Help publish my cozy adventure book, Guarding Gus

Hello! Thank you for coming to my cozy corner of the Internet. I had an idea 2 years ago that came out of nowhere while standing in a botanical garden, and the only words were "Bonsai Bodyguard." From there, an entirely silly, corny, and ridiculous cozy adventure was born, now renamed "Guarding Gus". Gus is short for Gustopher, our gargoyle. :D

This book is a cross between Terry Pratchett, The Blues Brothers, and 3 Men & A Baby.

Here's the back jacket blurb --

Nico, who has just begun passing in public as a transgender man, relishes the quiet life working as a bonsai bodyguard. But during a chance encounter one night amidst the aftermath of a territory dispute, he meets Brant, an excitable, good-natured cookie bodyguard, and the two strike an instant friendship. They form an irresistible bond with Gustopher, a baby gargoyle in need, setting off on a thrilling three-day adventure to rescue the little creature and reunite it with its rightful owner.

As they set out on their mission, the mismatched duo encounter predicaments unusual to new foster parents. Unscrupulous enemies lurk in the shadows, eager to exploit Gustopher on the black market. In order to ensure Gus's safety, Nico and Brant must quickly learn how to nurture (what do gargoyles eat, anyway?) and safeguard their newfound charge. Fortunately, their journey leads them to encounter Remi, an eccentric vampire cheese guard from the heart of Wisconsin, and Jasper, a seasoned traveler, who faithfully accompanies the renowned Manley Cup, the cherished trophy of a championship hockey team.

Together, this peculiar quartet must combine their unique talents navigating both gargoyle-raising and mafia boss hunting. As they traverse the small mountain metropolis, their hidden secrets gradually come to light, forging unbreakable bonds and solidifying their motley chosen family. And in the midst of it all, Gustopher surprises them with delightful…qualities, adding an extra dose of astonishment everywhere they go.

*****

I already have the first half of the funds covered for the book's publication. But there are other expenses that will help it cross the finish line and that's where you come in, to help pay for the final bits and bobs.

I estimate the book will cost about $2500 to make. I have approximately $1000. So the fundraiser will be for $1500. It's to pay for the final payment on the cover ($700), the book formatting ($200), the editing ($250), the page edging ($140), and the miscellany marketing funds for Linktree ($48), yarn for marketing doll ($35-I'm lucky that Hunny is making the doll for me for free, donating her labor and expertise!) There's a few other expenses like character illustrations, that's a few hundred as well. Making sure I amplify the book with marketing is THE most critical thing at this juncture, so those marketing expenses are not frivolous, they are absolutely necessary. If we end up in stretch-goal territory, then that will go towards things like buying advanced copies, signing them, and shipping them to donors who contributed over $25.

The fundraiser will be open for 30 days, and I will post cover art sketches as we go. I have a heavy presence on TikTok, but can also be found on Goodreads, IG, FB, and Discord servers for indie authors. My handle is typically promisepress.

Editing will happen over August/September. The e-book releases on Kindle Unlimited on 10/10/2023. The print book will go live on 12/01/2023.

To my friends: Consider this fundraiser the event that'll cover every gift you considered sending me this year: Winter Solstice gift, birthday gift, Arbor Day gift, all rolled into one.