In the knitting world, we have “yarn clubs,” in which
knitters sign up and for a fee every month for a set period of time they are
sent a skein or two of yarn, a pattern, and maybe some other extra goodies.
I am borrowing that concept now, and creating the KnotMagick
Post Club. This is how it works:
Every month, via email or post (or both) you’ll receive a
PDF chapter of an ongoing novel. In addition, depending on your subscription
level, you might also receive a typed copy of a short story, an exclusive
knitting pattern, or other goodies.
Below, I’ve broken down the 4 subscription levels:
Copper: 3 short
stories (1 hand typed, 2 PDFs via email), delivered over the course of 12
months
Bronze: 2 short
stories (1 hand typed, 1 PDF via email), and monthly installments of the novel
(also PDF via email)
Silver: Welcome
packet, monthly installments of the novel, in PDF format (delivered via email),
1 knitting/crochet pattern, and 2 typed short stories over the course of 12
months.
Gold: Everything
in the Silver package, plus an additional swag bag, short story, and pattern.
Platinum: Everything in the Gold Package, plus an additional swag bag
and 2 surprises. These might be an extra short story, or another pattern, or a
handmade item, or something else altogether.
FAQ
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Select your location from the drop down menu below the package you would like, then hit subscribe to send your payment through Paypal. I will be using your Paypal email and address for goodie delivery, so make sure that they are accurate, or put an alternate address/contact in the "notes to seller" box.
Q: How long are sign ups open?
A: Through February 28, 2013.
Q: How long does the club run?
A: March 2013-March 2014
Q: When do packages ship?
A: Barring calamities, shipments should go out in the first week of each month.
Q: Can I still get the stories/novel/patterns if I don't sign up for the club?
A: All stories/novel/patterns are exclusive to the club for 1 year from their release (so the short story that comes out in March won't be available anywhere else until March 2014; the pattern that comes out in December 2013 won't be available on Ravelry until December 2014, etc). In the case of the novel, it will not be available until I have a publisher for it.
Q: What do you mean by "hand typed?"
A: I mean, typed out on a manual typewriter (either the Royal KMM or the Smith-Corona Sterling). Since I do have to maintain a full time job and can't spend all of my time typing, I do reserve the right to utilize carbon paper, or to Xerox typewritten pages for Copper and Bronze packages if necessary.
Since I tend to edit as I write, each copy will be unique, slightly different from it's fellows. This doesn't mean that I WILL use these methods, only that I might if there is a high demand for these packages.
Q: What is a "swag bag?"
A: Swag bags might contain all sorts of goodies: personal letters, chocolate, handmade goodies, yarn, typewriter accessories, artwork, etc.
Q: What is a "swag bag?"
A: Swag bags might contain all sorts of goodies: personal letters, chocolate, handmade goodies, yarn, typewriter accessories, artwork, etc.
Q: Why are there a limited number of Gold and Platinum packages?
A: Some of the surprises I have planned for these recipients are rather time consuming; I want to make sure that I provide quality treats to my supporters, and therefore don't want to over commit myself.
Q: Can anyone sign up, or only those in the contiguous United States?
A: The club is open to everyone. All prices are in USD, and include shipping. Please note that I am not responsible for customs holding your package hostage, especially if you live in Italy.
Q: This is a great idea. I would love to help out, but I'm also struggling right now and can't spare the cash. What can I do?
A: Spread the word. Twitter, Facebook, blogs, in person--whatever you can do to get the word out there would be appreciated. In the mean time, I hope that your fortunes improve, and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
A: Samples and blurbs are being posted every Monday in February on the blog. If you would like to read samples of my fiction writing, check out my publisher's website, which has samples available from my short stories.
I can tell you that I write predominantly fantasy with some romance thrown in; that the novel takes place in an altered Victorian setting, involves two same-sex couples, and is told from the points of view of six different characters. The short stories will be varied; they might be side stories using existing characters from either the novel or my previously published work, or they might be something completely new. All stories will be original and available only through the club.
Q: Exactly how many words are we talking about here?
A: Each chapter installment will be about 20 pages or thereabouts. Short stories vary, ranging from one and a half pages to twenty-five or thirty pages. Knitting patterns will be for small accessories, such as fingerless gloves, laptop covers, hats, etc, and will likely have a tie in to one of the stories/chapters received that month.
Q: Will Birds of a Feather and The Witching Hour be available as part of the club?
A: Maybe, maybe not. Those stories are under contract, and to release them at this time would be a breach of contract with my publisher. But, if the contracts expire over the course of the club, then...maybe. :)
Q: Sophia! You didn't answer my question!
A: Well, then leave a comment below and I'll add it to the list.
Excellent idea and concept!
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