Having read author JD Cowan’s post about the back-to-back paradigm shifts that have upended legacy publishing, it occurred to me that most of the discussion surrounding previous book industry revolutions focused on authors and publishers. Lost in all the controversy was any thought of how the fall of oldpub – and now, of KDP – might hurt or benefit readers.
That’s where Neopatronage has a decisive advantage over previous creative models. It should go without saying, but giving patrons a say in the production of art provides the artist with immediate feedback regarding his customers’ needs.
It turns out that not only is letting your backers into the studio informative, it’s lots of fun for all involved. I found that out through the Build-a-Mech perks I’d offer through my Combat Frame XSeed crowdfunders. The patrons who commissioned them had a blast seeing the big robots they’d envisioned realized, readers got a kick out of them too, and the books received independent funding. It was win-win-win.
Besides providing authors with alternative capital streams not beholden to the Big 5 of Amazon, Neopatronage has answered a burning question that’s long nagged newpub authors: How do readers most like to consume books? What we’ve learned is that nothing gets people interested like getting them involved.
In light of that revelation, I’d be stupid – and professionally negligent – not to continue offering backers personal investment in my stories. In the planning phase of the current crowdfunder for my Soul Cycle prelude novel The Burned Book, a friend suggested creating the Work-a-Weapon perk as a fantasy analog to Combat Frame XSeed’s beloved BaMs. Each WaW perk lets the backer who claims it commission an enchanted, even sapient, item for inclusion in The Burned Book. Plus, I’ll have original artwork made depicting each weapon.
The result?
WaWs are already among the most popular perks in our new campaign their first time out. With a little less than a month to go, 3 out of the 5 have been claimed, with considerable buzz surrounding the last 2.
That’s a rather strong showing. And it’s more proof that Neopatrons aren’t just in it for passive enjoyment. They want to get some dirt under their fingernails.
Behold the firstfruits of our first round of WaWs:
From the backer: This jian style sword is inhabited by the tarnished soul of a great warrior’s brother-in-arms. In a failed battle to repel the army of a Prince of Hell, the sword’s owner was possessed by a demon. His friend willingly died on the blade as penance for his failure. After enough purging, the soul can leave the sword. This is a means of the soul’s purification and the bearer’s redemption. In the meantime, it helps stave off harmful workings and spirits.
In essence, the sword protects against external supernatural influences in dissonance with its own. Its attacks also do greater harm to preternatural beings whose virtues and vices are misaligned with the trapped soul’s.
The patron who commissioned this sword has been gracious enough to leave its naming to me. And I, in the spirit of audience participation, extend the same courtesy to you. Devise a name worthy of this haunted, fated weapon, and post it in the comments.
You can get your own Worked Weapon – or any of myriad other sweet perks – and greenlight interior map art for The Burned Book by backing the project on Indiegogo. Only 2 WaWs remain, so don’t wait. Pledge now!
SNES fans: Get your action RPG fix with my review of the first Quintet Trilogy game Soul Blazer. The exclusive review is for Neopatrons only, so get access to this and all future reviews, plus membership in our secret Discord.
Join on Patreon or SubscribeStar now!
Qingslayer, the Blade of Dynasties.
I ‘unno. First thing that popped into my head.
I appreciate the pun, but it’s a non-diagetic one, and cross-language.
Name it Vestirger.
Portmanteau of “vestige” and “purger”.
Stevie McTassle
Thank you
I don’t know how overt you want the religious references in things to be, but I’ll go with “Miserere.”
Considering the function of the sword and its origin, it may be a tad on the nose.
I’ll toss my hat into the ring with: Penitent Ghost
Grey Penitence or Teardrinker
You even spelled “grey” in accordance with the Soul Cycle style guide.
This is the wey
Having taken in the general mood of the entries, I have named this blade Grey Mercy, the sword of purgation.