International Shipping
almost 4 years ago – Tue, May 17, 2022 at 04:16:22 PM

Hey guys.  I'm hearing concerns about the price of shipping, so I want to be as transparent as possible.  We used two sources to determine shipping.  The first is Backerkit's own calculator (see below).

Next, I used ShipStation and a random address generator to determine the actual costs.  For most foreign addresses, this must ship priority (the book alone is 3 lbs. 6 oz.).  It cannot ship first class, as it weighs too much.  ShipStation gives similar results.

So, while I wish that shipping was less expensive, it does not seem to be right now.  The only price break I was able to put in is for those individuals who only receive a book domestically in the US.  If you ONLY receive the book, I can ship it media mail for a very low rate (like $7), however, if you add on any non-book items it becomes a different class and the price doubles (to around $15).  Just be aware that is the reason for the price increase if you suddenly see your shipping double in the US.

On the plus side, the MSRP of the book ended up $54.99, so everyone who backed the book got a discount on that.  It's a tome, thicker than the 5E player's handbook now!

I'm also turning on the remainder of the pledges today, so you should see yours soon.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to message me.

-Brian

Backerkit Update #2
almost 4 years ago – Sat, May 14, 2022 at 05:32:32 AM

Hey everyone!  I did get some feedback from backerkit about some setup things, but that's all been taken care of and we only await them giving us the nod now.  Again, as soon as they allow it (this weekend I'm hoping), we'll see the first wave of backers getting to finalize their pledges.  Assuming that goes well, we'll open it up for everyone.

Now that things are leaping forward, I'll post every time there's something notable - as well as a gentle reminder to follow along and get your pledges squared away.  Have yourselves a great weekend!

-Brian

Pledge Manager Submissions - ETA 48 hours
almost 4 years ago – Tue, May 10, 2022 at 05:14:20 PM

TL;DR: The pledge manager has been submitted for review through Backerkit.  We should see some pledge levels getting to test it out shortly after approval.

Hi everyone, I know many of you have asked when the pledge manager will be open, and I didn't have a definitive answer previously.  However, I was able to get some help from Backerkit and figure out some of the setup issues that were plaguing me.  I was having some issues ensuring people didn't get over-charged for shipping.

Thankfully, that's been taken care of and the pledge manager is now being reviewed by Backerkit.  They should do a final review and we may likely be able to get this rolling in a couple days.  We'll do a "smoke test" next, meaning we'll open this up to a couple of groups to ensure nothing is broken.  If good, we'll open it up to the rest of the pledge levels this week or early next week.

I added some extra cool items within for those interested, and at a bit of a discount as my thanks for your patience throughout this process.  There's one other surprise in store too, but you'll have to wait until you see your books.

As for a real shipping timeline - some of the simpler pledge levels will begin shipping right away, and the rest will depend on the items ordered and your location.  Domestic orders will see early fulfillment while foreign ones may vary.  The sooner you fill out your shipping pledge though, the sooner we can start getting books out.

Now that this process is moving again and I'm not deadlocked, I'll be able to give you more updates on things.  Expect one more this week as I hear back on the status of the pledge manager from Backerkit.  I look forward to having more good news soon!  We are all eager to get this book shipped.

-Brian 

Test Run #2 is a Success!
about 4 years ago – Fri, Mar 18, 2022 at 03:46:03 PM

Test Run #2 is a Success!

Hey folks!

I've heard the requests for an update, but up until a couple of days ago I had nothing new to report.  I was waiting as anxiously as all of you.  At our last discussion, I showed off the prototype books and noted that we were making a couple of tweaks and changes.  I then ordered a short run of the new books to test the waters, and they have arrived!  

I'm more than pleased with how they look, but we are going to add a UPC code to the back cover for wider distribution.  Even so, this next order will be the larger fulfillment order and it's time to launch the fulfillment through Backerkit.  Look forward to more instructions and details for that next.

Thank you all again, this product has turned out fantastic, and those who have had first glances were wowed.  I think you will be as well - we created something magnificent together!

-Brian

Print Proofs Have Arrived - See the Photos!
about 4 years ago – Sat, Jan 29, 2022 at 02:12:20 PM

Hey everyone, thanks again for the patience.  I haven't had any updates lately since I mentioned ordering the proofs.  However... today I can show off the print proofs, and wow - I am impressed at the quality level! I chose to avoid Chinese printers and work with one here in the Midwest.  I'd been hearing horror stories from my contemporaries who are working overseas and having to pay fortunes for shipping containers.  As such, our print cost is a little higher, but I can call and speak with them if we had questions and problems, and I'd like to think the overall printing and shipping times will be lessened as well.  The book definitely cost more to make than I anticipated, but it was well worth it.

Before I show these off, I just want to say that while this project has taken its sweet time, it was a learning endeavor that all of you made possible.  Total Party Kill Games is very small operation, supported by a handful of talented and dedicated freelancers.  We all learned a ton going through this and have leveled up our process.  This isn't the first book we've published, but it's the largest and the first one to go through a standard printing company.  Everything prior has been largely softcover print on demand sourcebooks.  With those, mistakes are easily corrected.  With a large print run... not so much.  We had numerous setbacks, but we got through all of the challenges before us.

With the Book of Monstrous Might, and thanks to you, we've taken our capabilities and quality to the next level.  The thick, glossy pages are an absolute treat to page through.  The chapters are clearly marked with easy to find thumb guides.  Next-level monster statblocks and cartography will really make this a killer sourcebook.  The art absolutely pops with the glossy pages - and let's not forget the outstanding content which some of you even helped provide!  This is a must-have for every collector's shelf.

So what's next?  We are looking at these print proofs with some canny Perception checks, and may make a couple of minor adjustments.  Then I'm ordering the print run and launching the fulfillment.  You guys will all get the book at the original cost, but you'll see the MSRP likely be $55-60 retail.

I'll try to keep up with at least a bi-weekly update to keep everyone in the loop going forward.  We'll have a lot to share with fulfillment, shipping dates and the next Kickstarter project.  Our writers weren't sitting around on their laurels waiting for all the art, layout and design to be finished.

Again, my sincere thanks!  This was a huge undertaking and accomplishment.  The level-ups here have proven to be game-changers for us.  That's the sort of reason why you back projects on Kickstarter.  You can put money in the hands of a large corporation or buy that same product on the shelf.  Backing this project helped transform our processes, and make a truly premium book.  I can't thank you all enough.  This book is dedicated to all of you who made it possible!

-Brian

Glossy hardcover.

The actual books will have sewn bindings.