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Brandon Sanderson’s 2024 BackerKit campaign was Dragonsteel Entertainment’s Words of Radiance Leatherbound, a 10th-anniversary edition of the second novel in The Stormlight Archive. It launched on March 5, 2024, and BackerKit reported that it closed at the end of March with $23,756,818 raised from 102,089 backers.
What the campaign offered
The centerpiece was a leatherbound edition marking 10 years since Words of Radiance was first published in 2014. The campaign also included the surprise announcement of a new Secret Project, later revealed as Isles of the Emberdark. Sanderson’s 2024 year-end account also mentions a second printing of The Way of Kings Prime and Dragonsteel Prime in connection with the campaign.
BackerKit’s preview described the Dragonsteel team’s reason for using the platform: the company had used BackerKit’s pledge manager to fulfill its previous two campaigns, and said it expected keeping crowdfunding and pledge management on one platform to streamline the experience for fans. That was Dragonsteel’s stated rationale, not an independent comparison of platforms.
How much did it raise?
In its April 11, 2024 recap, BackerKit reported that the campaign raised $23,756,818 and attracted 102,089 backers before closing at the end of March. BackerKit called it the second most funded crowdfunding project at that time; that ranking and the totals are the platform’s reported figures, not independently audited results.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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BackerKit also reported that the campaign reached its $2 million goal in 12 minutes and 8 seconds, passed $10 million in just under four hours, and raised $13,657,708.89 in its first 12 hours. The platform described the $10 million pace as a record at the time. These figures are milestones from BackerKit’s retrospective.
Why the campaign drew attention
The campaign joined a major anniversary edition of a popular fantasy novel with a new project reveal. Its scale also came after Dragonsteel had built substantial fulfillment operations: in his 2023 year-end account, Sanderson said the company shipped 775,000 individual packages that year. That shipment figure describes Dragonsteel’s 2023 operations, not the number of campaign orders or backers.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Sanderson’s reaction, quoted in BackerKit’s recap, reflected the campaign’s performance relative to his expectations: “We hit 23 million which is more than I had guessed for this. We only had two books this time, and we did more than half when we had four books, so that’s pretty incredible.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still buy the campaign edition?
The campaign record establishes that Dragonsteel offered the leatherbound edition, but it does not establish whether campaign inventory or a current retail listing remains available. If you are looking to buy a copy, check the seller’s listing for the exact edition and included items; a standard edition of Words of Radiance is not necessarily the campaign leatherbound.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Sources
- BackerKit’s March 1, 2024 campaign preview, including Dragonsteel’s explanation for choosing the platform.
- Brandon Sanderson’s State of the Sanderson 2023, covering the scheduled launch and Dragonsteel’s annual operations.
- BackerKit’s April 11, 2024 campaign recap, reporting the results and milestones.
- Brandon Sanderson’s State of the Sanderson 2024, discussing campaign-related reveals and books.
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