As you may have noticed, I’m running a Kickstarter! I’m trying to independently publish a funny picture book called CHEESE!

Over 100 people have supported so far and the project is over 60% funded. But I still need more help.

So why support?

1. CHEESE! is an independent project. Everything you see is me and my illustrator Johnny Schumann. That’s it! No publisher, no production company or studio. This is a project made by real people because we believe in it. It’s a passion project. A dream I’m trying to achieve.

2. The publishing industry is full of celebrities. I get it. It makes sense. Some of them are pretty good too. But it’s basically impossible for a new author to publish a picture book. Kickstarter gives me an opportunity to connect directly with readers and offer something new.

3. It costs a LOT of money to publish a picture book. There are all kinds of costs involved in illustrating, printing and marketing a book. Some are obvious but then there’s stuff like fonts and ISBN registration. Plus fees (Kickstarter, card payments, tax etc). It’s expensive.

4. Up until now I’ve covered all these costs myself. I’ve invested the money I made from a TV writing job and spent over £1000 so far out of my own pocket. I’ll likely need to cover more costs after the Kickstarter has finished. I just need your help to contribute. Every £ helps.

5. This is my first picture book but I’ve been a professional writer since 2010. I’ve worked on all kinds of comedy and kids & family shows. My work has been seen on CBeebies, CBBC, Nickelodeon. I’m bringing that experience to CHEESE! to make a book that families will enjoy.

6. A lot of people I’ve spoken to have said that they also have a personal project that they’re working on or want to create. I want to show that it’s possible. That we’re not reliant on gatekeepers. We have the power to create something and get it in front of an audience.

7. Kickstarter has an “all or nothing” model. Meaning I have to reach 100% of my funding goal by the 4th June, otherwise I don’t get anything. No payment is taken from backers. It all just goes away. The book won’t happen. I’m over halfway and really need your help to reach 100%.

8. I’ve told a lot of people about this campaign. Family, friends, writers, people from my day job, even my local community Facebook page. It will be so awkward if I have to explain to everyone that it failed and I’m a total loser. Please don’t put me in that position.

9. You get something in return! When you pledge you can choose a reward. If you don’t want the book but you like my comedy writing blogs, then I’m offering a guide for comedy writers. You can even tell me what you want it to cover. It’s not charity, you get something too.

10. It feels nice to support a creative project. You’ll feel great about yourself. Your generosity will help a new book be made! An actual book with pages and everything that kids will read with their parents. That’s a nice thing to do. You’ll help me to achieve a dream.

If you want any more info about the project, you’ll find LOADS here. or just ask. I really appreciate you considering helping out.

With your pledge, we can get to 100% and make CHEESE! happen