Process update!
about 2 years ago – Sat, Apr 23, 2022 at 10:58:42 AM

Hello, everyone!

Just popping in with an update to let you know where we're at in the process:

• The book files are with the printer - they underwent a few revisions to meet the printer's specs, and they're currently processing the files. It takes 68 days to print & ship after the files are received and cleared. We're anticipating receiving the delivery of books by the end of June/beginning of July. 🥳
•  Unless there's an unforeseen shipping delay, we're still on track to ship all orders in July! The local and international shipping rates have increased since the beginning of the campaign, and they're slated to increase once again in July. It's terribly frustrating and totally out of our control, but we're committed to ensuring orders are shipped out without a hitch! (Just to clarify, there won't be any extra charges passed onto you...you're all set!) 💌
• The plushie has finally been approved and is scheduled to begin manufacturing within the next three weeks. They're expected to arrive at my office around the same time as the books, around the end of June/beginning of July. (They're sooooo cute!)🦊 I have a backup manufacturer with a plushie of the same design just in case there are any unforeseen issues with the first, and so far, everything is perfect!
• All other items have been ordered/delivered to my office, and they're waiting to be packaged up with the books! 🎁
• We've received 95% of the surveys back from BackerKit - YAY! There are just 20 backers who need to submit their survey, so I know where to send their goodies. If you cannot locate the survey link, please let me know, and I'll send it to you directly. 😊

Sometimes waiting is the hardest thing of all! But it's going to be SO worth it, and I can't wait to get this book into your hands.  I'll keep you posted and let you know as soon as the remaining items arrive, so we can celebrate and start fulfilling the orders!

Have an amazing week! 

xoxo

~Kristi

Surveys are officially out!
about 2 years ago – Sat, Mar 19, 2022 at 11:36:28 AM

Hello everyone!

The smoke test has cleared, and all surveys have been sent out from BackerKit! Be sure to check your inbox and submit your survey as soon as possible so we can begin the final counts for printing and manufacturing. 

Thank you in advance for being so responsive—even though it may not seem like much as an individual backer, you have no idea how tremendously helpful this has been for me when trying to keep track of all orders!

Enjoy the rest of your day/evening!

BackerKit surveys are coming!
about 2 years ago – Wed, Mar 16, 2022 at 10:48:55 PM

Hello everyone!

It’s been a busy week getting things finalized and ready to go, and we’re rolling right along. I’ve elected to use BackerKit for the surveys to accommodate the option to upgrade pledges and add extra add-ons to those who inquired. A few things need to happen before we can kick off production and fulfillment. 

Here’s a quick rundown:

First, we’ll send out a BackerKit survey to collect your shipping information. We’ll give you a heads-up before we send the survey so that you can watch for it. You don’t need to create a BackerKit account to answer your survey. The invitation email contains a link to your personal survey. It is important to submit your responses as quickly as you can since we need this information to process your rewards.

Before all surveys are sent out, Backerkit requires a “smoke test” that sends out the surveys to 5% of backers (at random) to ensure there are no technical issues with the interface. After we confirm there are no glitches, we’ll be sending out the remaining surveys. Keep an eye on your inbox, and please be sure to fill them out as soon as possible!

Anyone who missed the chance to pledge during the campaign can do so through my BackerKit pre-order store, located here: https://just-like-the-moon.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders. Note that the link is only for those who have not pledged. If you’re looking to add items, please do so through the survey link that is coming to your inbox. 

Printing + Fulfillment

We'll be printing Just Like the Moon with a company called the IAPC (Independent Authors Publishing Collective) and they have given me a rough estimate of 28 days to print, and 40 days to ship. At this point, everything is in the "guestimate" stage, and as soon as I have tracking numbers and labels, I can post another update to narrow down that timeframe.  (The hardest part is waiting for the products to arrive, amirite?!)

That's it for now! Keep an eye on your inbox for the BackerKit survey coming soon!

xoxo

~Kristi

✨WE DID IT!✨
about 2 years ago – Fri, Mar 11, 2022 at 10:13:01 AM

✨JUST LIKE THE MOON HAS SUCCESSFULLY FUNDED!✨

It's official! The project has ended, and we've raised a whopping 652% of our initial goal. What an incredible, unforgettable experience! Thank you so much for your support! 🥰

Within the week, I'll be sending out surveys to collect fulfillment details. The book files are with the printer, and we anticipate receiving them early to mid-June. Orders will be prepped and ready to go as soon as these books arrive on my doorstep!

For those who have errored pledges, you'll have the opportunity to correct any issues with your payment source. If you've received a message from Kickstarter about this, be sure to log in and fix it as soon as possible, or I won't be able to send you your rewards! 😊

Lastly, I've gotten a few messages with requests to purchase additional books or plushies - since the campaign has ended and the option to order through Kickstarter is gone, I'll add a temporary pre-order option on my website for those who had trouble backing through Kickstarter. I'll post an update here with the link when it's ready, and I'll reach out via email to those who have requested a notification. These orders will be included with the rest and fulfilled when the books are received.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your support and for believing in this book. I hope you'll find a sense of comfort and encouragement behind the words and illustrations when you read to your loved ones or yourself. 

xoxo

~Kristi

💜For information about Martith Art: https://martith.weebly.com/

💜Follow me on Instagram & Facebook: @AuthorKristiStalder

💜Stay in touch! Sign up for my newsletter for writing tips, resources, and freebies: www.KristiStalder.com

It's the Final Countdown!
about 2 years ago – Thu, Mar 10, 2022 at 08:56:01 AM

Only 3 days left, and we're wrapping it up! Just a quick update to let you know how things are coming along: 

• The manuscript is ready for the printer! I've made the final arrangements, and the files are being prepped for transfer.
• The reward items are safely arriving at my office, where they'll wait to be packaged up with the book and shipped out to you! (All of these items are simply GORGEOUS.)
• Right now, I've got my fabulous illustrator designing the FREE die-cut sticker that I promised to all backers. I can't wait to see what she comes up with!
• The plushie sample is looking sooo cute! (see bottom image) We've added a crescent moon and adjusted the pattern to give it more contours and shapes to make it even more aesthetic and snuggly. We also updated the size to 12 inches, which seems perfect for a fox plush. The manufacturer is applying the changes to the original sample and will be sending the updated sample within the week.
• I'm querying agents for this book to become published through one of the major publishing houses. My goal is to have Just Like the Moon translated into multiple languages and available globally. 

That's it for now! I appreciate you so much. This project wouldn't have been possible without your support. Thank you, to the moon and back!🌙✨

xoxo

~Kristi

 Looking for other beautifully illustrated books to back? 

Check out Olly, the Lone Red Squirrel, by Larissa Soares - I couldn't resist backing this project! It's such a beautiful, heartwarming children's book with gorgeous illustrations and a great story! This is your ONLY chance to buy it since it will come to you from Japan. The author is paying shipping fees for the USA in her 1 Book Special Free Shipping for just $25! Check it out here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/larissasoares/olly-the-lone-red-squirrel