10 Crowdfunding Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Gain insights from Eric Schmidt, Everette Taylor, and Steve Schmidt with these expert-recommended Crowdfunding Books to elevate your campaign strategy.

Eric Schmidt
Steve Schmidt
Eric Ries
Michael Dell
Ray Kurzweil
Derek Sivers
Updated on June 22, 2025
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What if your crowdfunding campaign could avoid the common pitfalls that sink so many projects? Crowdfunding has reshaped how entrepreneurs and creators fund their dreams, but success hinges on more than just a great idea. Today, savvy founders like Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, and Steve Schmidt, a respected crowdfunding strategist, emphasize proven systems and community-building over quick fixes. Taylor calls Mark Pecota's approach in Crowdfunded a "results-oriented proven leader in the crowdfunding industry," while Schmidt highlights its value for veterans and newcomers alike.

Meanwhile, authors like Devin Thorpe, a Forbes writer on crowdfunding, and Eric Ries, known for lean startup principles, provide strategic insights into equity crowdfunding and campaign marketing. Their expertise underlines how deep knowledge and practical tactics can turn your campaign into a breakthrough.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific product types, experience levels, and funding goals might consider creating a personalized Crowdfunding book that builds on these insights.

Best for product creators launching campaigns
Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, knows crowdfunding inside and out, having overseen countless successful campaigns. He praises this book for delivering results rather than empty promises, saying, "Many people claim to be 'experts' but haven't actually done the work...LaunchBoom is the exact opposite, they are a results-oriented proven leader in the crowdfunding industry." Taylor’s endorsement carries weight because he’s witnessed firsthand how LaunchBoom’s methods help campaigns thrive. Similarly, Becky Center, CEO of Indiegogo, highlights how this book offers a clear roadmap that has helped hundreds of campaigns exceed goals, making it an invaluable guide for anyone serious about turning their dream into reality.

Recommended by Everette Taylor

CEO of Kickstarter

Many people claim to be 'experts' but haven't actually done the work...LaunchBoom is the exact opposite, they are a results-oriented proven leader in the crowdfunding industry.

2023·352 pages·Crowdfunding, Product Launch, Fundraising, Marketing Strategy, Email Marketing

When Mark Pecota launched his first crowdfunding campaign, he quickly realized that success required more than just a great product idea—it demanded a precise strategy to attract and convert backers. Drawing from his experience as CEO of LaunchBoom, Pecota lays out a tested system that guides you through the nuances of crowdfunding launches, including how to build a prelaunch email list that’s 30 times more likely to buy and why focusing on the “Four Horsemen of Traffic” can sustain continuous sales. You’ll gain insights into a “test, launch, scale” framework that minimizes risk and practical tactics to secure funding within the first 24 hours. This book benefits product creators and entrepreneurs who want a clear, methodical approach to turning ideas into funded realities, not those looking for quick hacks or vague inspiration.

New York Times Bestseller
Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
#3 Best Seller in Process Management
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Best for entrepreneurs seeking data-driven launches
Steve Schmidt, a respected authority in crowdfunding strategy, recommends this book after extensive study of the field. He emphasizes its value for both newcomers and seasoned veterans, noting, "As a student of crowdfunding, I can say with confidence that you will benefit greatly from reading this book whether you are new at crowdfunding or a seasoned veteran." Schmidt highlights how Mark Pecota’s system clarified his understanding of campaign dynamics and provided practical frameworks to apply immediately.
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Recommended by Steve Schmidt

Crowdfunding authority and strategist

As a student of crowdfunding, I can say with confidence that you will benefit greatly from reading this book whether you are new at crowdfunding or a seasoned veteran.

2020·224 pages·Crowdfunding, Fundraising, Product Launch, Digital Marketing, Brand Positioning

When Mark Pecota first discovered the power of a data-driven crowdfunding system, he realized many creators were launching campaigns without a reliable blueprint. Drawing from his experience as CEO of LaunchBoom, which has raised over $50 million on Indiegogo and Kickstarter, he lays out a precise system to build product positioning, cultivate eager communities, and confidently approach launch day. You’ll learn how to prepare with metrics-backed pre-launch tactics and methods to scale your brand post-campaign. This book suits entrepreneurs ready to go beyond guesswork, especially those aiming for substantial raises on top crowdfunding platforms.

New York Times Bestseller
Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
#3 Best Seller in Process Management
View on Amazon
Best for custom crowdfunding strategies
This AI-powered book on crowdfunding strategy develops a systematic approach with frameworks that adapt to your specific campaign goals and product type. The content is created after you specify your areas of interest and experience level, providing tailored strategies that bridge theoretical crowdfunding knowledge with practical implementation. It focuses on actionable steps from planning through launch execution, supporting your unique path toward funding success.
2025·50-300 pages·Crowdfunding, Crowdfunding Fundamentals, Campaign Planning, Product Positioning, Marketing Tactics

This AI-tailored book on crowdfunding success provides a personalized framework for navigating the complexities of campaign planning and execution. It presents step-by-step strategies that adjust to your specific product type, funding goals, and experience level, cutting through generic advice to focus on actionable steps directly relevant to your context. The methodology covers pre-launch preparation, marketing tactics, community engagement, reward structuring, and post-campaign follow-up, ensuring a comprehensive approach. By integrating these tailored elements, the book offers a strategic roadmap that aligns with your unique campaign challenges and opportunities, enabling targeted implementation of proven crowdfunding principles within your personalized blueprint.

Tailored Framework
Campaign Optimization
3,000+ Books Generated
Best for startups raising capital with equity
Devin Thorpe, a Forbes author specializing in crowdfunding, recommends this book for entrepreneurs aiming to master fundraising. After encountering numerous startups struggling to navigate equity crowdfunding, he found this guide clear and actionable. "Entrepreneurs looking for clear, easy to follow instructions to maximize fundraising should look here first!" Devin highlights how the book demystifies complex processes and provides focused steps to build momentum and reach funding goals efficiently.

Recommended by Devin Thorpe

Forbes author and crowdfunding expert

Entrepreneurs looking for clear, easy to follow instructions to maximize fundraising should look here first!

2016·237 pages·Crowdfunding, Fundraising, Startup, Equity Investment, Marketing Strategy

Unlike most crowdfunding books that focus mainly on campaign basics, this guide by Nathan Rose and Ronald Kleverlaan draws directly from investment banking experience to explore equity crowdfunding as a hybrid between venture capital and public fundraising. You learn exactly how to craft your pitch, choose the right platform, and generate momentum—such as the case where a company raised £1 million in just 96 seconds. The book benefits startup founders and growing companies eager to raise significant capital while gaining marketing exposure simultaneously, with detailed comparisons to bootstrapping, venture capital, and rewards crowdfunding. If you're seeking practical insight into navigating this relatively new funding method, this book offers a clear roadmap without fluff.

New York Times Bestseller
Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
#3 Best Seller in Process Management
View on Amazon
Best for building engaged crowdfunding communities
Library Journal, a respected publication in the literary world, values this book for its practical insight into crowdfunding. They highlight how Jamey Stegmaier’s background as founder of Stonemaier Games and his hands-on Kickstarter experience shine through in his advice. "Stegmaier uses his experiences funding a game company through Kickstarter to offer a fun and readable guide to running a crowdfunding campaign," they note, emphasizing how the book treats crowdfunding as a serious business endeavor demanding thoughtful planning and engaging networking. This perspective reshaped how many approach their campaigns, focusing on building real communities rather than just raising money.

Recommended by Library Journal

Stegmaier (founder, Stonemaier Games) uses his experiences funding a game company through Kickstarter to offer a fun and readable guide to running a crowdfunding campaign. He treats a Kickstarter campaign as a serious business requiring planning, thought, and networking.

2015·216 pages·Crowdfunding, Startup, Business, Community Building, Campaign Planning

More than a manual on raising funds, this book dives into how Jamey Stegmaier’s experience with seven Kickstarter campaigns shaped a community-first approach to crowdfunding. You'll learn how to prepare campaigns, grow genuine fan bases, and communicate transparently with backers to turn them into advocates, not just funders. Through over forty case studies, including successes and cautionary tales, Stegmaier offers insights on structuring pitches and maintaining engagement throughout a campaign. If you’re looking to build lasting relationships alongside your business, this guide gives you the mindset and practical steps needed to do so effectively.

New York Times Bestseller
Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
#3 Best Seller in Process Management
View on Amazon
Best for campaigners wanting insider marketing tactics
Eric Ries, founder and executive chairman of the Long-Term Stock Exchange, brings a keen perspective to crowdfunding success, having closely observed Alex Daly's work. During his involvement with innovative funding models, he recognized Daly's unique ability to navigate complex campaigns. He notes, "Having seen Alex Daly in action it is no surprise that she has had such success with so many crowdfunding projects." This endorsement highlights how her book distills real-world expertise into strategies that have reshaped how creators connect with supporters.
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Recommended by Eric Ries

Founder and executive chairman, Long-Term Stock Exchange

Having seen Alex Daly in action it is no surprise that she has had such success with so many crowdfunding projects.

2017·256 pages·Crowdfunding, Fundraising, Campaign Strategy, Video Marketing, Influencer Engagement

Unlike most crowdfunding books that focus narrowly on platform mechanics, this one draws from Alex Daly's deep experience managing high-profile campaigns for clients like Neil Young and TLC. You’ll learn how to build genuine excitement among fans and influencers, craft compelling videos, and design rewards that actually motivate backers. Daly doesn’t just cover the basics; chapters detail how to avoid common pitfalls and handle press outreach effectively, making it clear this is aimed at anyone ready to move beyond theory. If you’re planning a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign and want insider strategies tested on multi-million dollar projects, this book offers practical insights worth your time.

New York Times Bestseller
Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
#3 Best Seller in Process Management
View on Amazon
Best for tailored equity strategies
This AI-tailored book on equity crowdfunding develops a systematic approach with frameworks that adapt to your startup stage and funding goals. The content adjusts based on your industry, experience level, and specific challenges to address the complexities of raising capital through equity crowdfunding. Created after you specify your areas of interest, it provides a personalized roadmap for structuring offers, engaging investors, and managing compliance nuances essential for a successful campaign.
2025·50-300 pages·Crowdfunding, Equity Crowdfunding, Investor Targeting, Startup Valuation, Regulatory Compliance

This personalized framework for startup equity crowdfunding campaigns provides a tailored approach to navigating the unique challenges founders face when raising capital from diverse investors. It addresses key methodologies including investor targeting, valuation strategies, regulatory compliance, and pitch development, all adapted to your specific startup stage and industry context. The book emphasizes actionable frameworks for structuring equity offers and managing shareholder relations, cutting through generic advice to fit your fundraising goals precisely. By focusing on strategic campaign design and stakeholder engagement tailored to your venture’s specifics, the book equips you with a nuanced roadmap that integrates practical considerations and investor psychology.

Tailored Handbook
Equity Structuring
3,000+ Books Generated
Best for innovators leveraging exponential tech
Eric Schmidt, the Executive Chairman of Alphabet and former CEO of Google, brings a unique perspective to crowdfunding, having guided one of the most influential tech companies through disruptive innovation. After exploring this book, he shared, "Abundance showed us where our world can be in 20 years. BOLD is a roadmap for entrepreneurs to help us get there." This endorsement reflects how the book reshaped his vision of exponential technologies and their role in accelerating entrepreneurship. Similarly, Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell, praises it as an inspiring sequel to Abundance, highlighting its practical game plan for entrepreneurs aiming to go big and impact the world.
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Recommended by Eric Schmidt

Exec. Chairman of Alphabet, Former Google CEO

Abundance showed us where our world can be in 20 years. BOLD is a roadmap for entrepreneurs to help us get there.

Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth and Impact the World (Exponential Technology Series) book cover

by Peter H. Diamandis, Steven Kotler··You?

When Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler challenge the conventional view that entrepreneurship is a slow climb, they invite you into a world where exponential technologies and crowd-powered tools accelerate impact and wealth creation. This book unpacks how innovations like 3D printing, AI, and synthetic biology disrupt industries and enable rapid scaling. You’ll gain insight into the mindsets of bold entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, learn frameworks for designing incentive competitions, and discover how to mobilize communities for crowdfunding success. If you’re looking to understand the mechanics behind launching transformative ventures with modern tech and social leverage, this offers a clear-eyed roadmap, though it assumes you’re ready to think big and move fast.

New York Times Bestseller
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
View on Amazon
Best for entrepreneurs needing actionable campaign plans
Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby and a respected figure in music and entrepreneurship, recommends this book for its precise, actionable guidance. After exploring many crowdfunding resources, he found Ariel Hyatt's approach uniquely practical, describing it as an "amazing how-to guide that is so specifically helpful, it'll make you leap into action immediately." This endorsement highlights how Hyatt’s strategies can shift your thinking and energize your campaign efforts, making complex crowdfunding steps accessible and doable.
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Recommended by Derek Sivers

Founder of CD Baby, American writer and musician

Amazing how-to guide that is so specifically helpful, it'll make you leap into action immediately. Highly recommended.

2016·286 pages·Crowdfunding, Fundraising, Campaign Strategy, Email Marketing, Social Media

What if everything you thought about crowdfunding was missing a crucial element? Ariel Hyatt, drawing from her 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and success with her company Cyber PR®, challenges the notion that crowdfunding is just about raising money. Instead, she reveals how a well-structured campaign can transform your brand and business, as she did by turning $500K into $1 million annually. You'll learn concrete strategies, including daily action plans, sample outreach emails, and social media tactics that go beyond fundraising basics. This book suits entrepreneurs who already have a product or service but need a clear roadmap to engage supporters and maximize campaign impact.

New York Times Bestseller
Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
#3 Best Seller in Crowdfunding
View on Amazon
Best for legal insights on equity crowdfunding
Library Journal, a respected authority in publishing reviews, highlights this book's value for serious small-business entrepreneurs navigating crowdfunding. Their endorsement came from observing the book's thorough approach beyond just an overview. "Much more than an overview, this is a solid, nuts-and-bolts handbook that will be valuable to serious small-business entrepreneurs." This perspective underscores how the book clarifies complex regulations and practical steps, reshaping how entrepreneurs approach equity funding portals.

Recommended by Library Journal

Much more than an overview, this is a solid, nuts-and-bolts handbook that will be valuable to serious small-business entrepreneurs.

2016·288 pages·Crowdfunding, Fundraising, Startup, Equity Funding, Legal Compliance

When Cliff Ennico first uncovered the practical implications of the JOBS Act, he realized crowdfunding could revolutionize how small businesses and startups raise capital. Drawing on his 35 years as a Wall Street lawyer and small business expert, Ennico navigates the complex legal landscape to help you decide if equity crowdfunding fits your venture. You'll learn how to select the right funding platform, craft effective pitches, and comply with disclosure requirements, all grounded in real regulatory insights. This book suits entrepreneurs eager to tap into new funding channels beyond traditional venture capital.

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Best for rewards-based campaign strategists
Derek Miller is a crowdfunding consultant who has raised over $4.7 million through multiple Kickstarter campaigns, launching self-sustaining companies along the way. His extensive experience, featured in outlets like Variety and PBS Rewire, informs this guide that breaks down how to effectively raise funds without sacrificing equity. Drawing on real campaign successes and his role mentoring entrepreneurs, Miller offers practical insights to help you master the art of six-figure crowdfunding.
2018·256 pages·Crowdfunding, Startup, Marketing, Campaign Strategy, Community Building

Derek Miller, a seasoned crowdfunding consultant with a track record of raising over $4.7 million through Kickstarter, shares his hands-on expertise in navigating the complex world of rewards-based campaigns. In this book, you’ll learn how to craft compelling messages, design effective campaign mechanics, and execute marketing strategies that resonate with your audience, illustrated with real examples from successful projects like Cyanide & Happiness. This guide suits entrepreneurs aiming to raise substantial capital without giving up equity, especially those ready to stand out in a noisy marketplace. It’s straightforward and candid, offering a no-nonsense look at what it takes to run a six-figure crowdfunding campaign.

New York Times Bestseller
Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
#3 Best Seller in Crowdfunding
View on Amazon
Best for creatives launching Kickstarter campaigns
Salvador Briggman founded the popular blog, CrowdCrux, which has been cited by the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and more. He helps entrepreneurs raise money on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. He also covers new developments in the crowdfunding industry, making him uniquely qualified to guide you through the crowdfunding landscape with expertise drawn from years of practical experience.
2023·142 pages·Crowdfunding, Fundraising, Marketing, Startup, Campaign Strategy

When Salvador Briggman first discovered Kickstarter as a college student, he was intrigued but confused by the platform's potential. Drawing from years of experience running the CrowdCrux blog and analyzing thousands of campaigns, he developed a structured launch formula that demystifies the crowdfunding process. This book teaches you how to build momentum before launch, engage backers effectively, and leverage marketing techniques unique to Kickstarter and Indiegogo. If you're a startup founder, filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur looking to raise capital and validate your idea, this guide offers clear, actionable frameworks based on real data and tested strategies, without overwhelming jargon or fluff.

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Conclusion

This collection of 10 books reveals key themes: a data-driven approach to campaign planning, the importance of building genuine communities, and navigating the evolving legal and technological landscape of crowdfunding. If you’re facing the challenge of launching your first campaign, start with Crowdfunded and A Crowdfunder's Strategy Guide for foundational tactics and community mindset.

For rapid implementation of marketing strategies, combine The Crowdsourceress with Crowdstart to energize your outreach and content creation. Entrepreneurs aiming for equity crowdfunding will find Equity Crowdfunding and The Crowdfunding Handbook indispensable for understanding legal and investor dynamics.

Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Crowdfunding book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Tailored knowledge is the final step to turning your campaign vision into funded reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Crowdfunded by Mark Pecota. It offers a clear, step-by-step system praised by Kickstarter's CEO, providing a solid foundation for any crowdfunding beginner.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Crowdfunding?

Not at all. Several books, like CROWDFUNDED and A Crowdfunder's Strategy Guide, are tailored to both newcomers and experienced campaigners, offering practical advice you can apply immediately.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational strategy books like Crowdfunded and Equity Crowdfunding. Then dive into marketing-focused titles such as The Crowdsourceress and Crowdstart to refine your outreach and engagement.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on content relevance rather than publication date. For example, Crowdfunded (2023) offers the latest data-driven methods, while A Crowdfunder's Strategy Guide remains valuable for its community-building insights.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Crowdfunding?

No, many books cater to all levels. For instance, Six Figure Crowdfunding provides straightforward guidance for beginners aiming to raise significant funds without equity.

How can a personalized Crowdfunding book complement these expert recommendations?

Personalized books tailor expert insights to your unique goals and experience, making complex strategies easier to apply. They build on classics like Crowdfunded while focusing on what matters most to your campaign. Try creating your custom Crowdfunding book for a perfect fit.

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