Hypernotes Scorch (Patreon)
Content
It is no exaggeration to say that the production of Hypernotes Scorch has become the most difficult project this company has ever undertaken. Originally delivered to our printer in Nov 2020, we anticipated delivery of the books NLT January 2021. When the first printer delivered our books about five weeks ago(more than three months behind schedule), the production was a catastrophe. You can go back through our timeline to see photos of the condition of what we received. It was totally unacceptable.
After several days of discussion, the printer refunded us our money in total and we went our separate ways.
We immediately began a search for a new printer and found two credible options. We went with a print shop that we have used for years without any issues. The company had recently added offset/binding capability, something they were not offering when we did the first Hypernotes book. Last Friday, May 14, we received 500 copies of Hypernotes Scorch from this vendor and after a full weekend of QC, we returned 90% of those books to the printer today.
Simply put, there were quality issues with the book that are unacceptable to us - especially given the price we paid to produce the books and the price we intend to sell them for based on that cost. After a good meeting earlier today, we have mapped a path forward that should eliminate the quality issues with the current books and will have product in our hands within 3 weeks.
The bad news. The cost to produce this zero QC failure book is essentially double what we had paid. Our cost per book is now $60 per unit vs $35. Future editions will be printed elsewhere, but for our own sanity we need to get this project completed and in your hands ASAP.
Everyone here has been incredibly generous in the support and patience with this project. We are asking, not requiring, anyone who had previously supported this project at the $25 level for two months or the $50 for one month (the original requirement to get a book if you live in the US) to bump at least another $25 this month if only to help us get through this total catastrophe. Or if you wish (since someone asked) you can just send us some $ at orders@echelon-software.com (just put a note about it being to help us pay for the book so our customer service staff aren't trying to figure out what mystery money is for LOL).
If you have been supporting us at the $25 level for three or more months or the $50 level for two or more months since December, 2020, you have done your part (though feel free to give us another boost as it will really help ^o^)! We will be signing books for everyone who can do this.
My apologies for having to ask for more when you have all given so much. Thank you for your continued patience and support.