Help Tell the Story That's Never Been Told

Contribute any amount, as many times as you'd like. Reward tiers are suggestive only—every contribution helps bring this book to life.

Support the book. Get exclusive rewards.

Choose your tier below—each one unlocks something special.

Don Henley turns 80 in 2027, and there's still no comprehensive biography of his life. Help me change that.

Reward Tiers*

• $10+: Name in "Acknowledgments"

  • Simple: Back this project and you'll find your name in the "Acknowledgments" section of the book!

• $100+: Personalized Video Thank You

  • Colin records a 2‑3 minute video message just for you, sharing a unique Henley fact tied to your favorite song.

• $300+: Virtual Roundtable with Debbie Kruger

  • A 60‑minute Zoom with Colin and rock journalist Debbie Kurger, where you can ask live questions about her experience covering Don Henley and the Eagles.

• $750+: Design Patron

  • Fund the cover design and interior layout. Patrons also receive a high-quality art print of the final cover (suitable for framing).

  • Exclusive: See 3 cover concepts before the final is chosen (and vote on your favorite).

• $1,000+: Sponsor a Research Stop

  • Help bring Don Henley: The Biography to life—literally. Your pledge funds one of my key research trips to uncover untold stories from Henley’s roots and rise.

  • Independent research is what makes this biography authentic. Every mile, every interview, and every local archive visit adds new texture to Henley’s story—and your support directly funds that discovery.

*Reward tiers are cumulative. For example, a $300 pledge includes all rewards from lower tiers.

Accepting contributions January 1 - December 31, 2026

Choose your contribution method:

Budget Breakdown

Goal: $20,000

Independent biographies carry unique financial risks. Here's where your support goes:

Image Licensing: $2,000-$5,000

• Single iconic photo: $500-$1,500

• Cover + 10-15 interior photos needed

• Rights holders may refuse or demand higher fees

Research & Travel: $2,000-$5,000+

• Multiple trips to Texas, California, and beyond

• Tracking down early bandmates and childhood friends

• Archival materials across multiple locations

• Could easily double if sources are hard to reach

Professional Editing: $4,000-$6,000

• Developmental editing (structure/narrative)

• Copyediting (clarity/flow)

• Fact-checking (critical for legal protection)

• Proofreading and indexing

Legal Review: $1,000-$3,000 (if needed)

• Unauthorized biographies require careful vetting

• Protection against potential defamation claims

Total minimum for professional-quality biography: $12,000-$18,000

This isn't padding—it's the baseline for a book that can stand alongside traditionally published biographies. Traditional publishers absorb these risks. Going independent means betting on the work—and asking you to bet on it too.