About two hours remain in the Nerdist contest. This is it, guys. Though I’d be ecstatic to jump into third in that time, the realist in me is already onto our next steps (but go ahead and spam your friends in the name of space dragons). 

Tonight I’ll send a full newsletter with any news and what we can do to make sure The Traveller’s Cup succeeds. 

You guys have been the best space crew a captain could ask for, and one way or another this book is going to end up in your hands. 

Your Overbearing Overlord, 

-Captain AC

Well, here it is. The last day of the Nerdist contest is upon us. 

Currently we need 100 more orders to win. This is the last chance. 

In your support can you reach out to a family member? A friend? A colleague? In a society filled with book enthusiasts we should be able to find people to get excited about this project. 

But it’s going to take a personal effort. We’ve spammed social media to death, but have we been messaging our friends and acquaintances? And for those of you who have, let’s send out reminders that today is the last day. Every order counts.

What happens if we don’t win?
That’s a question I’m trying not to think too hard about. Short answer, it’s not the end of the line. We essentially get an extension via Inkshares to the end of May to gain 750 pre-orders for the same result (editing, publishing, marketing, distribution), just outside the Nerdist collection. At 250 we still get to publish under Inkshares, but without all these lovely services. So we get some breathing room, but the challenge increases. And I don’t know about you, but I’d like to close this campaign successfully tomorrow. 

Your-Nervously-Fidgety-Space-Captain,
-AC

ps: happy pi day

pps: hand sketch today because my tablet was being unhelpful

Greeting, Travellers!

I’m a bit under the weather today, so I apologize if this comes out incoherently. But you guys are amazing, and you’re the reason this campaign has been as successful as it has so far. 

Now we’re running out of time. If we want the full publishing services of Inkshares at our disposal, we’ve got to bump ourselves up fast. The Nerdist contest will be over in two days. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover if we want to make this happen. 

This process has been new for me, and it’s been a lot of trial and error. I appreciate the patience and encouragement you’ve all managed to find for me along the way, and I’m sure the future is bright for us as a crew. 

But I’ve got to be real with you. I think the only shot we have left at winning this contest is to make a boom. 

So I ask you to first: keep posting about this. Whatever outlets you’ve got to grow our crew, we’re gonna need. If you’re a Youtuber, your shout-outs would mean a lot. If you know a subreddit where folks might be interested, post away. Post to local groups and geek groups and guild chats and forums (do people still use forums?).

Second: keep making it personal. Word of mouth recommendations go a long way. I keep saying it, but if all of us today got one more person to place an order, our position would skyrocket. 

Again, thanks for being such an amazing crew. You’re the reason I have so much hope in this story and others to come. 

Your-zzzzzzzzz-captain-who-might-have-overworked-themselves-just-slightly-but-I’ll-be-okay-really,
-AC

Space Crew, 

We’re almost out of time. With only a couple of days remaining, this is the moment that will make or break us. 

I need you today. Today we will plaster The Traveller’s Cup throughout the universe, everywhere we go. Crew, I issue you this quest during the next 24 hours: commit to sharing the link on your social media channels with a personal message. Commit to telling someone you haven’t yet about this book and what you love about it. Commit to getting more copies in your household, and to talking to someone in person. We are so close to the goal I can feel it, but I can’t do it alone.

*Remember that only unique pre-orders count in the contest, so it’s more important that we get more people engaged than binge on our own copies. 

Yesterday Was Amazing! I’m still blown away that Gary Whitta (Book of Eli, After Earth, The Walking Dead by Telltale Games, Abomination, and many more) and his Syndicate chose The Traveller’s Cup for his award. This is such a big deal, and I’m so humbled and honoured.You can see my fancy new badge on the book page. 

Here’s the Sappy Part. You guys really are incredible. You’re the only thing keeping me going in this campaign. Sometimes it’s a bit awkward for me to pitch the book or ask people to go for a copy, and it can be even tougher to know how to thank you. I guess I do suffer from a bit of imposter syndrome, so when I get this amazing feedback from you all, I usually assume you meant to message someone else. 

It can be confusing getting all of your great comments and feedback and still struggling to get up the ranks. But I’m accepting that this is what creative competition feels like. And something I’ve learned in all of this is how important it is to support our fellow creative people. Since this campaign started I’ve bought so many indie and Inkshares books I’m a little afraid to look at my credit card. But this industry is hard, and any support I can give to those who work hard is worth it.

When you support my book, it’s not just a book. You’re supporting my dream, and a goal I’ve worked countless hours and days and years to achieve. I build up anxiety everyday just preparing these newsletters. If I say the wrong thing I won’t get orders today. Or...oh my gosh; yesterday’s email had three errors in it. Now they’re gonna hate me. And yet you guys stay positive and keep me grounded. 

I almost wish money weren’t part of this, because I know that for some of you $10 can be a lot to give in the name of support. And it’s never been about dollar signs for me. If you want to contribute but find it difficult, please let me know if there’s a way I can support you back. 

We’ve gone from total underdog to a real contender for third place, which is all we need. 

So I truly, sincerely, from the bottom of my awkward heart, thank you for being the greatest Space Crew of all time. Of all time.

Sincerely,

Your "I have no idea what I’m doing" Captain,
-AC

DOODLE. Sorry for the spam and the delay. This one has the doodle proper. Apparently GIFs don’t work in these newsletters.