Turn Your Fandom Into Cash: A Geeky Guide to Turn Your Passion Into a Business (or at least a Side Hustle)

This is a worthwhile read.The writer gives a compact, well-composed, and complete crash course in the subject.One noticeable point about reading it is that it shows how the world has changed in the last ten or fifteen years; Internet-based channels for doing so much are now not merely available, but ubiquitous. And practically expected.It relates indirectly to a number of other areas on finding something you love to do and can make money from as well. Geekness and sci-fi/fantasy fandom are the centerpiece of the work, but there are useful gold nuggets for several broad areas of work-related approach.One may have to take this book a couple chapters at a time. Not because it is in any way bad, but because it's so chock-full of information, it's like good pastry--decadent to the point of satiation. Take a couple bites, have a sip of coffee, pause. Repeat.The inclusion of de facto checklists is one of the book’s most pragmatic and useful features. It’s almost a blueprint on some things, and a sound guide in others. On legal-related items, she’s clear as a bell—she’s not a lawyer, and always recommends talking to one for certain things.And all this while maintaining a laid-back, friendly, conversational, and light-hearted style of writing.There aren’t too many books which are both entertaining and informative to this degree. This is one of them.

I picked up this book thinking it would provide practical advice for nerdy/geeky science fiction or fantasy fans who want to monetize their art, fan fiction, costumes, etc. Not only did this book deliver what I expected, it did so, so much more. Amazingly, this makes things like trademark law and bookkeeping--the most boring things for most creative people trying to run a successful business--hilariously funny. This book is literally a page-turner, filled with interviews of successful "geek business" owners, case studies, how-to tips, and practical guidance for everything from avoiding being sued for infringing on intellectual property, to incorporating a business, to crowd-funding a project, to making the most of a Con, to even winding your business down when you want to move on. But my very favorite part is just exactly how *geeky* the book is in its writing style. From "Batman's basic guide to patents, trademarks, and copyright," which uses illustrations from the Batman universe to clearly and humorously explain complex topics, to little quips throughout every paragraph, this book is just plain fun to read. Any person trying to turn their passion projects into a side gig or business--whether it's a fan project or not--can benefit from this book.

Thoroughly researched and full of solid, real-world information, this is a business book perfectly pitched to its audience: those who love their fandoms and want to make a little bit of a living while they play--whether its for the joy of creating, to give back to the community, or just to help pay those book-buying/propmaking/cosplaying/convention-going bills.Pinchefsky is a geek's geek, and has spent her whole career in fandom. She therefore understands the very specific challenges that "geektepreneurs" can face, among them working conventions; threading the needle of intellectual property rights vs fair use; and a tendency to have imaginations that sometimes outrun practical knowledge.Geeks love nothing more than a good story, though, and Pinchefsky has wisely included interviews with a wide swath of people in the geek community who dispense wisdom in the form of success stories, sage advice, and cautionary tales. These are interspersed with shots of straightforward advice about everything from the SBA to the IRS.Whether you want to sell 3D-printed props on Etsy or start your own media empire, this is a book that absolutely belongs in a geek businessperson's library.

The author call upon decades of experience as a successful freelance journalist and fan (and a fan of fandom) who make a go of earning while embracing whatever genre they enjoy. Each chapter is filled with helpful tips from successful artists.This is an incredible resource for the creative fan. Buy this book and then buy one for your friends who don't yet have this book!

This book is a must-have for anyone looking to go into fandom business. The author is very clear on how to avoid the pitfalls that have taken down many other businesses, and makes no bones about the fact that readers should do their own legal due diligence. Highly recommended!

Such an incredible read! Every “enthusiastic hobbyist” needs this book. Pinchefsky brings you deep into the world of fandoms and those who keep the fandoms thriving.

This is worth the price of admission just for the bit about IP and licensing alone, which can be confusing and overwhelming for individuals. Clearly written and essential for geek crafters and makers.

Great book. It really motivated me to consider entrepreneurship.