BackerKit Surveys SMOKE TEST sent to 5% of backers! All surveys coming up next week!
2 days ago
– Fri, Feb 27, 2026 at 06:07:02 AM
Alright, now we are cooking!
The Smoke Test has finally be sent to about ~5% of the total number of backers and as soon as we get them filled out and make sure everything is working, all surveys will be distributed.
WHAT IS THE SMOKE TEST?
Not risking to be repetitive but here is all the info again on the Smoke Test :)
The smoke test is a period where ~5% of the backers are randomly chosen to receive the surveys first in order to make sure everything is running smoothly or address any questions if needed.
Backerkit usually suggests waiting until 75% of those are complete, roughly 48 to 72hours, before sending the rest, so we are right on time to send all surveys to everyone next week at the latest.
If you are among those 5%, please fill out your survey so that the smoke test isn't held up!
In the meantime if anybody has any questions or comments do not hesitate to reach out either via comments, DM or an email to [email protected]
I will be back in touch again as soon as all BackerKit Surveys have been distributed. It's always exciting fulfilling a campaign and I'm over the moon we're finally moving with Hidden Away.
Y'all have a nice weekend now and talk to you soon!
Cheers,
Felipe
Technical problem with the Surveys... will need a couple of days before sending them out :/
4 days ago
– Wed, Feb 25, 2026 at 07:33:20 AM
Sheesh, if it's not one thing it's another, folks.
We ran into some problems with the Surveys and we're just now being able to get started on the Smoke Test as soon as I hear back from the good folks at BackerKit - they usually do quick check-ups from top to bottom but for some reason it's been slower than usual.
Unfortunately I won't be able to send all surveys tomorrow as planned but they are still coming in the next few days and this shouldn't impact our overall calendar which I'm sharing again.
FULFILLMENT CALENDAR
Here's what we are looking at based on the Smoke Test going out and then our Surveys. You'll notice that our "go to print" date remains unchanged same for digital fulfillment.
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NEXT WEEK: BackerKit Surveys sent to all backers <----------
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March 3rd: Production on the book is complete!
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March 16th: Surveys Locked marking the beginning of digital fulfillment!
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March 18th: We go to print and digital fulfillment happens.
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Mid-April: Printing in China ends, books go to our hubs in the US & UK
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Mid-May: Rewards (finally!!) shipped out to all backers
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June/July: Fulfillment completed - including replacements!
Sorry about that, guys, but this time it's not an indefinite delay, it's just a glitch in the Matrix and we're fixing it asap.
Thanks so much for your support!
Best,
Felipe
Aleluia! THE BOOK IS FINISHED!!!
6 days ago
– Mon, Feb 23, 2026 at 06:52:53 AM
I'm so so so so so so so happy to share this Update! Hidden Away is now 100% finished after Fabi delivered the very last pages in full color over the weekend \o/
It's been such a difficult time for me as the project manager but I guarantee the finished product looks absolutely amazing and worth the wait. Thank you all so much for your extreme patience during this time.
I'm now reviewing everything for a final round of adjustments on color and lettering then it's all about finalizing the design of the book and build the Thank You list.
I'm working all day today on your BackerKit Surveys so we start collecting your shipping information and finalize item count as well. Speaking of which:
BACKERKIT SURVEYS COMING UP!
Every fulfillment process starts with the Pledge Manager Surveys powered by BackerKit. These are absolutely mandatory to fill out!
BackerKit Surveys will be distributed this upcoming Thursday, February 26th and as soon as they do I will reach out with another Update with specific and detailed instructions even though they are pretty standard and easy to fill out - no sign in or sign up required.
SMOKE TEST TO BE SENT TODAY TO A SMALL GROUP
The smoke test is a period where ~5% of the backers are randomly chosen to receive the surveys first in order to make sure everything is running smoothly or address any questions if needed.
Backerkit usually suggests waiting until 75% of those are complete, roughly 48 to 72hours, before sending the rest, so we are right on time to send all surveys to everyone on Friday (February 26th) at the latest.
If you are among those 5%, please fill out your survey so that the smoke test isn't held up!
In the meantime if anybody has any questions or comments do not hesitate to reach out either via comments, DM or an email to [email protected]
FULFILLMENT CALENDAR
Now that all pages have been delivered it's about time we go to print. I still have a few steps to go through yet but I will try and move as fast as I can. We shouldn't be too far away from the dates outlined below.
Here's what fulfillment will look like:
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February 26th: BackerKit Surveys sent to all backers <---------- ATTENTION!
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February 27th: Production on the book is complete!
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March 12th: Surveys Locked marking the beginning of digital fulfillment!
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March 18th: We go to print and digital fulfillment happens.
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Mid-April: Printing in China ends, books go to our hubs in the US & UK
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Mid-May: Rewards (finally!!) shipped out to all backers
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June/July: Fulfillment completed - including replacements!
I will be back in touch this week once all Surveys have been sent out and now that we're going into actual fulfillment I will be in touch more frequently as well. I'm stoked to finally share TFAC: Hidden Away with you all.
As always if you need to reach out for whatever reason please leave a comment, shoot a DM or email me at [email protected]
Have a nice week!
Felipe
January Update! Fabi is delivering all pages by February 10th, almost there, fellas...
about 1 month ago
– Tue, Jan 27, 2026 at 04:31:22 AM
Hey everyone,
At this point I got nothing else to share but I'm still waiting on Fabi Marques to wrap up the colors. At least this month of January she's been delivering pages on a regular basis and I can see progress.
Being completely honest, I've been adjusting the calendar as per her request and I'm in a tight spot since she's colored almost the entire book and it's not worth switching colorist at this point.
Backers have reached out to (quite respectfully I might add and I appreciate it) express their frustration at the delays and I'm right there with you. It's absolutely understandable and there are no excuses.
Unfortunately Hidden Away derailed in a way that it has become a sour experience but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel and we're almost there.
I don't fault anyone for losing their trust in me as a creator and the manager/editor responsible for the book - I will do everything I can to earn that trust back. I am truly sorry for all the delays.
I've been keeping in touch with Fabi every single day - including during the holidays - and as you can see from the previews peppered in this Update she's been fitting in the work with her busy schedule as much as she can.
We've set a last deadline for complete delivery of the work for February 10th so by the time the next Update comes along hopefully it will be us going to print.
Here's our fulfillment calendar one more time, adjusted as per Fabi Marques' needs:
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February 11th: BackerKit Surveys sent to all backers <---------- ATTENTION!
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February 15th: Production on the book is complete!
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February 27th: Surveys Locked marking the beginning of digital fulfillment!
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March 2nd: We go to print and digital fulfillment happens.
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End of March: Printing in China ends, books go to our hubs in the US & UK
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Mid to Late April: Rewards (finally!!) shipped out to all backers
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May/June: Fulfillment completed - including replacements!
Regardless of Fabi's progress in the next few days all backers can expect to have their BackerKit Surveys on February 11th - I wanna make sure we get started on fulfillment even if there is another delay with the colors.
I will be back in touch in a couple of weeks, folks, but please, if you'd like to leave a comment or DM or email at [email protected] by all means do not hesitate. I will respond all messages in a timely manner and make sure you know I'm here and that this project is still progressing.
All the best,
Felipe
December Update! 🎄Still waiting on Fabi to wrap up the colors... missing about a dozen pages 🙏🏼
2 months ago
– Wed, Dec 24, 2025 at 08:07:00 AM
Hello backers,
Wish I had better news on such a special day like today but Fabi is still working on Hidden Away and she still has a few pages left to deliver not to mention the editorial process of notes that we are still gonna have to go through.
Much like last month's Update, Fabi has been progressing and I have a few more sneak peeks to share but still moving at the same slow pace. We will get there and I believe the holidays will help since that will give her some extra free time.
PRODUCTION & FULFILLMENT CALENDAR
I am gonna try sharing new estimates but at this point to be completely honest I'm on standby just like you guys. I've been in constant communication with Fabi and trying as best as possible to align our dates with her.
Here's the latest I got from her:
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January 15th: BackerKit Surveys sent to all backers <---------- ATTENTION!
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Early to Mid January: Production on the book is complete!
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January 30th: Surveys Locked marking the beginning of digital fulfillment!
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Early February: We go to print and digital fulfillment happens.
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End of February: Printing in China ends, books go to our hubs in the US & UK
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Late March: Physical fulfillment begins with packages going out to US backers first
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End of April: Fulfillment completed!
I am confident I will be back in touch in no more than a couple of weeks and my Updates from them on will be more frequent than once a month. The book is looking fantastic and while absolutely tragically late I'm sure the wait will be worth it.
From my family to yours I wish everyone happy holidays. I hope you all get to spend time with your families and get some rest of the next few days.
Merry Christmas!
Felipe
