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Old Sorcery: An Absurdist Epic Fantasy Novel

Created by The Arcanist: Fantasy Publishing, LLC

Old Sorcery by James Callan is the story of three heroes (and one badass necromancer) captured by machinations of the most powerful sorcerer in the wide world of Garden. Witty and hilarious, deep and nuanced, this is a tale for the ages.

Latest Updates from Our Project:

Fulfillment is beginning
15 days ago – Sun, May 24, 2026 at 07:54:47 AM

Howdy folks!

I've just placed the order with the printer ordering all the books to be sent to the U.S. This books should arrive by the end of June, which is when we'll begin shipping them from our location in Bloomington, IN.

International orders will be placed this week and sent directly from the printer. CDs will be sent separately from our location. 

If you haven't filled you survey yet, please do so as soon as you can to ensure you get your books! 

Sincerely,
James D. Mills, EiC The Arcanist

Action Needed: Complete Your Survey by 4/30 Before Orders Lock
about 1 month ago – Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 11:52:50 AM

Howdy folks!

We're getting close to the next big milestone for Old Sorcery. In three days (April 30, 2026), I'll be locking orders in BackerKit.

What this means for you:
  • If you've already completed your survey, your order will be locked so no further changes can be made (this helps us finalize production numbers accurately).
  • If you haven't completed your survey yet, you'll still be able to do so after we lock, but this is your last easy window to select your rewards, add any final add-ons, and provide your shipping details without needing to contact support later.

To keep everything moving smoothly and ensure you get exactly what you backed (plus any extras you'd like), please take a few minutes to complete your survey as soon as possible. BackerKit should have sent you a personalized link to your survey. 

If you've already submitted everything, thank you, you're all set! No action needed.

We're really excited to get production rolling, and completing these surveys helps us hit our timelines so we can deliver your rewards as quickly as possible. If you run into any issues or have questions, just reply to this email.

Thank you again for your amazing support. It means the world to us!

Sincerely,
James, EiC of The Arcanist

Friendly Reminder: Don’t Forget Your Survey!
about 2 months ago – Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 07:20:53 AM

Howdy folks!

Quick reminder: if you haven’t filled out your BackerKit survey for Old Sorcery yet, now’s the time!

We need your completed survey to:
  • Confirm your reward selection
  • Lock in your shipping details
  • Confirm the name you want printed in the book (for backers at Journeyman, Grandmaster, and Assemble the Demon Shards).
  • Make sure everything gets to you without delays

👉 Check your inbox for your survey link and complete it as soon as possible.

If you can’t find it, try searching for “BackerKit” in your email, or log in directly to your BackerKit account to access it.

We’ll be locking surveys soon so we can move forward with fulfillment. If your survey isn’t completed by then, your reward could be delayed.

If you run into any issues or have questions, just reach out. We’re happy to help.
Thanks again for supporting this book launch. We’re excited to get some excellent Fantasy in your hands very soon.

Sincerely, 
James D. Mills, EiC of The Arcanist

Thank you for making this happen. Here's what's next.
3 months ago – Tue, Mar 24, 2026 at 11:41:00 AM

Howdy folks!

I'm blown away. We closed our campaign with 148 backers and $6,670 raised! That was well beyond my planned "best case scenario." So, thank you! This wouldn't have happened without your support.

I'll send more detailed updates soon, but here's some reminders and estimates for when rewards will be fulfilled.

Important Reminders
  • Some payments did not go through. Double check your transaction so you get your rewards.
  • We will send out a survey to collect shipping addresses and which name you'd like printed in the book (for Journeyman, Grandmaster, and Assemble the Demon Shards tiers).
  • Shipping will likely be charged sometime in April, approximately 1 month before we plan on shipping rewards. 
ETA
  • All eBooks are available right now. Contact [email protected] if you have trouble accessing your digital content. 
  • Paperbacks and Book Club Boxes: We will order inventory in April and begin fulfilling U.S. domestic orders by May. International paperbacks will be sent directly from the printer. 
  • Hardcovers: Same story but will take longer to ship, since we need to order these from the U.K.  
  • Audiobook: This is in production and will be delivered via a BackerKit update in the coming months. Give us time, as this is a volunteer effort we're pursuing in our free time. 

Thank you so much for your help in this. If you need anything, just give us a shout ([email protected]) 

Sincerely, 
James D. Mills, EiC of The Arcanist 

3 Hours Left to Back. All Backers Get All Stretch Goals. Don't Miss Out!
3 months ago – Mon, Mar 23, 2026 at 11:00:59 AM

Howdy folks!

We did it! Yesterday, we reached our final stretch goal which means every backer will receive the following in addition to their standard pledge rewards:

  • Digital wallpapers of Callan's hand-drawn map
  • The Old Sorcery audiobook
  • Four DRM-free Arcanist eBooks

That's an incredible result, and it's entirely thanks to your support.

Now, here's what happens next: we're going into Overtime. 

BackerKit's Overtime feature means the campaign doesn't end at a hard deadline. Instead, the timer resets each time a new pledge comes in. The campaign will only close once a full period passes with no new backers. So if you've been waiting, or know someone who'd love to jump in, there's still time; every new pledge keeps the door open a little longer!

Thank you all so much. I am admittedly experiencing a bit of shell shock. We are supremely humbled by your support. 

Sincerely,
James D. Mills, EiC of The Arcanist