What are the benefits — and the challenges — of crowdfunding on Kickstarter? How can you fund successfully, as well as make a profit with your campaign? Paddy Finn gives his tips. In the intro, you can find more selling direct resources here; Streaming due for a streamlining [FT]; Authors Guild explores AI licensing deal [Hollywood Reporter]; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI on Bill Gates' podcast, Unconfuse Me; AI audio company ElevenLabs in funding deal [TechCrunch]. Plus, follow my book research trip for Spear of Destiny on Instagram @jfpennauthor or Facebook @jfpennauthor. This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors.  Paddy Finn is the author of science fiction and fantasy novels, the CEO of Penny Dragon Games and Starcane Press, and is a Kickstarter expert. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * Harnessing the popularity of Dungeons and Dragons on Kickstarter * Offering physical objects to accompany your book campaign * Why are direct sales and Kickstarter taking off now? * The importance of audience ownership * Pre-launching your Kickstarter campaign * Costing out your campaign to make it profitable * Shipping tips, tools, and manufacturing recommendations * How to plan a six-figure campaign You can find Paddy at PaddyFinn.com, and his course at KickstarterUniversity.com. Transcript of Interview with Paddy Finn Joanna: Paddy Finn is the author of science fiction and fantasy novels, the CEO of Penny Dragon Games and Starcane Press, and is a Kickstarter expert. So welcome to the show, Paddy. Paddy: It's awesome to be here, Jo. Thanks for having me.