Archives of Kickstarter Fund

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

"China under the Covers" goes to press. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Margaret E. Davis.

What do they have to say about the project?

A bookbinding manual and an adventure tale, "China under the Covers" blends history, romance, and how-to as East and West connect.

What caught your eye?

I'm a sucker for a book on how to bind books. It's that simple. That this one is from a Portland author, and the story has more than just how-to is a kind of bonus. It's a hybrid how-to-bind-books book, and that just seems like a great choice for this, our last Kickstarter Fund Project item.

Why should I back it?

If you love bookbinding, China, the history of books and conservation, or just want to support a Northwest author, that's a good reason. But also, this is exactly the kind of book a large publisher would find a tremendous risk, but is perfect for Kickstarter. It proves there's a market, and it proves there's interest in stories this personal, interesting, and specific.

How's the project doing?

She's 144% funded, so it's obvious that there are many bookbinding nerds out there waiting for this book.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 52
• Funds pledged: $1040
• Funds collected: $900
• Unsuccessful pledges: 3
• Fund balance: $0!

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Nerve Endings: The New Trans Erotic. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Tobi Hill-Meyer.

What do they have to say about the project?

Thirty stories about sex, sexuality, and relationships, by authors connected to transgender community.

What caught your eye?

This project's creator, Tobi Hill-Meyer, has appeared on our site before. She's taking a pro-active approach to an issue she puts this way: "Too often trans stories have been written from a cis perspective, with a cis reader in mind, addressing cis concerns about trans people rather than our own concerns. This is especially true when it comes to erotica: literature that deals necessarily with bodies, with our relationships to them, and with our relationships to one another."

Since the trans community is largely commodified by the larger porn world, being able to tell their own stories in their own way is a pretty important idea. Again, in Hill-Meyer's words: "So much of the hostility and bigotry trans people face is focused around sexuality: anti-trans bathroom bills conjure fears of "perverts," straight men frame trans women as "deceptive." Others see us as hypersexual and expect us to be available for sex practically on demand, and doctors have historically denied access to hormones and surgery to those who don't have the "right" kind of sex."

Why should I back it?

At this point, with the project already well-backed, it's about the stretch goals. For each one, the contributor's payment goes up. A nice feel-good bonus. It also seems like a fantastic, well-thought out anthology, both for trans people looking for better representation in their dirty stories, and for people looking to find out more about the experiences and challenges of being trans.

How's the project doing?

13 days to go, and 257% funded! They're totally killing it.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 51
• Funds pledged: $1020
• Funds collected: $900
• Unsuccessful pledges: 3
• Fund balance: $20

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Codex Valtierra - Relaunch. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Emmanuel Valtierra.

What do they have to say about the project?

What if the Aztecs won the war against the Spaniards? A wonderful illustrated tale for kids and adults.

What caught your eye?

In the grand tradition of the modern revenge narrative, comes the mother of all revenge narratives: what if the Aztecs had chased away the Spaniards? Illustrator Emmanuel Valtierra has reimagined Aztec stories using the visual storytelling techniques from the Aztec codecs.

If you like to wonder what the Americas may have been like if the European invaders had been kept at bay — and who hasn't? — then I guess the question I have for you is: did you imagine it told entirely in pictures?

Why should I back it?

The work looks gorgeous. It's a great idea, that looks well executed, and the ask is completely reasonable.

How's the project doing?

36 days to go and 56% funded! That's a good trajectory — get your money in.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 50
• Funds pledged: $1000
• Funds collected: $800
• Unsuccessful pledges: 3
• Fund balance: $40

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

The Internet Review of 2016. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Margarita Noriega.

What do they have to say about the project?

A collaborative book of short essays and cartoons about this year.

What caught your eye?

Just a great collection of writers and artists, from Newsweek Executive Editor Margarita Noriega. The contributers are really fantastic, with names you'll know, and names you've yet to discover. Like, art from Stephen Maurice Graham, Adam Koford, and writing by Sasha Frere-Jones, Anil Dash, Maris Kreizman, @darth, and so many more (full contributor and topic list is here).

It just looks like a smart, fun way to look back and capture the horror of this past year. Aside: look, I'm one of those types who, as great celebrities kept dying and things kept getting all screwy, was saying that "a year is just a year." But, even though I've taken a while to come around, let me tell you, 2016 is just as bad as everybody kept saying. No two ways about it.

Why should I back it?

Process your own feelings about 2016 with some great writing. Step offline for a bit, and hold a piece in your hands, maybe sitting on a cold bench in a wind-swept park, where the remains of hope used to frolic. Bring a hot drink, read, and look off into the sunset as if a camera had you perfectly framed, and the flickering shutter can't quite see if that pregnant tear about to roll from your eye is because of giving in to the overwhelming truth of a garbage fire, or just that the wicked cold making your eyes glisten.

How's the project doing?

Totally solid. They're sold, and more. You just want to get in so you can have your own copy.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 50
• Funds pledged: $980
• Funds collected: $800
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $60

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

People Of Color Take Over Fantastic Stories. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Warren Lapine.

What do they have to say about the project?

Fantastic Stories is a top paying market that is open and looking for stories from underrepresented communities and cultures.

What caught your eye?

Well, first, we need to offer a complete and total nepotism / conflict of interest report: Nisi Shawl, who writes our SFFH column the Future Alternative Past, is the guest editor in question if this Kickstarter succeeds, so let us say this clearly and without reserve: you cannot trust our objectivity on this.

But still, are you kidding me? A complete POC take over issue is a fantastic idea, and good on Fantastic Stories of the Imagination (for those of you, like me, who were curious about the title's remarkable resemblence to ye olde classic Fantastic Stories, editor Warren Lapine tells the story here) for taking this important step. This is the kind of project we like funding. Also, Nisi explains it well in the video, so please do watch that.

Why should I back it?

Because there are people that actually complain about stuff like this. Did you know that? People who think its "politically correct" or "reverse-racist", or something equally idiotic, to focus a magazine on people of color. As Nisi says "there persists a perception that science fiction and fantasy is somehow a white field". Now, that's just stupid. In an article on the website, Nisi points out black people have been involved with the genre since the very beginning.

As fans, it's imperative to stand up and say that what we care about most is good stories, and the authors she's picked to highlight are certainly going to deliver on that front. Let's make sure they get the chance, yes?

How's the project doing?

They're just getting started, at 13% funded, and 32 days to go.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 48
• Funds pledged: $960
• Funds collected: $800
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $80

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Bamboo Renewal: Designing a modern bamboo home in Haiti. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Swoon / The Heliotrope Foundation.

What do they have to say about the project?

Together with a village in rural Haiti, we will design and build a home that brings an ancient building material into the present.

What caught your eye?

A non-literary project today. Brooklyn-based street artist Swoon (Caledonia Curry) went to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, and worked with local artists, architects, engineers, and builders to create a community center for the village of Comiers. It was a huge success — using adobe, and other traditional building materials — and created shared structures that could withstand hurricanes and earthquakes.

In the years since, working with local farmers, and training residents in construction, the foundation has built another house, as well as run arts education projects with the residents. Now, Konbit Shelter is turning its attention to building a home for Louisiana Pierre Louis. Louis lost her son and daughter-in-law in the earthquake, and their kids, her grandchildren, have returned from Port Au Prince to live with her.

It was the community that choose her as the best possible recipient for the house — and one thing that is impressive about the way that Konbit Shelter doesn't helicopter in with solutions — they go and work with the community on what their needs are, and then bring in thoughtful design and architecture to address them.

Why should I back it?

Because it's a great idea, a great project, and they need help making the finish line. Spend a few bucks that will make you feel good, today.

How's the project doing?

54% funded, and 17 days to go. Pitch in, and help them make their goal!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 47
• Funds pledged: $940
• Funds collected: $740
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $100

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

comp. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Aron Fay.

What do they have to say about the project?

comp is a redesign of the classic composition notebook––made for the 21st century.

What caught your eye?

Maybe it's just that I'm a sucker for a nicely reconsidered thing, but I think these re-examined comp notebooks are pretty cool. The designer put a ton of time into imagining a superior version of something utilitarian. This is something designers do, taking utility objects and refining them. To people who love design, this is a kind of sport. To people who hate design, they scratch their heads and wonder why you'd spend $19 on something you could buy at the local store for $3.

But they're not the same, are they? The ones from the store up the street are on cheap wood-pulp paper that will fade over time. There is, of course, a pleasure in the lowbrow, in enjoying utility. This is not about that. This is about a refined product, made nice and presented in small batches. This is about a mix of high and low, and an expression of where a person's particular obsession can lead.

Why should I back it?

Personally? I'd do it for the tote bag, because it's pretty sweet. A good notebook is always handy, and these, as lay-flat with the nice paper, would be perfect to write a story or a book in. If you're buying expensive notebooks with little elastic bands around them, perhaps try one of these instead?

How's the project doing?

They're 106% funded, so doing great. You're guaranteed a notebook, if you order one.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 46
• Funds pledged: $920
• Funds collected: $720
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $120

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Letters for Lucardo: An Erotic Graphic Novel. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Iron Spike.

What do they have to say about the project?

When an aged mortal man and immortal vampire fall in love, painful realities about death—and the deathless—interfere.

What caught your eye?

Look, friends, this week it's really simple: not knowing what's coming with our country, backing an erotic queer story of interracial vampire-human romance seems downright political. I want publishers like Iron Circus (run by the kickass C. Spike Trotman, who flipped off the gatekeepers of the comics world, and built a thriving publishing house her own way) to have as much money as possible on hand for whatever may come under this coming administration.

Why should I back it?

First, Iron Circus puts out extremely high quality smut, filled with characters you'll love and stories that compel you to turn every page. There's a lot of sex, too, and romance. This isn't your old alt-press boner-fest comix from the sweaty back room for the horny fanboys; this is complex, real relationships in fantastical settings drawn by well-paid artists, written by amazing writers, with a focus on diversity of all kinds. It's the real deal.

Iron Spike does a lot of Kickstarters (this is number ten!). They know what they're doing, and they know how to deliver quality goods. Back this, give them some money, and let's get their coffers stuffed to the gills. Maybe they won't need lawyers in the upcoming administration, but being able to afford some will do wonders.

How's the project doing?

They're 212% funded. They don't need us, we need them.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 45
• Funds pledged: $900
• Funds collected: $700
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $140

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

The Essential W.S. Merwin. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer.

Who is the Creator?

Copper Canyon Press.

What do they have to say about the project?

Help Copper Canyon Press publish the definitive collection of W.S. Merwin’s poetry.

What caught your eye?

This is the third Kickstarter from the one-and-only Copper Canyon Press. It's hard to overstate their importance in modern poetry, and how lucky we are that they are a Northwest institution — their reputation, and history of stellar work, raise us all.

Their first Kickstarter was for rare poems from a dead poet, the second (which we backed) was for new poets. Fitting, then, that the third is for a well-awarded poet still with us.

Perhaps you are not familiar with the Pulitzer (two of them!) winning, US Poet Laureate WS Merwin. Perhaps you know his work well and have followed him for years. But either way, backing this project to create a collection of his work will cement his work for years to come.

Why should I back it?

We always do our best to back local poets and publishers, so that's the first thing. Second is recognizing the history and accomplishments of a living poet whose work has had such depth and reach. Merwin deserves the kind of audience that a project like this can bring. Think about how many poets you've discovered through their collected or essential works?

How's the project doing?

28% there and 26 days to go. They're just getting started, now is a great time to grab a copy of the book for yourself.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 44
• Funds pledged: $880
• Funds collected: $700
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $160

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

The Bolted Book Facsimile: An Exact Copy of Depero Futurista. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Designers & Books.

What do they have to say about the project?

Help us publish the first exact copy of Fortunato Depero’s 1927 iconic work of avant-garde graphic design and book-making.

What caught your eye?

One of the great things about the age we live in, and tools like Kickstarter, is the new market for specifically targeted campaigns for things that might not otherwise see the light of day.

In this case, it's a facsimile copy of Fortunato Depero's famous 1927 artist's book, a piece of high experimental design, typography, and playful artistry from one of the writers of the Futurist manifesto. This book is one of those sought-after artifacts that only wealthy collectors can afford — only 1000 were made, and who knows how many have survived to this day?

If you love art history, design history, and book history, then this project is the junction point where all three collide, but it's worth backing even if you only like one.

Why should I back it?

This is Designer & Books third Kickstarter. I personally backed their first, the reproduction of Ladislav Sutnar's Visual Design in Action, and earlier this year, we recommended their publication of Seymour Chwast's book on war paintings.

In short, they are experienced at delivering a high quality product, and so this exciting, and complicated, undertaking is in good hands.

How's the project doing?

At $249,000, this is the biggest ask they've made yet, but at over half-way there, and 33 days to go, looks like they have a shot. Get your copy now!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 43
• Funds pledged: $860
• Funds collected: $700
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $180

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

The Palate Deck: Playing Cards for Beer Tasting. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Dave Shea.

What do they have to say about the project?

Playing cards that offer beer information and casual tasting guidance for the many conversations that happen over beer.

What caught your eye?

Something a little different today. A little less literary than our normal Kickstarter, but no less creative. For those of you who are drinkers, and more specifically, those of you who are beer aficionados, this week's project is for you.

Dave Shea is a designer and creator in Vancouver, BC. If you work on the web, and design using CSS, no doubt you've heard of the wildly influential CSS Zen Garden.

He's also a Certified Cicerone® and BJCP-Certified Beer Judge, and the co-founder of Vancouver's Farmhouse Fest Saison. Dude knows his beer, and he wanted to design a way to talk about beer when tasting — to give people a vocabulary, whether they are new or old hands, at discerning the varied experiences of imbibing brew.

Why should I back it?

Well, if you're into beer, it's a gimme. I played a demo of the cards at XOXO fest in Portland last month, and they're really fun, and beautifully designed. If you like talking about beer, this is going to be a great conversation piece to have with you at the pub. If you're not sure how to talk about beer, this is a great educational tool.

How's the project doing?

18% there and 27 days to go. If this is the kind of thing that sparks your attention, grab one now!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 42
• Funds pledged: $840
• Funds collected: $700
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $200

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Dangerous Women: Tales of Queer Villainy! We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Zan Christensen.

What do they have to say about the project?

Northwest Press is bringing you an awesome collection of 13 tales of queer female super-villainy from a roster of visionary writers.

What caught your eye?

The innocuously named Northwest Press has been cranking out LGBT focused comic books since 2010, under the inclusive banner "Comics are for everyone". If you can imagine a genre of comic, you will find it in their catalog, written with queer characters: from smutty erotica, to kids comics dealing with how to cope with bullying.

And now they're putting out their first prose collection together, and it looks great: thirteen short stories about queer villainy, written by women. Sounds great!

Why should I back it?

Northwest Press knows what they're doing — they've been around for six years, and have many books in print, and the books they print are of great quality. Kickstarter is a perfect medium for presses this size: it gives them capital to produce the books to a known audience, and gives them a chance to prove their ideas in the marketplace before major outlays for production.

So, great concept, great execution, and a Seattle press to boot. Sounds like a sure thing to me.

How's the project doing?

63% there and 23 days to go. I'm sure they'll make it, so grab your copy while you can!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 41
• Funds pledged: $820
• Funds collected: $680
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $220

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Modern Filipino Children's Stories: Sari-Sari Storybooks. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer.

Who is the Creator?

Christina Newhard.

What do they have to say about the project?

These gorgeously illustrated picture books bring Filipino stories to the world. Printed + media-rich digital books.

What caught your eye?

This project seeks to publish books in more Filipino languages than just English or Tagalog. As she says in the video, there are 181 languages in a country the size of Florida (update: Christina contacted us to say Arizona is a better match than Florida, and she's correcting the video to say so), and by creating books in some of those other languages, it both reinforces the local cultures, while also sharing them with the world — since each book will also be translated into English.

Why should I back it?

Besides the altruistic drive of the creation, the books look amazing. I remember, as a kid, reaching out into other cultures through their stories, learning about the experiences of children far different than my white suburban childhood. But just wanting to expand a child's horizon isn't enough, it has to be done well. From the looks of it, these books are well written, nicely illustrated, and well presented. It's a great concept presented well.

How's the project doing?

71% funded with 24 days to go. Wouldn't it be great to see them hit a total home run?

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 40
• Funds pledged: $800
• Funds collected: $760
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $240

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Denise Levertov Plaque. We've put $60 in as a non-reward backer — that's our normal $20, plus $40 from the fund for the two unsuccessful projects we've backed that we decided to put towards this campaign.

Who is the Creator?

Paul E Nelson / SPLAB.

What do they have to say about the project?

A plaque to be installed outside of Levertov's last home, in Seattle's Seward Park neighborhood.

What caught your eye?

We're fans of Levertov, here at the Seattle Review of Books. Our co-founder, Paul Constant, wrote a dedicated plea for her to be better recognized last year in LitHub. We love the idea of a plaque, one of those urban markers that cement the past to the present. We love the idea of the city bearing a tattoo of her presence, and the idea that it may lead a few curious bypassers to investigate her name, and discover her work.

Why should I back it?

Because you're a Levertov fan who feels that her work is under appreciated. Because you like the idea of the history of a place informing and shaping it. Because you're a booster and fan of local poetry, and marking something like this, albeit a small gesture in the grand civic scheme, puts a thumb-print on the city that says: this work was important to us; this woman was important to us. Let's take a moment to recall her.

How's the project doing?

52% there, with five days to go. We'd love to see this worthy project backed. If you can afford to, please get involved.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 39
• Funds pledged: $780
• Funds collected: $660
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $260

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

The Responsible Communication Style Guide. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Audrey Eschright.

What do they have to say about the project?

The Responsible Communication Style Guide is a stylebook for writers and other media creators

What caught your eye?

Recompiler Mag is a feminist hacker magazine, and like many publications, they run into a myriad of style issues. Specifically, they are concerned with proper inclusive language, and the cases where language may exclude or diminish.

So why not write their own style guide? They're focusing on five areas: race, gender, sexuality, religion, and health and well-being. Each aspect of open communication, and how to present topics in ways that don't exclude people, are considered.

Why should I back it?

Style guides are suggestions (unless you're a language absolutist), and reading suggestions about ways you can be more aware in your writing and tone, especially if you're going for a neutral voice, is never a bad thing. Knowing what language may offend or alienate people you've never thought about can make your work reach a larger audience. And, with the exception of certain politicians, writers, and narrow-minded charlatans, limiting your audience is generally a bad idea.

How's the project doing?

Ouch! Only 45% there and five days to go. They need help. If you get behind this project, help spread the word!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 38
• Funds pledged: $760
• Funds collected: $640
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $280

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

8 Faces: Collected. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Elliot Jay Stocks.

What do they have to say about the project?

We’re re-designing and re-editing all 8 issues of typography magazine 8 Faces — and adding new content — to make a huge, hardback book.

What caught your eye?

8 Faces was an absolutely beautiful typography magazine. It wasn't cheap, but it was luxuriously printed and gorgeously designed.

Issues sold out quickly, and are impossible to find now. The creators are Kickstarting a new collected edition that takes all the content from all eight issues of the magazine, updates the layout, and puts them in one huge book. Score.

Why should I back it?

Because you love typography. Because you love reading articles and interviews about design, and a beautiful 500 page book about typography makes you feel a little funny in your stomach, like you're in love. Because you're missing an issue (or eight) from your collection. Because you want to support indie creators doing cool projects offline, that you can hold in your hands, and that will live in your library for the rest of your life.

How's the project doing?

30% funded with 28 days to go. Good trajectory, but let's see if we can help them out and spread the world. Every bit helps.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 37
• Funds pledged: $740
• Funds collected: $600
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $300

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

POWER & MAGIC: THE QUEER WITCH COMICS ANTHOLOGY. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Joamette Gil.

What do they have to say about the project?

15 comics about queer witches of color, created by 17 women, demigirls, and bigender people of color.

What caught your eye?

I've always loved stories about witches. Out of all the mythical creatures, witches are most relatable because they are fundamentally about how society views women. Unlike vampires, say, that maybe represent a single angle of men, there is a witch for every view of women. They may be good, or evil, benevolent or merciless. But one thing that witches always are: resourceful and independent, two traits society frowned upon in women, historically.

And more so for women of color. So yes: more stories about witches. And yes: more stories about queer witches of color. It's a great premise, and from the artwork on the site, and the list of contributors (uh, the coven, although counting the cover design I count 15 projects in this piece, so maybe it's a baker's coven) is strong and interesting.

Why should I back it?

Comics! Witches! Queer witches! Queer witches of color! I mean, need I say more?

How's the project doing?

30% funded with 28 days to go. Good trajectory, but let's see if we can help them out and spread the world. Every bit helps.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 35
• Funds pledged: $680
• Funds collected: $600
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $340

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Drive Hardcover. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Small Fish Studios.

What do they have to say about the project?

A hardcover collection of DRIVE: 200+ pages of the full Act One! (And now that we're in stretch goals, the page count is growing!)

What caught your eye?

Dave Kellett is an industrious dude. He co-directed the ambitious, and successful, Kickstarter to create the great documentary Stripped: the comics documentary, about comic strips (really, if you love comic strips, it's worth watching), writes the comic Sheldon, and he's also the force behind Drive, a humorous sci-fi strip he's now collecting into a hardback edition.

Maybe all you need to know is that he named one of his characters Captain Taneel (that was enough for me), but if you need a bit more convincing, go read the entire comic online for free. Talk about knowing beforehand if you're going to be happy or not.

Why should I back it?

Because you like sci-fi comics, or funny comics (or both), and because you like supporting indie comics creators, or perhaps, like me, you were a backer of the original Stripped Kickstarter and you want to see Dave succeed.

How's the project doing?

Totally rocking it. 113% pleged with 25 days to go, and a bunch of stretch goals in sight.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 35
• Funds pledged: $700
• Funds collected: $600
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $340

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Milkweed Books: Because Bookshelves Should Never Be Boring. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Milkweed Editions.

What do they have to say about the project?

Join us in opening a new nonprofit, independent bookstore where readers will discover the best independent literature.

What caught your eye?

You know we have a soft spot for indie presses and small bookstores. Milkweed Editions, an indie publisher out of Minneapolis, wants to open a bookstore to feature their own books, as well as books from other presses. It will be a boutique store, filled with great books from great publishers, and friendly people to help you find them. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

As a non-profit press, Milkweed says its status "mandates that it operates to fulfill a mission rather than seek a profit," so they want the store to be a center of culture. Since it's in the Open Books building (not, of course, our own local poetry only bookstore, but the literary arts center in Minneapolis), with access to a theater, amenities, and the traffic this resource draws, it's a smart place to have a smart store. Seems like the right place to build support for a resource like this.

Why should I back it?

If you're not already sold, there are some good prizes. Bread, for example (yes, homemade, by an author of cookbooks), or a collection of all the 2016 poetry releases from Milkweed. Every bit you give helps, so find the prize that speaks to you and reach out for it. With your wallet. But, not really your wallet since you're on the computer. Maybe a digital version of your wallet? I dunno, maybe we need some new metaphors. Reach out with your digit-strings numbers of credit transference, and help them open the store.

And remember, it's a neighborly thing: the books community is small, and Minneapolis and Seattle have always had a close cultural connection. Let's show 'em it still exists.

How's the project doing?

at 54%, with 27 days left, they're off to a solid start, and on a good trajectory. No doubt they could use the help, though.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 34
• Funds pledged: $660
• Funds collected: $620
• Unsuccessful pledges: 1
• Fund balance: $380

Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

Lance Wyman: The Visual Diaries 1973—1982. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Unit Editions.

What do they have to say about the project?

Every day Lance Wyman documents his creative process in his black “designlogs”. Help us publish Lance Wyman: The Visual Diaries.

What caught your eye?

If you're a design nerd, you can picture the 1968 Mexico City Olympics logo without much mental effort. That's a good graphical identity system, when you can evoke it 48 years later without much effort. It's infamous, now, and referenced in popular culture occasionally. Not many people can make work this iconic and memorable, but Lance Wyman, who designed the logo, sure did.

Wyman kept a continuous series of sketchbooks — his "designlogs" — and now, for the first time, they're being collected, edited, and presented in a handsome edition.

Why should I back it?

Well, if you're not already clicking over to back it, then there's probably not an argument I could make to convince you. You're either a design nerd or you're not. If you are excited? Did you know that Lance Wyman is coming to Seattle to speak at Typecon? Here's a chance to see the man in person talk about his craft.

How's the project doing?

at 71%, with 26 days left, I think they'll be fine without you, so don't feel obligated. Get it because you can't resist.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 33
• Funds pledged: $640
• Funds collected: $580
• Unsuccessful pledges: 1
• Fund balance: $400