Fund Ian's Dream: Publish Lions of Carthage!

Hi there, this is Ian, and you've stumbled onto my GoFundMe. Friends and family are painfully aware of this, but I've been working on a book for a "couple of years," which is to say seven. Seven years.

THE BOOK:

It's called Lions of Carthage: The Hannibalic Epic, and it slaps. It's rigorously researched, hyperbolic in action and drama, and channels Homeric prose while engaging the modern reader with a literary style all its own. LoC has mecha, a complex magic system, is deliciously grimdark, and is a meditation on the ethics of warfare.

Writing LoC has been amazing—the best decision I've ever made—but it's also taken up much of my focus. The time I initially spent working (I'm a Special Education teacher) went toward writing, editing, researching, etc. As a result, funds are low. Hence, the GoFundMe.

WHY I NEED YOUR HELP:

Self-publishing a book is pricey. There's cover art, buying ISBNs and barcodes for every format (hardcover, paperback, etc.), the subscription for a year's worth of website hosting—the list goes on. While I have some money squirreled away, it's just not enough.

I'm a stubborn, STUBBORN man, but I'm here to ask for your help. I need this book. I love this book and want it out in the world so I can move on with my life! Most importantly, writing is my calling; it's what I was meant to do. So I'm asking for your charity and assistance in whatever amount you feel is appropriate.

I've prepared a list of the services/fees I'm looking at for those interested in the specifics. Regardless, thank you, even if you only visited this page. I'm out here doing the work, busting my buns daily, because this is worth it. I hope you'll agree and that you can find it in your heart to spare this poor author a couple bucks.

Sincere thanks,

Ian

List of expenses:

ISBNs/Barcodes: $400

Website hosting: $200

Cover art for two books: $4000

ALSO! I have a ton of marketing aspirations for LoC I'd love to make happen. The $4500 goal will get this book on the shelves, but additional support will help spread the word and sell this book so I never need to beg you for money again! I know it's a big ask, but even if we hit our goal, additional donations would mean the world to me.