Production Update + Surveys Going Out!
10 months ago
– Fri, Jun 13, 2025 at 12:57:07 PM
Hi Backers!
I wanted to pop in with a quick project update—things are moving along smoothly. Yay!
While I was away in Germany, I received a shipping and production update from the printer: Anira is scheduled to ship later this month and should (fingers crossed) arrive at port in August. There’s still paperwork to handle and transit to my studio, but I’m very excited about the prospect of being able to fulfill the project way ahead of schedule!
When I first planned this campaign, so much was up in the air with tariffs and import costs, so I gave us a generous delivery window (up to a year) to make sure I had flexibility. Now that things seem to have stabilized (hopefully), it looks like we’ll have books heading to your mailboxes later this summer/early fall.
(Fingers crossed things continue to move along smoothly!) 🤞
BackerKit Surveys Are Going Out!
Keep an eye on your inbox in the next few days. I’ve started sending out surveys via BackerKit!
This is where you can:
- Confirm your shipping address (don’t worry if you're moving—you’ll get a heads-up before addresses are locked and we begin shipping).
- Select add-ons if you haven’t already.
- Help me get an estimate on how many books to send to my EU warehouse vs. fulfill here in the US, and begin finalizing packaging on my end.
Filling out your survey early really helps me keep everything moving—thank you!
Goodies Update!
Collectible Coin: Here’s a look at the final sample! I love the aged finish—it feels like something a character might actually carry around in the world of Antarah. I hope it makes a lovely addition to your treasure shelf.
Enamel Pins: Due to arrive later this month, around the same time as the coins.
Stickers: These arrived while I was away—just look at these two! Ugg so cute! You can add these, along with other add-ons in your BackerKit survey.
That’s all for now! If you have any questions at all, feel free to message me—I’m happy to help. 💜
Thank you again for making this project possible.
I can’t wait to get these books to you!
-Naomi
Back another project I think you'll love!
Morgan Clae (yup, the same artist that also collaborated with me on creating the theme song for Anira) has put together an incredible project—A high fantasy musical!
Check it out here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/neverstopproductions/lunaiira-souls-rift-the-musical?ref=user_menu
Book Update – hard copy proofs are here!
10 months ago
– Tue, May 27, 2025 at 01:10:34 PM
Hi Backers!
It’s time for an update on Anira and the Spirit of Magic!
A few weeks ago, the hard copy proofs arrived at the studio—and wow, it’s a lot of book when the pages aren’t double-sided! 😅
These proofs are printed on the actual paper stock (the same as Naiya and the Foxdragon, for those who have a copy), so I was able to carefully check color, detail, and layout before the full run begins.
I only spotted a handful of small things that needed adjusting, and I’m happy to report that as of last week… we’re officially in full book-printing mode!
✨ Other Items in Production
The enamel pins and collector coin have also finished production and are currently en route to the studio. For this campaign, my plan is to ship as many items together as possible—this reduces excess packaging and makes it easier for you to keep track of your order.
📬 What’s Next?
Once I receive an estimated delivery date from my book printer, I’ll begin sending out BackerKit surveys. That’s where you’ll confirm your shipping details, choose add-ons, and finalize your order. More on that soon!
Thank you again for your continued support—I can’t wait to get this book into your hands. 💛
— Naomi
(scroll for some more proof photos)
Anira Updates! - A Month Later
11 months ago
– Tue, May 06, 2025 at 08:24:26 AM
Hi everyone,
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since the campaign ended—thank you again for helping bring Anira and the Spirit of Magic to life! I wanted to share where things stand and what’s coming next.
📦 Production Progress
Right after the campaign closed, I handed off the print files to my book printer. We went through a few formatting rounds, especially for the cover, to get everything prepped for high-quality printing. I’ve also paid in full for the enamel pin set and collectible coin, which are also currently in production too.
Next up, I’ll be sending the Worldbuilding Notebook and mini art prints to get printed. I’m now waiting on the first round of printed Anira book samples from my printer.
💰 Tariff News
One of the significant stressors post-campaign was navigating the recent tariff changes. With all the uncertainty around new U.S. tariffs, I spent several sleepless weeks crunching numbers and preparing for a worst-case scenario that might’ve added $27k or more to production costs (essentially doubling or tripling our printing costs and my original Kickstarter goal overnight).
Thankfully, I received regular updates and confirmation from my printing partner that books are still being taxed at the lower rate I originally planned for when I launched Anira. This was a huge relief (seriously!)—and because of that...
🛒 Pre-Orders Are Now Open!
I’ve officially opened up pre-orders for Anira and the Spirit of Magic! Thank you to those who’ve already reached out asking how to support beyond the campaign. Pre-orders are now available on BackerKit.
>> Pre-order Anira here <<
📓 Worldbuilding Notebook Update
For those who missed The Worldbuilding Notebook from my first novel, Naiya and the Foxdragon, I have a small number of copies left. I’ve made them available to Kickstarter backers first through BackerKit (you'll be able to add these to your order when I send out the surveys soon), and if they don’t sell out, I’ll make them available to pre-order customers as well.
What's next?
📬 Backer Surveys
Once I receive a timeline from the printer and shipping confirmation, I’ll send out your BackerKit surveys so you can confirm your rewards, add-ons, and shipping details.
You can also expect another update ASAP when those Anira book samples are in hand! :)
Thank you again for supporting an independent author and artist. For backing this project and believing in me. Your support made this book real—I don’t take that for granted for a second. 💜
With so much gratitude,
Naomi
Also, here's a cheesy little thank-you card. As a backer, I seriously think you're pretty awesome!
Thank you! Plus Stretch Goal Unlocked & More!
12 months ago
– Sun, Mar 30, 2025 at 06:07:28 PM
We did it!!! 🎉
I’m honestly overwhelmed—in the best way.
This campaign has officially come to a close, and thanks to you, Anira and the Spirit of Magic is not only funded… it's thriving.
To every single one of you who pledged, shared, commented, and cheered this project on—thank you.
Your support means the world to me.
This book has been years in the making, and seeing it embraced like this has been such a powerful reminder of why I create stories in the first place: to connect, to imagine, and to share something magical.
💫 $50K Stretch Goal Unlocked!
I love that I get to write this part.
This morning, I didn’t think we’d be here—but here we are anyway!
Everyone, no matter their reward level, will receive the bonus wallpaper bundle:
• 2 Desktop Wallpaper designs (in both HD and UltraWide)
• 2 Phone Wallpapers designs (vertical format)
(Wallpapers will be released here for download in a future Kickstarter Update)
A little thank-you gift from me to you. ✨
Miss an Add-On? Want to upgrade reward tiers?
Don’t worry—as a Kickstarter backer, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to add on extra items like books, pins, coins, stickers, and bookmarks when the BackerKit survey goes out later this spring.
You’ll also be able to upgrade to any remaining limited tiers, so if you missed something along the way, don’t stress! You’ll get another chance.
What’s Next
In the coming weeks, I’ll be getting everything ready for the next phase—surveys, production updates, and behind-the-scenes peeks as the book heads to print.
Kickstarter will release funds in about two weeks (once all payments are processed), and I’ll begin placing orders and locking in timelines.
I’ll also be using BackerKit to manage your pledges and add-ons, and I’ll share more info about that as soon as it's ready!
But for now, I just want to pause and say…
Thank you for helping make this dream real. 💕
More soon,
-Naomi
Final Day Update—Stretch Goal Unlocked: Sticker & Bookmark Set
12 months ago
– Sun, Mar 30, 2025 at 09:30:27 AM
Hi everyone!
We’re in the final hours of the Anira and the Spirit of Magic Kickstarter—and I have one more exciting update to share before the campaign closes tonight at 6PM PDT!
🎉 New Stretch Goal Unlocked:
✨ A sticker & bookmark set!
This set includes two character stickers and one illustrated bookmark and is now available as an add-on for all backers at physical reward tiers!
💡 How to Get It:
You can add the Sticker & Bookmark Set to your pledge by selecting “Manage Your Pledge” and choosing it from the list of add-ons. (some instructions if it helps here)
Or—if that's too much and you’d rather wait—you’ll also have the chance to add it (and any other extras you may have missed) later through BackerKit, the platform I’ll be using to manage surveys and fulfillment after the campaign ends.
I’ll share more details on that once everything wraps!
🚀 Final Goal
We’re currently at $46K, and if we hit $50K before the campaign ends tonight at 6PM PDT, I’ll be unlocking a FREE digital wallpaper bundle for all backers—both physical and digital tiers.
Thank you
I just want to say—thank you. Truly.
This has been an amazing journey, and it wouldn’t be possible without your support, encouragement, and all the sharing you’ve done along the way.
After the campaign ends tonight, I’ll continue posting behind-the-scenes updates as the book goes into production. I can’t wait to bring Anira and the Spirit of Magic into your hands.
With lots of gratitude,
- Naomi
