Robert Alderman Pulp Hummock Press
@pulp.hummock | pulphummockpress.com
How An Indie Publisher Crowdfunded $300K to Print Premium TTRPG Books
Pulp Hummock Press Scales with MCRL
When Robert Alderman, a university professor, author, poet, and narrative designer with a background in non-profit work, decided to bring his dark-fantasy tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) to print, he found himself in a whole new universe.
Robert had storytelling in his blood, but turning fan excitement into a premium printed product, especially in a niche market demanding both collector-grade quality and affordability, was no easy feat.
TTRPG collectors expect incredible quality, says Robert, but they’re also watching every dollar. It’s a tricky balance.
Crowdfunding Success: $35K → $107K → $300K
Robert’s debut title, Gods of the Forbidden North, Volume 1, launched on Kickstarter with great success, raising an impressive $35,000. One contributor to that success? The striking artwork.
As Robert put it, “People don’t just want a game, they want a work of art.” Thanks to a friend’s introduction, he partnered with Hollywood concept artist Terry Vanatta, who designed the stunning cover for Volume 1 (and the entire Trilogy).
Published via DriveThruRPG’s print-on-demand service in 2023, the book quickly resonated with fans. In 2024, it was honored with the ENNIE Judges Spotlight Award, one of the RPG industry’s most prestigious accolades.
An Indie Publisher’s Dilemma
Riding the momentum from Volume 1, Gods of the Forbidden North, Volume 2 raised a whopping $107,000 on Kickstarter!
With increased demand and higher production expectations, Robert knew he needed to move beyond print-on-demand (POD).
He had to shift to offset printing, which offers better quality and higher profit margins at higher volumes.
Though friends in the industry recommended a few overseas printers, Robert found MCRL on his own.
“Taylor answered quickly, and brought in Jamie when I had shipping questions. The website was great, unlike many on my list and I liked that MCRL handled everything – from the physical proof to shipping, customs, and logistics, says Robert. MCRL’s quote included everything. No exclusions. No vague delivery estimates.”
While friends warned him to expect delays of 4-8 weeks, MCRL delivered his books within 1-week of estimated timelines.
The Final Book?
Gods of the Forbidden North, Volume 2 is a stunning 530 page, smyth-sewn collector’s edition!
Finished Size: 8.5″ x 11″
Text Pages: 80lb matte coated paper with 100lb end sheets
Cover: gloss mounted artwork on 100pt recycled lay flat, stay flat ESKA board
Printing: 4 color, front and back
Volume 1 holds Platinum status and Volume 2 is now at Gold status on DriveThruRPG. Volume 3 is heading to print with MCRL in Fall 2025.
What Made This Indie Publisher’s Campaigns So Successful?
So, how did an indie publisher with no initial ad budget raise over $300,000?
1. Financial Transparency
From day one, Robert openly shared his costs with followers via Kickstarter updates and his Facebook group. He invested his own money into Volume 1. His fans saw where every dollar was going.
“When collectors saw what I was investing in; art, fulfillment, the whole experience, they actually pledged more. That transparency built trust.”
2. Community Over Paid Ads
Rather than spend money on advertising during his first two projects, Robert built relationships in TTRPG-focused Facebook groups. He posted updates, shared behind-the-scenes insights, and answered questions. Bringing his background in narrator design, and a TTRPG mindset to every piece of communication, he thought about what his followers would love to hear about.
3. Trust Through Delivery
Perhaps most rare of all? Thanks to MCRL, Pulp Hummock Press delivered Volume 2 BEFORE the expected launch date. Combined with the exceptional print quality, this punctuality earned him serious credibility – fueling even more support for Volume 3.
Why Robert Chose MCRL
“I just want to say that, as a third-party tabletop roleplaying game publisher with a few Kickstarters under his belt (totaling over $300,000), that MCRL Overseas Group has been the most professional printing company that I have had the distinct pleasure of working with.
Not only did MCRL handle book manufacturing for me, but they also brought my order overseas from the printing warehouse in China to my fulfillment team’s warehouse in New Jersey.
MCRL is a real class act. The team was timely in their responses to me. They graciously responded to all of my (rather amateurish) questions and guided me throughout the entire manufacturing and overseas shipping process.
Honestly, it was a breeze!
I have received so many compliments from my fan base about how lovely these books are, inside and out. I am so very pleased and grateful to Jaime, Carol, and Taylor for their wonderful customer service, their patience, and most especially, their beautifully bound products. What a company!”
What’s Next for the Gods of the Forbidden North Trilogy and Pulp Hummock Press*?
“I might expand the world into comics or who knows maybe even movies. My book falls into Old-School Renaissance (OSR), which makes up less than 1% of the entire tabletop market. But since Dungeons & Dragons is a big chunk of the market, I’m considering moving to it too,” says Robert.
One thing’s for certain: like a seasoned Game Master guiding an unforgettable journey, Robert’s creativity, dedication to his fans, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to shape legendary games – made possible by the trusted partners who travel with him.
Shopify Store: https://pulphummock.com/
DriveThruRPG Store: https://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/21081/Pulp-Hummock-Press
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pulp.hummock/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/pulphummock
*Fun Fact: The name Pulp Hummock Press is a nod to both Robert’s love of pulp sword & sorcery and his home in Kitts Hummock Beach, Delaware.
