Example milestone plan
An example plan for a photo book dream with a goal of $9,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$1,350 · 15%
Edit the image sequence
Post a contact sheet, sequencing notes and a selected image list showing the book narrative and planned page count.
Milestone 2
$2,250 · 25%
Approve a bound dummy
Share photographs of the bound dummy, layout spreads and paper tests, with notes on colour and binding choices.
Milestone 3
$4,050 · 45%
Produce the print run
Post the printer invoice, approved production sheets and photographs of finished copies from the completed run.
Milestone 4
$1,350 · 15%
Pack and document delivery
Share packaging tests, a stock count and redacted dispatch records showing how completed books are being handled.
- 01
Make every step provable
A milestone only works if a Backer can look at your proof and agree it is done. 'Buy equipment' is weak; 'equipment bought, receipt and photo posted' is strong.
- 02
Order by risk
Put the cheapest, fastest step first. Each proven milestone proves you deliver and encourages Backers to fund the next. Leave the biggest amount for the step where most of the work is already done.
- 03
Keep the amounts honest
Milestones must add up exactly to your goal. Price each step from real quotes, include tools and services, and split any step that is too big to prove in one go.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Print colours drift
Photographs can look different on the chosen paper than on screen. Schedule physical colour proofs before the print run and budget for one correction round in the dummy milestone.
- R2
Binding changes page count
A preferred binding may require a different page count or paper weight. Confirm specifications with the printer during layout and leave design time for a revised dummy before production.
- R3
Copies arrive damaged
Heavy books and delicate covers can suffer in transit. Test protective packaging before dispatch and include replacement materials and a small spare-copy allowance in the print budget.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a photo book dream in Houston, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$9,000
- Image preparation$1,350 · 15%
- Design and proofing$1,800 · 20%
- Printing and binding$4,500 · 50%
- Packing and delivery$1,350 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $9,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$1,350
- You receive
- $7,650
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Questions and answers
Should I fund a small edition or a larger print run?
Start with a quantity you can store, inspect and distribute. Compare printer quotes for the same paper and binding, then explain the chosen edition size to Backers without assuming that every copy will find a buyer.
Can I use a digital mockup as proof of the finished book?
A digital mockup can demonstrate layout, but it cannot show paper, colour or binding quality. Use it in the design stage, then post photographs of a physical proof and finished copies for the production milestone.
How many milestones should a photo book dream have?
Three to six works for most dreams. Fewer gives Backers little to review; more than seven makes each step feel small. The example plan on this page uses four.
Ready when you are
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