Manifest Media, Author Brenda Jackson To Launch Romance Series Via Kickstarter Campaign.

Manifest Media, the creative studio behind the Table Read podcast, is partnering with best-selling author Brenda Jackson to launch new Hot Love podcast series of true romance stories. Launching in April, the series will feature fan-submitted love stories, transformed and reimagined by Jackson into the steamy, emotionally raw narratives she’s famous for. These stories will then come to life, voiced by celebrities and notable talent into a full-blown audio drama experience.

But before the show goes live, Manifest Media has launched a Kickstarter campaign inviting fans to contribute to the $100,000 it says is needed to produce the first season. “Your support will create a podcast where love stories are inspired by my incredible readers. Please join me on this new journey and let’s make magic together,” Jackson says in a video posted on the Kickstarter pitch for sponsors.

In return for their contribution, they will receive exclusive rewards including autographed merchandise and swag, VIP set invitations, early episode access, behind-the-scenes content, and the opportunity to have personal love stories featured on the show and told Brenda Jackson-style. The highest tiers of the campaign also invite fans to join the set as backers and lend their voices to the podcast alongside celebrity guests.

“We’re thrilled to bring Brenda’s phenomenal storytelling into the audio space, creating a completely new way for fans to connect with her work,” said Mark Knell, co-founder of Manifest Media. “It’s bold, collaborative, and it’s going to blow people away.”

When the podcast debuts, Manifest says it will include stories brought to life by a star-studded cast of voices and “top-shelf narrators” from some of the biggest names from film and TV. Each episode will kick off with Jackson giving listeners the inside scoop on why these love stories got her attention. There will also be some backstory segments on some of Jackson’s most beloved characters from her books. Jackson, the number one Black romance author in the world, is undertaking the audio project just in time to celebrate the release of her 150th novel on April 1.

Founded by entertainment industry veterans Mark Knell and Jack Levy, Manifest Media has collaborated with talents like Tom Holland, Anonymous Content, Scooter Braun/SB Projects, Mark Hamill, Fred Armisen, Ty Burrell, and more. Their work spans industries, and this new series with Jackson represents Manifest Media’s latest venture into the world of romance and audio drama.

The Kickstarter page includes the risks and challenges disclosure for contributors. “We’ve got industry pros and a solid plan — quality is guaranteed. Budget: Built-in contingencies keep us financially secure,” it says.