Kickstarter secrets that have powered nearly half a million dollars in crowdfunding.

Today’s Session is Sponsored by ComixTribe

Go to ComixTribe.com/subscribe for 5 Free Comics

Session Table Setting

Welcome back to ComixLaunch!

Guest Introduction

My guest today is a film director and writer of comics and children’s books. You know his impressive body of work for Marvel Comics, writing books like X-Men, Iron Man, Incredible Hercules, and the Incredible Hulk, among many others. He also recently finished up a long run on Batman/Superman for DC Comics. In addition to his Big-Two work, my guest is also an incredibly successful crowdfunder, having Kickstarted comics and children’s books. His graphic novel “Code Monkey Save World” based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and drawn by Takeshi Miyazawa was the 9th most funded comic Kickstarter of all time. His latest project is “Kickstarter Secrets” a book of practical crowdfunding tips, is on Kickstarter right now and is more than 200% funded with 3 weeks to go.

Welcome to ComixLaunch, Mr. Greg Pak.

Anything I missed from that intro?
Well, one thing I missed, about a decade ago, you did a signing in a small Boston area comic shop, it was a sweet Hulk Doodle in my Planet Hulk Trade. Thanks for that.
And I also want to thank you, for, about four years ago, shortly before ComixTribe released SCAM #1 from Joe Mulvey, you were kind enough to read the book, and you gave us some very constructive notes on the book, which we were able to to take some action on, and make some changes before making our direct market Diamond debut. So again, much appreciated.

What is Today’s Episode About?

You have a new book called Kickstarter Secrets on Kickstarter right now, and this is a podcast all about the mindset, strategies and tactics that creators use to crowdfund their comics and graphic novels on KS. So it was a no-brainer for me to reach out to you and invite you on the show, and I’m glad you’re here.

Guiding Discussion Questions

1) We have an audience full of creators interested in harnessing the power of the Kickstarter platform to fund their projects and build their careers… can we throw some red meat at them immediately and reveal one “Kickstarter Secret” that you’ve discovered and talk about in your book?

2) I want to talk more about the book, but first I’d like to discuss the topic of who Kickstarter is for. Now, I know there are some listeners who are of the mindset that, they’ll use Kickstarter to help them make books, so they can get in the door eventually as big publishers. That Kickstarter is the stepping stone. But that’s certainly not the case for someone like you, or Sean Gordon Murphy, or Gail Simone, and many others. Who do you think Kickstarter is for?

3) Now, what would you say to the cynic who looks at your impressive credentials and thinks, “Of course HE is successful on Kickstarter. But I don’t have more than a decade of Big Two credits to my name… how is his book going to help me?”

4) So, Kickstarting a book on how to Kickstarter books… that’s pretty meta. What was the thinking around this campaign?

5) Let’s talk about the structure of the book itself. How is it organized?

6) I’m currently in the midst of my 8th Kickstarter campaign as well, and while I can say it does get easier over time… I’ve still yet to run “the perfect campaign.” What are some area’s of crowdfunding that you still find challenging?

Speed Round

1) Finish this sentence: “Kickstarter is _______.”

Whatever you can make it.

2) Let’s the pretend the powers that be at Kickstarter are listening (which you know they are)… if you could change one thing about the Kickstarter platform, what would it be?

Make it so that if you’ve run several campaigns you can compile your mailing lists. And also so you can unsubscribe people.

3) What’s your secret weapon? (Meaning a tool, resource, app, etc. that you couldn’t make comics without?)

A formatting template in Microsoft word. Search Greg Pak comics template. Printing out scripts and editing by hand.

4) Fulfillment is where even successful Kickstarter creators often drop the ball… Do you have a fulfillment tip for our listeners?

Price out your shipping and be aware USPS prices go up in January.

5) Can you recommend one comic (not done by you) more people need to check out?

The collection of comics from The Nib by Matt Bors

Sponsor Mid-Roll

In a moment, I’m going to give you today’s ComixLauncher, but first, we need to thank our sponsor…

Today’s Sponsor – ComixTribe

Click here for 5 free comics from ComixTribe. ComixTribe…Start here!

ComixLauncher

It’s time for today’s ComixLauncher.
A ComixLauncher is a short, actionable activity you can and should do right now, or immediately after listening to the show. They’re all activities I’ve done myself, and will get you one step closer to a successful ComixLaunch. They’ll transform this Podcast from a passive, lean back activity centered around Tyler James, into an active, lean-forward activity centered around YOU.

ComixLauncher 43

Today’s ComixLauncher — Go get Greg’s Book!

Wrap Up

Wrap Up Questions

1) As difficult as it is to “break into” comics, staying in comics is harder… tips for staying in once you’ve broken in?
2) What’s are you excited about comics wise that’s coming up in the near future?

Besides Kickstarter Secrets, which is on KS right now, what’s the best way to keep up with all things Mr. Pak?

Thanks for Listening.
We’re going to go even deeper into both mindset, strategies and tactics for making KS work for you.
Thank you so much for listening, and for letting me walk with you, as you take another step forward toward your next successful ComixLaunch.

Have You Subscribed, Rated, or Reviewed ComixLaunch Yet?

If you’ve enjoyed this Session of ComixLaunch, I need you to do me a favor… actually, I need three favors. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review ComixLaunch on iTunes.

They’re the rocket fuel this show is running on, and the sooner you do it, the more powerful your action will be. Don’t wait to give us some love!

>>> CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A REVIEW ON iTUNES <<<

Provide a rating, 1-5 stars and leave an honest review.

This can be done in less than 2 minutes and could make HUGE difference to the show.