- 01
You are the proof
Put your face in the first photo, explain your background in two sentences and show something you have already made. Backers back people first and plans second.
- 02
Keep the scope small
The first milestone should fit one person's time and skills. Outsource only what you cannot do, and give those costs their own milestone so Backers see them.
- 03
Protect your time
Post proof when a step is done, answer chat once or twice a day and keep your story current. A steady rhythm builds more trust than bursts of activity.
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 wherever you live, 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
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.
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
Can one person really fund a photo book dream?
Yes. Backers do not require a company. They need to understand your goal and see proof as you go, and a small first milestone is the best way to show you deliver.
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.
Ready when you are
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