Book Vending Machine Kickstarter
Fantasy, Romance, and Thrillers, Oh My! (Carlsbad, CA)
Update (March 18, 2026, 7:28 PM PST):
Our Kickstarter was unsuccessful. It’s a shame, but we will keep trying to bring this to the area! If you’d like to host one or sponsor one, you can email us at hello@aberstoatbooks.com.
Update (Feb 17, 2026, 9:45 PM PST):
Our Kickstarter is live! For those interested in viewing the press release, here it is: Local Author Launches First Book Vending Machine in Carlsbad This Spring. We need all the help we can get to get our first book vending machine project off the ground. xo Mandy
We are launching book vending machines throughout North County this year! Our Kickstarter launches tomorrow. Help us set up mini indie book shops throughout North County. Aber Stoat Books Vending Machines is about putting real, physical books from independent authors and publishers directly into the hands of readers, starting with our very first machine (hopefully) at The Shoppes at Carlsbad.
As a Carlsbad-based indie publisher and bookseller, Aber Stoat Books was created in 2024 to share stories in the fantasy, romance, sci-fi, thriller, and occult genres. These are the kinds of books that readers love discovering: unique voices, fresh takes, local authors, hidden gems from smaller presses, and independent authors.
The challenge is access: physical bookstores are fewer and farther between, and most high-traffic spots like malls, airports, offices, coffee shops, and waiting areas have little to no selection of indie titles. Shoppers and passersby end up with limited options or turn to e-books instead of enjoying a tangible book in the moment.
This project addresses that, one vending machine at a time. Our first launch at The Shoppes at Carlsbad will be stocked with 200–300 curated titles: a strong focus on indie and small-press books, romance and fantasy (including Aber Stoat Publishing originals and selections from other independent publishers and authors), plus plenty of popular crossovers to attract a broad audience.
Heavy emphasis on indie fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and thriller.
Cash and credit card payment options.
24/7 access at future outdoor locations, with no cost or effort for the hosts; they earn a passive revenue share.
Every purchase helps support small creators: royalties flow to indie authors and publishers, keeping independent publishing vibrant and diverse. By choosing books from this machine, people help bring more variety and discovery to everyday spaces.
This initial Carlsbad placement tests the idea locally, showing that indie books can succeed in busy public spots, encourage community reading, add value for the mall, and lay the foundation for future machines elsewhere. Every pledge funds that first machine and makes shopping indie a simple, rewarding choice.