WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL HOME OF DYING DEEP
This is the official website for an unpublicised, independently developed fantasy novel that dares to redefine everything you thought you knew about mermaids.
The Kickstarter campaign is now in pre-launch stage, sign up to the waitlist and support the big launch!
When we think of mermaid fiction, our minds often jump to red hair, green tales and shell bras. Or perhaps the darker side, Sirens. Deathly beautiful - all encompassing female assassins, luring sailors to their end. And the classic tropes... man falls in love with mermaid, or mermaid falls in love with a man on land with stories often set in the golden age of Pirates. While these have and will always be adored, the genre is saturated with the same familiar patterns throughout children's, teens and YA narratives. There are very few dark, adult mermaid books. But perhaps even these fall short of something truly chilling and haunting.
What if mermaids never looked how we've been taught to imagine them? What if the 'typical' body type was just the latest product of evolution? And if so, what came before?
Dying Deep is a story that breaks all tradition, daring to venture into brutal violence, unforgiving ancient rituals, torturous survival and sacrifice. With philosophical undertones of life, consciousness and death. The story explores life beyond breath, memory beyond death and a soul suspended between tides.
How does the Kickstarter campaign work?
If you're unfamiliar with Kickstarter, here's a quick breakdown of how it works and what to expect from my book campaign!
- My book is currently in the pre-launch phase
This means the campaign page is live, but you can’t pledge money to support me just yet. For now, you can click the “Notify me on launch” button on my Kickstarter page, to be alerted the moment it goes live.
- The campaign officially launches on 1st September
This is when you’ll be able to pledge support and choose a reward tier — whether it’s an eBook, a signed paperback or other exclusive extras. If mermaids aren't your thing, you can choose to make any pledge amount without a reward if you don't want a copy of the book when it's completed.
- The campaign will run for 30 days
During this time, the goal is to raise enough funds to bring the book to life! Mainly to cover editing, illustrations and production costs.
- Kickstarter is ALL OR NOTHING
That means no money is taken from your account unless the funding goal is reached. If we hit or exceed the goal, your pledge amount is processed at the end of the campaign. If the goal isn’t met, you won’t be charged at all.
- What happens after the campaign ends?
If the campaign is successful, production begins! I’ll send regular updates so you can follow along as the book continues to be written and completed. Rewards will be delivered as promised based on the timeline set out in the campaign.
Sign up to the pre-launch page and support the big launch!
Disclaimer: This novel is indented for an Adult audience only, 18+
SITE DEVELOPMENTS TO COME
This is just the beginning.
After the Kickstarter campaign launches, this site will continue to evolve. Becoming a hub for readers, supporters and fans of the world. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming:
- Illustration and art reveal section - As illustrations are completed, they’ll be showcased here. Including concept art, character portraits and atmospheric visuals.
- Lore Deep Dives & Bonus Content - Special content for subscribers, worldbuilding extras, character previews, clan lore, monsters and more.
- Book Club & Launch Info - Updates on physical release, special signed editions, and details for a possible launch event.
- Exclusive Discord Community - A space to connect with fellow readers, share theories, ask questions and get behind the scenes updates directly from me!
- Merchandise Drops - Limited edition items including prints, t-shirts, bookmarks and other surprises inspired by the book’s world, lore and characters.
1st September 2025
Campaign Launch Date
30th September 2025
Campaign End Date
£5,300
Campaign Goal
Subscribe
There’s so much more to come. Illustrations, exclusive lore drops and behind the scenes updates will be added as the story grows, so be sure to subscribe below to stay up to date with progress on the book and this site.
© 2025 Dying Deep. Emily Roberts. All rights reserved.
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