BackerKit FAQ
How does BackerKit crowdfunding work?
Crowdfunding is a collaborative way to bring ideas and projects to life. Project creators post their idea for a project, and backers pledge money to make the project possible. Backers get behind the scenes access and backer-only rewards, which can include exclusive products, special pricing, creative input, content, and more.
To become a backer, select a pledge level that features the reward(s) you would like to receive when the project is successfully completed and make your contribution.
All-or-nothing crowdfunding model: The creator sets a funding goal and a deadline to raise funds. If the project does not meet the goal by the deadline, backers credit cards are not charged and no money changes hands.
Crowdfunding projects can happen at various stages of the creative process. Make sure to check the estimated timeline of when rewards will be delivered. Project creators will keep you updated on the progress toward completion and delivery of your rewards.
Backing a crowdfunding campaign is not the same as purchasing an item from a store. When you back a campaign you are supporting the creation of something new. Rewards are almost always delivered, but are not guaranteed.
When will I be charged for my pledge?
Your payment method will not be charged right away. You will be charged for the amount of your pledge when the campaign ends and the project reaches its funding goal. You will not be charged if the campaign does not reach its funding goal.
What happens after the campaign is over?
The Creator will send out a survey that will ask you for more information about your pledge, your shipping information, additional items you may want to add to your pledge, and collect shipping fees if applicable.
The survey will be sent to the email address we have on file with your pledge.
Any additional payment will be charged when you complete your survey and confirm your order.
Project FAQ
How to contact us?
While many issues are addressed in this FAQ page, for questions not addressed here, please contact us at: https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new Note: this, and any link listed below, will need to be copied and pasted into your browser's URL bar. While you can submit a support request through BackerKit, we prefer that you direct your questions to us using the link listed above. Tickets submitted via other channels may delay our response time.
Why crowdfunding?
Brandon explains our answer to this question in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFP5ieFubsM
If I have an issue, when should I contact you?
Please do not wait to contact us! Submit a ticket at this link: https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new. Our support team will help you resolve your concern as quickly as possible. If applicable, please include photos or videos of the damage/defect or other concern.
What is your policy for refunds?
Removing your pledge or changing your payment information are both available to you while the campaign is live. Once your card is charged, no refunds will be processed.
What is your policy for replacements?
The Dragonsteel policy for replacements, housed under our refund policy, (https://www.dragonsteelbooks.com/pages/refund-policy) is in effect for this campaign. Please reach out to us within two weeks of initial shipment delivery if you have any concerns. We also recommend keeping an eye on the community tab of the campaign for updates related to shipping and replacement deadlines.
What if there is an issue processing my payment?
You’ll receive an email from BackerKit if your payment fails (this may be sent to your spam folder, so keep an eye out there). If you are unable to correct the payment issue within fourteen days, your pledge will still be imported into the pledge manager, where you can reclaim your pledge and correct your payment information.
How can I complete my pay over time payments early?
Backers now have the option to complete their pay over time payments early. Here is a step by step process on how to complete your remaining charges: 1) Log in to the BackerKit account used to back the project 2) Select your backer profile image and select "Your Pledges & Surveys" 3) Select "Words of Radiance Leatherbound by Brandon Sanderson" NOTE: Here you can see your pledge level, your total pledge amount, the amount you have paid, your remaining balance, and an option to pay your remaining balance. 4) Select the option to pay your remaining balance and confirm your selection. Within one business day of your payment being processed, your pledge will be imported into the pledge manager for the campaign and you will be sent your backer survey. If you do not receive your survey, please contact Dragonsteel support: https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new
When will my rewards ship?
Tiers that include the Words of Radiance leatherbound, add-ons, and the New Secret Project Box will ship separately from one another. Below are the estimated timelines for these shipments: Fulfillment 1 – Fulfillment begins Fall of 2024 Tiers including the Words of Radiance Leatherbound Tiers including the Dragonsteel Prime Hardcover Fulfillment 2 – Fulfillment begins Fall of 2024 Add-ons Fulfillment 3 – Fulfillment begins mid 2025 New Secret Project Box Keep an eye on the community tab for updates as the estimated timelines may shift.
Can I change my pledge tier?
Yes! You can change your pledge while the campaign is live. Just select your current tier and click “Edit your pledge.” Note: This will not make the newly selected tier an add-on. Rather, it will change your pledge from one level to another.
Can I add on individual items to my pledge?
Yes! Take a look at the “Add-on” tab of the campaign to find individual items and select “Add to Pledge.” You can also add these items in your backer survey after the campaign ends (while supplies last).
Why are add-ons a separate shipment?
Since we do not know how many add-ons each backer may select, they require additional packaging beyond what we can fit in a standard pledge tier shipment. Shipping these items separately allows us to ship pledge tiers at a flat rate.
Why are the plushies not included with my pledge?
Due to the complexity of these plushies, including them with tier rewards would significantly increase the tier pricing. We determined that it would be best for backers to be able to opt in to that cost, rather than being forced to accept that additional cost.
Will you accept late pledges?
Yes! We will accept late pledges through April 30, 2024. We will not be able to add new backers after that date. Once the campaign closes, late pledges can be made on the main campaign page by selecting “Late Pledge Here.” Note: Limited items are subject to availability and may not be available for purchase in the pre-order store.
How many shipments will this campaign include?
This campaign will be fulfilled in three waves. Number of shipments will vary depending on the pledged tier and any selected add-ons. Keep an eye on the community tab for updates as the estimated timelines may shift. Below are the estimated timelines for these shipments: Fulfillment 1 – Fulfillment begins Fall of 2024 Tiers including the Words of Radiance Leatherbound Tiers including the Dragonsteel Prime Hardcover Fulfillment 2 – Fulfillment begins Fall of 2024 Add-ons Fulfillment 3 – Fulfillment begins mid 2025 New Secret Project Box
If I am using a payment plan, when will my rewards ship?
Your rewards will be added to our queue for shipping once you have paid in full. They can not be shipped until full payment has been received. Please note that pledges with incomplete payments will not be eligible for a refund, partial or full.
When is my shipping calculated?
All shipping costs will be determined and charged when completing your backer survey through the pledge manager once the campaign closes. Note: For pledge rewards, shipping is calculated at a flat rate, as listed in the "Regional Flat Rate Shipping" graphic in our campaign story. For add-ons, shipping is determined by both weight and region.
When should I update my shipping address if it changes?
Please update your shipping address immediately through your backer survey. If you encounter any issues with updating your address, please contact our Dragonsteel support team here: https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new.
Will you confirm my address before my pledge rewards ship?
You will receive an email from BackerKit just before we lock your address. However, we recommend updating your address immediately in your BackerKit pledge. If you are unable to update it yourself, please contact us at https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new
If I am moving when rewards ship but don’t know the address of my new residence, what should I do?
Please enter your current shipping address or the address of a friend or family member who will remain at one location throughout fulfillment. Your address can be updated via your backer survey at any time before your address is locked. After that point, please contact us at https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new to change your address.
Can you delay a shipment?
We are not able to delay our shipments as they are sent out in high volume batches. However, if you are concerned about not being able to receive your shipment, you can update the address to one of a friend, a family member, or other reliable location. If you are unable to update it yourself, please contact us at https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new
I want to wait to open a package. Should I do this?
No. Just as we would advise against drinking crem water, we ask that you do not wait to open these packages. If an item is defective or damaged and we are not notified of the issue within two weeks of initial shipment delivery, it is possible that we will be unable to provide a replacement for that item.
Why isn’t shipping offered to my country?
We have shipped for many years to fans all over the world. The countries listed are areas where we are comfortable with the pricing and reliability of shipping services. Countries not listed—which we may have shipped to in the past—have been unreliable and have high rates of shipments being damaged, stolen, or lost. If you live in one of these areas, we do not want to risk your valuable books and rewards, and so we cannot in good conscience offer shipping to your country.
Shipping isn’t offered to my country. Is there anything I can do to get these items?
There are companies who offer mail forwarding services, which might be a solution if you want to receive physical rewards and live in a country we do not ship to. These companies allow you to set up a US address and then forward your shipments to you. We do not endorse or recommend any specific service and cannot take responsibility for any damage to or loss of your rewards after delivery to the shipping address you provide. If any damage has occurred, we must be notified (with included pictures of the damage) within two weeks of delivery to the initial address you provide. Please be aware that we are not able to offer replacements for missing or lost items or packages if the tracking information shows it as delivered to the mail forwarding company.
Customs related fees and issues. What should I expect?
Dragonsteel is happy to share that we will be able to cover customs and duties payments for our international backers. Your quoted shipping costs will be the final amount you pay, and you should not be charged an additional fee upon package delivery. Occasionally our shipping documentation is not reviewed by customs agents and they will request that you still pay for customs/duties fees. In this case, do not pay the charge and reach out to the carrier to inquire what information is needed to show that the fee should be billed to Dragonsteel, as this information should appear on the commercial invoice included with the shipment. If additional documentation is needed, reach out to us https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new We will not be able to offer reimbursement for your customs/duties fees if you elect to pay these charges.
Will the add-ons be brand new or were they included in previous campaigns?
With the exception of The Way of Kings Prime (Second Edition) and The Way of Kings signed leatherbound, both available as add-ons, all other items are brand new to this campaign! Note: The Way of Kings Prime is a new edition but the content within the book has not changed.
What is the size of the plushies?
Our plushie dimensions are approximately 12in x 6in (30.48cm x 15.24cm).
What is the size of the Radiant Order banners?
We are still receiving samples so the exact dimensions are still pending final approvals, but they will have a length greater than 18in (45.72cm).
Will the books be signed and numbered?
Signed and numbered Words of Radiance leatherbound books are limited. All pledges for a Words of Radiance leatherbound will be signed. Only the first volume of the Words of Radiance leatherbound will contain the signature or number, where applicable. The new secret project premium hardcover and Dragonsteel Prime hardcover will not be signed or numbered.
Can I get my books personalized or customized?
No. Due to the high demands on Brandon’s schedule, personalizations and other customizations will not be available for this campaign.
Can you match the number I received in my Way of Kings leatherbound?
No. The Words of Radiance leatherbounds come pre-numbered, packaged, and sealed. As such, we would have to open numerous packages to be able to find a specific number. Additionally, since numbers were randomized for the Way of Kings campaign (as well as for this campaign), we have no way of tracking previous backers' numbers.
How can I download/redeem my New Secret Project ebook and audiobook rewards?
You will receive an email notifying you when digital rewards become available. You can also access your available digital downloads by logging into your backer survey and selecting “Get Your Digital Downloads.” Please note that the audiobook for the new secret project is only included with the $20 tier and the $650 tiers. Other pledge tiers MUST purchase the audiobook as an add-on ($15 USD) if they would like to receive this reward. All backers that pledge for the new secret project audiobook will receive an Audible redemption code as well as downloadable files in MP3 and M4B formats.
Who will narrate the audiobook for the New Secret Project?
Narration details for this project will be announced in a future update after decisions and negotiations are complete.
How do I gift the ebook and/or audiobook to someone else?
Digital content will be made available via the BackerKit pledge manager. You will receive an emailed link to login and download your content (which you can also access by logging in to your backer survey). There are three possible methods to gift these digital format books to someone else: 1) Share your download link and your BackerKit login information. We do not recommend this unless you create a specific login used only for this campaign. 2) You can download the DRM-free files yourself and any single-use redemption codes, and then give them to the intended recipient. 3) Gift the cost of the pledge to the intended recipient so they can pledge with their own account.
Can I get a New Secret Project redemption code for a different audiobook platform?
No. However, it will still be available for purchase on other audiobook platforms. You can obtain it through your preferred audiobook provider when it becomes available!
Can I get redemption codes for the other secret projects on Audible?
No, we are not able to provide audible codes for the other secret project books released as a part of our last crowdfunding campaign. However, they are available for purchase on Audible!
Will there be a Dragonsteel Prime audiobook?
The Dragonsteel Prime ebook and audiobook will be released for everyone to enjoy for free. Once available, they will be downloadable from our online store or from your BackerKit account.
How do I gift the physical items to someone else from my account?
The BackerKit pledge manager will link one account (and email address) with one shipping address—multiple addresses under the same account are not possible. However, you can use a different email address to back again and send it to a different shipping address. If you have more questions, please reach out to us at https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/tickets/new
Are your leatherbounds and other books available in languages other than English?
All books, ebooks, and audiobooks related to this campaign are only available in English.
Are The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance Leatherbounds the same color?
The leather for both books is the same color. However, the foiling on the books can change the way the eye perceives the leather.
Are these books vegan/animal friendly?
As for the leatherbound books, we have looked into animal-friendly options, but haven’t yet found a good way to offer our books with these options. We intend to continue to search for a solution for those fans looking for this option. Unfortunately, availability of this will be some years away. However, our new secret project, Dragonsteel Prime, and The Way of Kings Prime (2nd edition) are animal friendly. They are bound in soft-touch faux leather!
Where are the books printed?
All of our leatherbound books are printed here in the U.S. at American Print & Bindery.
When will the Words of Radiance leatheround become available at Dragonsteelbooks.com?
This leatherbound edition will become available for purchase on our online store only after fulfillment of all leatherbound pledge rewards. Please be aware, however, that once all signed copies are sold, only unsigned copies may be available for purchase.
When will your other leatherbound books or other store items be back in stock? Where can I watch for updates on this?
We work diligently to restock our shelves as often as possible. Our store FAQ breaks down policies regarding item availability, leatherbound titles, and more (https://support.dragonsteelbooks.com/support/solutions/).
Are these rewards exclusive to this campaign?
The Dragonsteel backer pin included in the Backer Pack is currently the only exclusive item to this campaign. Decisions about other item availability and pricing will be made after fulfillment is complete.
Is this a year-long subscription box?
Our last campaign was a historic undertaking! However, this is not a subscription box style campaign. Orders will ship in up to three shipments depending on your pledge tier and add-ons.