Esper's Emporium of Esoterica

2nd Update - May 2022 - Shipping, Esoteric Encounters
almost 2 years ago – Sat, May 14, 2022 at 03:33:18 AM

Hello everyone!

It is surreal seeing so many copies of my book. What a trip it is to behold how this dream project has become a reality.

The book looks great! And also because of the delay with the coated paper shortage, I was able to slip in a few updates that tuned up some things, so it's great to see those in there.

I have begun processing and shipping books. It is definitely a much more complicated and expensive process than I ever imagined. So I'm working on a creative solution to help get through the final portion of this journey: I'm creating a companion product for the Emporium, which is a package: 14-map pack plus a pdf called Esoteric Encounters, which uses the maps and monsters from the Emporium to bring you 14 short adventures (including digital tokens for the monsters). 

The exact way that Esoteric Encounters will get implemented is not settled yet. It might be a donation reward or a pay-whatever-you-want product. It might get managed through the same Backerkit pledge manager. Many details to sort out still, but I want a way to help offset the shipping costs plus provide a cool product to you all that utilizes content from the Emporium.

Update - May 2022 - The books are here!
almost 2 years ago – Tue, May 10, 2022 at 05:11:54 PM

At long last, the Emporium has arrived!

The print quality is great, and the book looks really nice. I am very happy with how it turned out.

It is also very heavy. Literally, I received over 2 tons of books (4,200 lb. total).

I am now entering into the big and complex phase of processing and shipping these out.

There is a big challenge that has come up, which I need to find a solution for. International shipping has increased immensely over the past 2 years. In my naivety, I charged the shipping rates ahead of time (it was part of the Backerkit post-kickstarter survey), but since 2020, international shipping rates have soared. This is also compounded by the fact that the book is heavier than initially estimated—because of the worldwide paper shortage, I had to go with 80 lb. paper instead of 60 lb., which only further increases shipping cost because of the higher weight. I am thinking creatively to try to come up with a solution to this major hurdle.

Domestic (US) shipping has been relatively unaffected, and I don't foresee any big issues there.

So, an incredible milestone, but still some big challenges to face. As always, I'll keep you all updated.

Esper

2nd Update - April 2022
about 2 years ago – Sat, Apr 30, 2022 at 06:49:30 PM

Hello everyone,

Exciting news, the Emporium has finished printing at Mixam and is now going to shipping. FedEx estimates that I should have the shipment by the end of next week. I will keep you all updated.

All the best,

Esper

Update - April 2022
about 2 years ago – Thu, Apr 07, 2022 at 02:41:37 AM

Hello everyone!

I'm checking in with you all to let you know that May is still the estimated date for the hardcover version of the Emporium. Things are still looking good, and I'm getting so excited. I am so ready to move onto new projects, and once I get the physical product sent out, I'll finally be free to unveil the next great idea.

Until next time,

Esper

2nd Update - March 2022
about 2 years ago – Sun, Mar 27, 2022 at 01:03:09 AM

Hello everyone,

Mixam seems to have sorted out the pre-press issue. I just confirmed the final proof this morning. They emailed me saying,

"Thank you for for confirming! We have notified the production team to start printing and are waiting on a response on an estimated dispatch date.

I completely understand, I know it has been a long time coming and we are very excited for you."

I am SO glad to read those words. The hardcover version is finally going to see the light and get delivered to you backers!

As always, I appreciate you all, and I will post more updates as they come.

Esper