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?

Why Every President Sucked: Hardcover Book.. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Eric Olsen.

What do they have to say about the project?

Why Every President Sucked uncovers how each and every former president has failed to live up to our divine expectations.

What caught your eye?

If there's one thing you learn after voting for a few presidents (assuming you're lucky enough to see the one you vote for get elected), it is this: that person you believed in and campaigned for, who said such perfect, prescient things, that person, when in office, will disappoint you.

It's one reason many of my friends had little truck with Bernie Sanders, for example: that bright light leading you through the darkness of political chaos, once in office, will do something you think stupid, shortsighted, or otherwise frustrating. The more messianic his followers, the more skeptical they become, and the farther the fall from grace when in office.

More than that, it's okay to be disappointed. Obama disappointed on many fronts, but that doesn't mean his presidency wasn't successful. It means he's a human living in political times that is trying to work within the system to do something grand, and sometimes failing.

So, let's say it clear: a Donald Trump presidency would be a disaster, if he acts just like he says he will. But a Clinton presidency will suck, too, for a lot of reasons. People who think they get to "vote for someone, not against someone" are not recognizing a fundamental truth of America: you are electing a flawed human, who will do bad things and good things. It's just in this case, the bad things potential is off the scale on one side.

Why should I back it?

To help us all remember: no president is perfect. Even George W. Bush made some decisions that benefitted the country, in any objective view. Were they enough to balance the bad he did? History will decide. Back this to help us remember, in four or eight years when we're going through this again, that every president did something stupid. Even the great ones. In fact, especially the great ones, who managed to make big things happen despite their mistakes.

How's the project doing?

They've only got about $500 of their $10,000 goal. Maybe they should consider showing a few actual samples...? In any case, they need the help.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 32
• Funds pledged: $640
• Funds collected: $540
• Unsuccessful pledges: 1
• Fund balance: $400

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?

"This is Fine" Plush Dog. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

KC Green.

What do they have to say about the project?

Official plush merch based on the comic/meme that is becoming all too relatable these days. Take the edge off and hug a boy.

What caught your eye?

Okay so this isn't a book, let's get that straight right away. It's a comic that went memeish, and now gone plush. You've seen it before, it's this one:

It's been popular lately, what with the election and all. And although the most of the "this is fine" sentiment has been aimed the feelings of overwhelming frustration at the Repbulican nominee, the GOP made a tone-deaf use of image:

Well ¯_(ツ)_/¯ #DemsInPhilly #EnoughClinton pic.twitter.com/qVywJM90Eu

— GOP (@GOP) July 25, 2016

. @GOP We actually paid the artist who made this. Here's what he came up with. pic.twitter.com/4D4bmx9ccp

— The Nib (@thenib) July 26, 2016

And then comission an update. Now, you can buy your boy, the burning melting dog, in stuffie format. With a coffee cup that says "This is fine."

Why should I back it?

I'm no hipster throwing pennies into the well of irony, but even I have to admit this particualr meme talks to me. And buying this is a way to reward the artist for giving us the zeitgeist, so neatly packaged and perfectly delivered. Plus, you can get him with a cardboard room to sit in. This is fine, the huggable version.

How's the project doing?

They don't need your money, but support a comic artist anyway. Let's line his brilliant pockets.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 31
• Funds pledged: $620
• Funds collected: $540
• Unsuccessful pledges: 1
• Fund balance: $420

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?

Uncanny Magazine Year Three: The Space Unicorn Flies Again!. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Lynne M. Thomas.

What do they have to say about the project?

A Professional Magazine of Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature

What caught your eye?

Good anthologies make the SF world go round, and with two successful years behind them — including a Hugo Award Finalist nod for best semi-pro zine — Lynne M. Thomas and Michael Damian Thomas put together a good planet spin.

The list of authors, short stories, nonfiction, poetry, and art, is impressive, and includes Seattle alumni Maria Dahvana Headley, among the many others.

Why should I back it?

Because there's something remarkably unique about a SF anthology. Finding new authors to love, exploring ideas where writers are willing to take big chances, finding out the power of good editing in situ. Back it because the odds are, you'll find something you love in there, and isn't that worth the price of admission?

How's the project doing?

They're funded! Grab a copy while you can.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 30
• Funds pledged: $600
• Funds collected: $520
• Unsuccessful pledges: 1
• Fund balance: $440

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?

Beauties / Beasts. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Baby Tattoo.

What do they have to say about the project?

A sexy combination of Pinups and Creatures from world-renowned artist Olivia De Berardinis and master monster-maker Jordu Schell!

What caught your eye?

Olivia is the most well-respected living pinup artist. Jordu Schell is a master monster sculptor, who has worked on dozens of movies, making creatures we love to hate. This book brings together their art to explore the trope of beauty and the beast — both artists see them as an expression of fantasy.

As a man who wrote a novel about pinups, Olivia (like photographer Bunny Yeager before her) has always been fascinating to me, because of the different approach women have to creating sexualized, idealized imagery of women. "I'm looking for a very confident, sensual, sexual woman who is not impeded by any second thoughts, like I am," she says in the video.

Why should I back it?

If you're into movie monsters, or the work of filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, you'll find a lot to love in the beautifully shot monster masks. If you're also into pinup artwork, then you'll the combination probably pretty hard to resist. The book itself look gorgeous, nicely designed and packaged, and a hardcover signed by both artists is only $50.

How's the project doing?

They're about 50% funded with 27 days to go. Looks like they're on a good trajectory, but you could help assure that they make it.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 29
• Funds pledged: $580
• Funds collected: $520
• Unsuccessful pledges: 1
• Fund balance: $460

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 Calligraphy of Alice. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

The Kelly-Winterton Press.

What do they have to say about the project?

A first-ever compilation devoted to Alice’s calligraphy and drawing

What caught your eye?

Calligraphy is the most amazing thing. Nobody knows letterforms with the acuity and brilliance of a master calligrapher, and there is not a master calligrapher alive better than Alice Koeth. Her work is simply breathtaking. Think about how many times you've seen work like hers — or, if you're in New York, maybe hers — and wondered who made it. Well, come meet Alice.

Alice also has spent her life sharing technique, teaching her craft, and making sure others knew how to wield the mighty pen as well as she could.

Why should I back it?

Alice has a classic hand. Her work has a distinct 20th century feel to it — which is not to say dated. It is to say that the craftspeople who made the graphic arts in that era had hand skills that very few designers or lettering artists today could match. They came from years of daily work, of constantly studying letters and composition in a way that computers, with their perfect lines and instant imagery, can't match.

We are not Luddites here at the Seattle Review of Books, but you don't need to be one to mark the differences that working inside a computer, where nothing is ever permanent, and taking wet ink to a piece of expensive paper to make a complicated design that you could ruin with a bad mark. Confidence, craft, and care make master calligraphers. What an amazing joy to witness a collection of Alice's work in this format.

How's the project doing?

They're 171% funded with 13 days to go. They don't need you in the slightest. But, if you're drooling looking at the photos, you should definitely throw your money down for a copy of this awesome work.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 28
• Funds pledged: $560
• Funds collected: $500
• Unsuccessful pledges: 1
• Fund balance: $480

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?

EDGE OF MORNING: Native Voices Speak for the Bears Ears. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Torrey House Press.

What do they have to say about the project?

How can we protect a sacred landscape without knowing its stories? Help native voices save the Bears Ears with this hardcover book.

What caught your eye?

The Bears Ears is a land region of 1.9 million acres in Southern Utah. Ancestral land on the Colorado Plateau. It's the home to amazing history of our lands indigenous peoples, including petroglyph, ancient villages, and other important sites, many of which have been vandalized. Five tribal governments have come together to seek protection for the Bears Ears, and the historical resources it holds.

And this anthology seeks to tell stories by native writers about the Bears Ears and its importance. Storytelling is a way of making sure the importance of the land is known, and can help spread awareness for what the coalition is attempting.

Why should I back it?

It's a worthy project, for one, but be selfish and order it because it's going to be a good book. Hardcover, with introductions, maps, 15 essays and poems about the Bears Ears. Let's show a little love to people using books as a way to spread awareness for something larger themselves, a novel way to get the word out about an important part of the history of this land. Think about how you would have heard about this project 15 years ago, if you did at all? Here's a chance for you to be involved, and watch the project unfold, all while gaining a handsome volume.

How's the project doing?

They're 29% funded with 18 days to go, so they need the help. Put your pledge in, and spread the word!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 27
• Funds pledged: $540
• Funds collected: $440
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $500

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?

ELEMENTS: Fire. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Beyond Press.

What do they have to say about the project?

ELEMENTS: Fire - A comics anthology by creators of color

What caught your eye?

This is an awesome looking comics anthology, the second from the same group that made the Beyond Anthology, and were so successful that they're turning this into a comics publishing house.

Every creator is a person of color. They were given a theme to run with ("our fire"), and the result is this anthology that seeks to publish, and pay the creators a fair rate for their work. Beyond that, the work is done, so this Kickstarter is just to fund the printing and production.

Why should I back it?

Because you like comics, and you like that indie comics now have a way of publishing where they don't have to prove themselves to some middleman. But mostly, back it because the work looks like it will be awesome, and the first anthology won a Lammy for LGBT Fiction Anthology from the 28th Annual Lambda Awards. That means the editors, Taneka Stotts, and Shin Yin Khor, know what the hell they're doing.

Also, it's based out of Portland, so local pride!

How's the project doing?

They're 34% funded with 30 days to go. I think they'll be fine. Hop on while there's still some early bird specials to be had!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 26
• Funds pledged: $520
• Funds collected: $440
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $520

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?

A Permanent Home for Kurt Vonnegut’s Legacy. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library.

What do they have to say about the project?

Help preserve Kurt Vonnegut’s legacy by securing a new, permanent home for the Kurt Vonnegut Museum * Library in Indianapolis, IN.

What caught your eye?

We here at the SRoB are fans of Vonnegut. So was Julia A. Whitehead, but unlike us, she founded a library in the man's name: the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library in Indianapolis. Besides holding artifacts and memorabilia from the man himself, as well as exhibits, the Library does outreach into the community, holds events, and even runs an annual literary journal.

Now they're trying to move to a larger location in Indianapolis, and are raising money to secure the new location.

Why should I back it?

Maybe you're a Vonnegut fan, like us. Maybe you've got a connection to Indianapolis, or would just like to visit someday. Maybe you like the idea of memorial library like this that does outreach and acts as a cultural institution to carry on the works of a single writer.

If that describes you, now would be the time to get in.

How's the project doing?

They're 39% funded with 19 days to go. It'll be a long slog to $100,000. Every little bit will help!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 25
• Funds pledged: $500
• Funds collected: $420
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $540

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?

Defensive Eating w/Morrissey & Comfort Eating w/Nick Cave. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer.

Who is the Creator?

Microcosm Publishing.

What do they have to say about the project?

Illustrated vegan cookbooks to soothe your troubles by "goths eating things" artist Automne Zingg and traveling chef Joshua Ploeg.

What caught your eye?

I think it's pretty freaking self obvious, this time. First, they're cook books about vegan cuisine (which, I'm not, but go you vegans), and second they're about Morrissey and Nick Cave. Think about how many times those two musicians have fed your soul? Why not feed your body, too?

Plus, they're released by our friends at Microcosm Publishing in Portland, who put out a bunch of fantastic small-edition runs of weird, wonderful, and delightful books. They're one of those absolutely unique small American publishers that it's fun to support.

Why should I back it?

Because you're hungry. Because you're supporting an artist who took pain and made a humourous, serious expression. Who used the music that carried her through, and made this ode to the musicians that made it.

Because you want to support small artists, make some kick-ass vegan food, and do it while thinking about two great musical artists who inspired generations of people going through hard times.

How's the project doing?

Pretty good! They're just under 50% funded after a few days. No doubt they'll make it — get yours while you can!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 24
• Funds pledged: $480
• Funds collected: $420
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $560

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?

Small Town Noir: Mug shots from New Castle, PA 1930-60. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Diarmid Mogg.

What do they have to say about the project?

An extraordinary collection of criminal mug shots and the stories behind them from one small American town 1930-1960

What caught your eye?

This is a fascinating idea: a series of mughsots from a small town in America, found by a journalist and artist, who started investigating the stories of the people in the images. Using the attached criminal records, as well as newspaper information, Diarmid is creating a narrative of crime in this small town from 1930 - 1960.

That's a great concept, but execution is everything. Look at his website for a sample, where you'll see the people in the mugshots, and what Diarmid has recreated is evocative and well written, and he includes all the sources on each post.

Why should I back it?

Because no researcher will ever write this history, but it's a history worth knowing. A history of grift, of corruption, of petty crime, of people in the wrong place at the wrong time, with all of the racial and social layers that still affect American jurisprudence. Back it because the stories are amazing, and back it because you want to know.

How's the project doing?

They're only 4% funded currently, towards their goal of $20,000. A slow start, they can use every bit of help we can offer.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 23
• Funds pledged: $460
• Funds collected: $400
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $580

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?

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

Who is the Creator?

Doris Jo Moskowitz.

What do they have to say about the project?

Help Moe's Books publish this colorful volume about Moe Moskowitz, his epic bookstore, and his place in Berkeley's history.

What caught your eye?

If you've read our site at all, you know how much we love booksellers. I may not, like Paul, have worked in bookstores, but I sure did spend a significant amount of my life in them. My family would visit bookstores like some might visit a mall. We'd all get lost for a few hours and only meet at the counter to ring up the day's haul.

I can't say, however, I ever had the pleasure of going to Moe's. Opened in 1959, it's one of those local bastions that is both iconic and seems endless. At Moe's, they have midnight parties for new Thomas Pynchon novels. When Moe was called a "balding intellecutal" in the early 60s, he started the Society for the Defense of Balding Intellectuals.

And of course, they sell books. Now run by his daughter, the fifty-seven year old shop is still thriving. And now they're publishing a book about Moe.

Why should I back it?

Because you have gotten to know your booksellers. Because we all know a person who runs a business who is incredibly quirky and brusk and interesting. In this day of homogonized corporate brands that are perectly clever or cute, how can you not want to support someone with a little more verve and personality? Small businesses can do that. Especially if you've hung your name in big letters out front.

How's the project doing?

They're 34% funded currently, towards their goal of $5,000. That's nothing! It's looking good!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 22
• Funds pledged: $440
• Funds collected: $380
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $600

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?

New Poets Project. 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?

Join Camille Rankine and Ocean Vuong to help Copper Canyon Press publish debut collections by extraordinary new poets.

What caught your eye?

Three simple words: Copper Canyon Press. I mean, how could we not get behind this project immediately? We love how Copper Canyon Press has been experimenting with Kickstarter — maybe you backed their project to publish the lost Neruda poems? — which is partly promotional, but partly market-testing. Poetry books are labors of love, and nobody builds skyscrapers based on the profits publishing them.

In this case, using two recently published poets, Camille Rankine and Ocean Vuong, to act as ambassadors to a fund that will publish other new poets is a great idea.

Why should I back it?

For every poem that you've read and been floored by, for every poet who is a household name — the Eileen Myles, and Heather McHughs, and Elizbeth Bishops, and on and on — there is an unknown poet who has yet to have their work printed. Perhaps one of the poets you help support here will be one that creates a timeless work. They could be the one that pens the poem that grabs your spine and holds on for months and years. Here, in this small Kickstarter campaign, is a world of possibility depending on you, but without you, it won't happen.

Plus: poetry books and letterpress broadsides for rewards? Done!

How's the project doing?

They're 42% funded currently, with about $8500 of their $20,000 goal. It's looking good!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 21
• Funds pledged: $420
• Funds collected: $360
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $620

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?

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

Who is the Creator?

Sharma Shields.

What do they have to say about the project?

Help us publish the poetry collections of local writers Ellen Welcker and Tim Greenup!

What caught your eye?

If you're a regular reader of the Seattle Review of Books, or a fan of Northwest writing, you know Sharma Shields. She's written for us, and is the author of the novel The Sasquatch Hunter's Almanac, and the short story collection Favorite Monster.

This project by her is all about publishing poetry collections from fellow inland Northwest writers Ellen Welcker and Tim Greenup.

Why should I back it?

Local pride, for one. Spokane has a burgoning lit scene, and that's great to see. Also, the money is to make the books right, from paying the poets a good rate, to hiring designers to lay them out right. Here's to small publishers in Spokane!

How's the project doing?

They're 42% funded currently, with less than $1400 pledged of their $8k goal.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 20
• Funds pledged: $400
• Funds collected: $300
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $640

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 Chemical Wedding by John Crowley. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Gavin J. Grant — Small Beer Press.

What do they have to say about the project?

John Crowley provides the chance for a contemporary audience to enjoy the "1st science fiction novel." We want to make it beautiful.

What caught your eye?

Small Beer Press is all kinds of wonderful. The work they bring into this world is completely unique, fantastical, and the quality is always high. It's one of those presses you can trust — you may not love everything they put out, but you'll never wonder why they published a certain author. And with names like press co-founder Kelly Link, Karen Joy Fowler, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Sofia Samatar, chances are really good you actually will love it.

This project is a work by John Crowley — and yes, as a press, Small Beer is going to publish a trade edition of it. But this Kickstarter is to fund a special edition. So this is an illustrated special hardbound edition, available in a few different flavors.

Why should I back it?

First, for the book itself. It looks great, and sounds interesting, as do the illustrations. Second, because we love to support presses like Small Beer who forge such interesting ground. Third, because we love special edition books, and this one looks like it will be lovely.

How's the project doing?

They're 27% funded currently, with just under $14k pledged of their $50k goal.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 19
• Funds pledged: $380
• Funds collected: $300
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $660

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?

A Voyage to Panjikant: A graphic novel about the Silk Road. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Marguerite Dabaie.

What do they have to say about the project?

An ambitious teenage girl of the ancient past rallies against the closed-minded world she must abide by--but at a great cost.

What caught your eye?

I love historical projects, and here's one that has included a lot of research into the groups of people who were being written about. That, and the silk road has always had a tremendous interest for me. The paths of trade inform so much of the shape of our world, and have for thousands of years. How interesting to take a look back into time, and a graphic novel is a great medium for that.

Why should I back it?

Looks like a good story, first of all, but beyond that, back it to learn something of the Sogdian people, an ancient civilization of what is now Iran. Tons of trade happened between Tang Dynasty China and Sogdian merchants. This book takes a look inside one fictional family and how they lived.

Dabaie has a series of great reward options, but of course, the goal here is to get the book. Everything else is gravy.

How's the project doing?

She's made 118% of goal of $4330 at this point, so hurray!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 18
• Funds pledged: $360
• Funds collected: $300
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $680

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?

New Seymour Chwast Book Protests 5,000 Years of War. 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?

Design icon Seymour Chwast has used his art to battle war since 1957. His new antiwar book features 70 pages of original illustrations.

What caught your eye?

They aren't kidding when they call Seymour Chwast a design icon. He's a founder of the infamous Push Pin Studios, and designer of many recognizable things in American life. The Happy Meal box, for example.

He's used his illustration over the years to tell many stories, maybe most importantly, his anti-war message. In 1957 he published a book called A Book of Battles (good luck finding one today, the go for upwards of $4500 when they come around). This new volume is a new book, with a collection of line drawings done especially for it, collected with words to form his message — showing the brutality and idiocy of war.

Why should I back it?

Well, first, if you're a designer or a design appreciator, this will be a must-have, for the content itself. Second, it's being brought to life by an incredible team, such as editor Steven Heller. Designers & Books previously released another Kickstarter for a book reproducing an extremely rare book by Ladislav Sutnar that turned out marvelously. They know what they're doing.

And there are some great rewards, with many pieces from Chwast's long history working on design. Trust me. Even if you don't know his name, you've seen his work.

How's the project doing?

They're going for a big ask: $94k. They've well on their way to $28k of that so far, with 40 days left to go. Let's hope they make it. This is a book that deserves to be in the world.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 17
• Funds pledged: $340
• Funds collected: $280
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $700

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?

Rosarium Publishing: The Next Level. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Rosarium Publishing.

What do they have to say about the project?

Publisher of diverse books and comics. Help us expand so we can deliver more of what you love.

What caught your eye?

We're well aware of Rosarium, at the Seattle Review of Books. Their anthology about Samuel R. Delaney Stories for Chip was co-edited by Seattle writer Nisi Shawl, and included work by local SF writers Eileen Gunn and L. Timmel DuChamp. The great anthology Mothership: Tales from Afrofuturism and Beyond was co-edited by Edward Austin Hall, who you may remember around these parts from his review of Matt Ruff's Lovecraft Country.

The work this publisher puts out is so impressive. It's incredibly diverse, both in the sense of representation, but also in the sense that they publish novels and comics, steampunk to science fiction. The berth of their spaceship is huge, and the quality of the work is wonderful.

Why should I back it?

To see more from publishers like Rosarium. Like many presses, they were started in the spare time of their founders, in this case, Bill Campbell. He started the press on a shoestring, and now has many titles in print. But still, it's a part time gig supported by his day job.

This fundraiser — on IndieGoGo this week, not Kickstarter — would allow them some capital to start printing offset, instead of on-demand, and if they raise enough they'll be able to hire a publicist to help with getting the word out about future releases.

How's the project doing?

They need our help! They're less than $12k to their $40k goal, and time is running low — twelve days! Time to raise the alarm and circle the wagons. This is a great project to put a few ducats in, and the rewards are great books.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 16
• Funds pledged: $320
• Funds collected: $240
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $720

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?

Losswords. A game of literary portions. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Colleen M, John S, & Eric Z.

What do they have to say about the project?

The most fun you've ever had with Moby Dick, Alice in Wonderland, and Pride and Prejudice.!

What caught your eye?

What!? A game!?

I like word games and games with book themes, and this one looks great. You take a book that is (hopefully) in the public domain and use that text to find words inside of other words. It's part Humument and part word search, and will defiintely appeal to people who love anagrams and word puzzles.

Why should I back it?

More word games! You can get a copy of the game for $10, which, for an iPhone game is not cheap, but you get your name in the app, and look at it this way: if the game doesn't get funded, you'll never get to play it. This one looks awfully fun, and the people making it have the experience making games (they made a fun tabletop card game called Metagame that's kind of 6-games-in-one — I played it at last year's XOXO Festival.)

How's the project doing?

They're 91% funded with 26 days to go, so it looks like they'll make it!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 15
• Funds pledged: $300
• Funds collected: $240
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $740

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?

She Changed Comics. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

CBLDF (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund).

What do they have to say about the project?

She Changed Comics tells the untold story of the pioneering women who changed free expression in comics!

What caught your eye?

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has been fighting censorship, and for free expression in comics since 1989. By offering legal support to indie creators who find themselves looking at potential lawsuits, the CBLDF can be a life-saver, sometimes stopping potential lawsuits before they start.

As if that wasn't cool enough, this project She Changed Comics is a book that tells the story of women's influence in comics, from the Golden Age, to working under the Comics Code, on to underground and indie comics of all kinds.

It will feature a look back and the history of the women who made comics in the past, and interview working artists today.

Why should I back it?

If you love comics, this is a must-back. No doubt you've heard of some of the women who will be covered — Marjane Satrapi and Alison Bechdel, say — but you'll learn about women who didn't get as much public attention, but still were incredibly influential on comics, and these artists and creators.

How's the project doing?

They're kicking ass. 357% of their $10,000 goal. But man, they are well worth backing. They've killed three stretch goals, but there are still two to go....

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 14
• Funds pledged: $280
• Funds collected: $240
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $760

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?

Poetry Flash Now!. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer.

Who is the Creator?

Poetry Flash.

What do they have to say about the project?

Help us build a new online home for our work so that we can better serve & support the literary communities of the West Coast & beyond.

What caught your eye?

Poetry Flash has been around since 1972, a poetry calendar mixed with a literary review. It's a website now, but was used to live in print, and still does live through a reading sereies in Berkely and through organizing festivals. This publication is a labor of love, and just look in the video at all of those poets praising them for keeping it alive.

Now they're looking to update their website and maybe get back to doing some print issues. Surely one of the most advanced tech communities in the world deserves a great website that covers poetry, and knows the history of the region? If you're a tech worker in the Bay Area, of course, here's a great way to build a bridge to the past community.

Why should I back it?

Personally, I'm partial to broadsides, and the $50 level offers a couple options. Of course, there's a tote (there's always a tote with book people), and you can even pre-purchase advertising for upcoming editions.

How's the project doing?

They've just gotten started, but it's a slow start so far. They're asking for $11,800, and don't even have $500. So, if you dig poetry, and you want to support a Bay Area institution, you should consider backing.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 13
• Funds pledged: $260
• Funds collected: $160
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $780