March 9, 2018
Indie authors are a wily bunch, they are. They’re constantly looking for new opportunities to boost sales and reach new readers. Here at BookFunnel HQ, we’re always on the lookout for new ways that authors can connect with readers, and especially ways they can make readers happy and turn them into raving fans. When we see a place we can help, we jump on it.
With that in mind, today we’re announcing BookFunnel integration with Patreon!
What is Patreon?
Patreon is a crowdfunding platform that allows fans to pledge ongoing support to creators (just like you!). Readers donate a few dollars each month or upon the release of each new creation, you decide. It’s a model in the old-world style of patronage where an artist would be paid simply to create beautiful works of art. Except that, instead of getting money from the House of Medici, you’re getting it right from your fans. Who are probably way less fancy than a bunch of old, rich Italians, but no less important.
How can I use Patreon as an author?
I’m glad you asked, made-up author in my head! Patreon has been around for a few years, and creators have already been using it in fun and creative ways. Here are some examples of how you might use Patreon:
- Share cover art and behind-the-scenes dirt
- Grant access to your starter library for lower pledge levels
- Offer a sneak peak of your new release before anyone else gets it
- Share short stories or other bite-size content with all patron levels
- Offer your entire library or different selections each month for premium pledge levels
- Send your new release to patrons before it goes into KDP Select, giving non-Zon readers a way to get it before it’s exclusive
But, why Patreon?
Well, for starters, it’s like having your own, personal preorder that runs all the time. Your best readers, the ones who really love your stuff, are signing up to get whatever you release, sight-unseen. It’s a way for your true fans to support you as an author, no matter what you’re working on. And readers who love you will love that you give back with early releases and other exclusives. We talked about this in our blog series on exclusive content, go read that.
How do I set this up?
Simple. You integrate your BookFunnel and Patreon account, then you create a page to deliver your book that is restricted to patrons of a reward level you choose. Send the link out to your patrons, and BookFunnel will make sure they are supporting you at that reward level before handing them the book. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
If someone finds your Patreon-exclusive BookFunnel link somewhere on the internets, they won’t be able to download the book. Instead, we’ll happily bounce them to your Patreon signup page where they can become a patron!
Can my BookFunnel plan integrate with Patreon?
You can integrate your Mid-List+Integration, Bestseller, or Publisher plan with Patreon. Bestseller plans include three integrations. Micro-Publisher plans include ten integrations.
Looking for more details?
You can find them in our knowledge base article on Patreon .
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