People will use tools for whatever they can. The idea of Etsy was that it was for just genuinely hand-made stuff but the rules have changed over time so it is full of mass-manufactured stuff too.
> Why would you use kickstarter in place of a preorder system?
Why not, if you can and it works?
This way the money comes in up-front instead of after production
And you have a very good guide for sizing the first production runs (instead of taking a chance on producing too many and having to sell at a discount or store at a cost).
Also, there is the chance that the crowdfunding status will generate free advertising, as is happening here.
And with this high an interest, with proof rather than it being a guess/belief, he can probably negotiate better rates with that publisher for these runs.
And they can be quite strict about only allowing projects that are nearly complete. It's extremely common for a boardgame, or other project to be "complete" but need a tonne of investment for production, shipping, etc.
Seems like the perfect model for a book launch. And the fans get what they want too with all the bonuses.
I was surprised by how much post production happens after the initial draft is written.
As I recall, our biggest cash outlays were marketing and editing.
Picture two different business plans:
I will sell them. I have to gamble on how many to order. I have a ton of risk.
I sell it on kickstarter. I know how many to order. I have way less risk.