Book excerpt: It's a common word to hear these days—crowdfunding. Websites such as Kickstarter and Patreon are bringing businesses and creators together with donators and investors. This guide explains the basics of how crowdfunding works. This title will inform readers of how Kickstarter, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform, works and about some of the projects it has made possible. All the steps readers need to follow to start a Kickstarter campaign or create content and find supporters on Patreon are covered in depth. Furthermore, the text uncovers well-known campaigns and content—and teaches readers how to bring their own ideas to life.