Big thanks to those who found the glitch that could allow double-charging for certain digital add-ons added during the campaign. /headdesk/ That shadowy error had slipped through my review, Backerkit review, and the smoke test, wow. But it should be fixed now!

To be clear: The base price of the add-on, if added during the campaign, is for the ebook. The other editions (paperback, hardback, audiobook) selected during the survey will show an upcharge from that base ebook. (I love my readers, but I cannot sell epic fantasy for less than it costs me to print.) But no one should be charged twice for the ebook! and now, that glitch should be fixed.

So please feel free to complete your surveys now!

And good news! We expect delivery of even special editions in time for local pickup at Gen Con! (Special editions will not be at Realm Makers Expo, for those who asked about that event -- it's a little too soon. Regular editions should be, per current predicted delivery dates.) Delays could still happen, of course, and I'll certainly update if they inform me our palette of books fell into the ocean, but it's probably safe to go ahead and select local pickup if you prefer.

Thanks!

We're so close!

Paperbacks and hardbacks are in production, and surveys are going out this week.

I'm still waiting on one file before I can finalize production for the special editions. Guys, this is weird; I've worked with this professional team for years and they've always been reliable and fantastic, and now I've been waiting on this for many weeks. I can do many publishing tasks myself, but I don't like to kludge what should be beautiful art, and especially not when I've already contracted with someone to do it for a sizeable chunk of money. I am so sorry for the delay and trust me, no one is more agitated about this than I am. I'll let you know when I have what I need and we can start the special edition printers.

When you begin your surveys, you might be alarmed at seeing a high shipping cost initially -- but do not panic! The interface might default to a really high rate until you reach the end of your survey and it re-calculates to a more accurate number. Shipping includes both tracking and insurance, which is why this time I'm not using the USPS media rate. Given recent delivery experiences, this is best. You'll be able to see your package all the way to your door, and if it goes wrong, it's insured and we can replace it!

Local pickup should be available at Gen Con, or perhaps another event -- contact me if you want to ask. If you would like to pick up your rewards in person, choose "local pickup" from the Country menu in your survey.

Important note: Due to the above-mentioned delay, the special editions will be the latest in production and transit, and I cannot guarantee they will arrive in time for pickup at Gen Con. If you pledged or added special edition rewards, please do not rely upon local pick up at Gen Con. If you choose this option and the books do not arrive in time, there will be an additional shipping charge to send them out. But I am doing my best! and we can cross our fingers that they'll ship quickly.

First off, an apology -- I opened this page to update and found that my last update had been written but not actually published. /facepalm/ I'm so sorry, and I never meant to leave you hanging! So here's the updated update.

My plan, barring unexpected issues, is to receive the physical books in early to mid July. I am waiting on one file delivery which I need to finalize production, and for three days I've checking my inbox about every 20 minutes to see if it's happened yet. As soon as I get that, I'll push the button and start the countdown.

The enamel pins were delayed in production, but I hope to have them safely in hand by July as well, and they should be even better than I'd hoped, with new UV printing. I have everything else in hand and ready to go. That means fulfillment!

Audiobooks will be delivered later, as real human audiobook production takes time, but all audio backers will receive their ebooks first with all ebook deliveries.

I'm sure you've heard already from many campaigns about struggles with the tariffs and the ever-shifting cost changes, with significant changes in production costs and delivery, so I won't repeat them here. Please know that I've worked hard to make 2024 margins and budgets work without affecting backers. Several people have asked about additional tariff charges or increased shipping rates, and I really don't want to do either. But if anyone likes, picking up some extra ebooks or audiobooks at checkout is a great way to get something for yourself while helping to make up the difference, and thank you for asking!

Now, surveys are coming soon. They have not yet gone out because I'm double-checking some shipping charges questions with Backerkit, and I don't want anyone to be charged incorrectly. As soon as those concerns are resolved, surveys will launch to prep for fulfillment soon after.

Okay, that's all until the surveys go out. Thank you!

Hey, friends! I opened a poll regarding a new fulfillment option. Please give it your vote! Thanks!