Ko-fi or patreon? What tiers should a new novel creator add?

[Katzalcoatl]

Hello,

To all creators out there what is better? Or should I use both? Also I am a novel writer so what do you recommend I add as perks in either website?

Thanks in advance for all the advice.

[fsarbolaez]

I'd go with Ko-fi. Had bad experience with Patreon.

As for perks, check out the ones I have. You might come up with something better:

Join F.S. Arbolaez's Ko-fi Membership on Ko-fi

[Katzalcoatl]

Awesome. May I ask which bad experience you had if you don't mind sharing? It does not have to go into details I just want to give myself a general idea of what I would get into in case I do open a patreon.

For now I am like a fish outside of water I have no idea where I am. Ko-fi does say it is better to have ko-fi and they do give reasons but that's just their side of their story.

[RedLenai]

I believe I should recommend Ko-Fi

The most important reason: While Patreon "accepts" Paypal, you'll still need to associate a credit/debit card in order to be a patron of an author/artist/writer. Which, if your content is mostly Suitable for All ages is a negative since even those kiddos who do commissions or have spare money wouldn't be able to support you or get access to extra content with their paypal. (I experienced this too, being unable to support the creators I like)

Ko-Fi on the other hand I've noticed that doesn't require this for the monthly subscription, for as long as you have savings in your Paypal, you'll be able to support and this non-requirement of a credit/debit card makes it easy for people to support you be it a 1 time, monthly or whenever they want.

The most important thing to mention is that independently if you create a Patreon or a Ko-Fi, it is important to first have an already established, active and engaging fanbase that'll be willing to support you even for 2 or 3 dollars. The next step is to make sure to have things that could benefit your supporters, that are of their personal interest and attractive enough so they will pay for said content.

Most of artists make the mistake of doing free drawings for patrons, then end up overworking themselves for cheap money and the moment they raise the conditions the patrons instantly disappear. I won't know exactly how it is for a writer, but I know that if it's already difficult for artists it may be just a bit more difficult for writers too.

Not to mention that in most cases is basically doing 5 times more of what you already do for the public, but keeping it under a paywall, aka making it exclusive, or have early access that is months worth of materials or similar. Some people offer services, discounts, exclusive downloads, direct engagement with the author, classes and tutoring, and similar things.

[Katzalcoatl]

@RedLenai that is some sound advice. I am slowly getting convinced of using ko-fi even more. It's just that I have seen so many patreons and not many ko-fi. Which made me wonder do followers prefer patreon?

But from what I have seen by your replies is that followers will support either as long as you offer good tier levels without making you work the extra mile. I was thinking of giving regular advantages like advance episodes and other perks like seeing art preview. But my new question is which prices to settle and how many chapters should I add for how much money? Example, 10 chapters ahead $5. 20 chapters ahead plus another perk for lets say $10?

Like what would be a reasonable price. I don't want to overprice and scam people but I want the perks of my work to be valued at a just price.

[VibrantFox]

regarding prices for different tiers it helps to see what other writers are charging and then gague what you think works. It also helps to ask other writers. As for examples on Ko-fi you can check out some of their featured creators here (just click writers):

Explore Featured Creators on Ko-fi | Buy Artists and Creators A Coffee

That's like another benefit to Ko-fi alongside the aforementioned would be their monthly challenges which even if you don't win any prizes it still makes for a pretty decent advertisement/promotion opportunity. That's like they've also got an active discord server which is pretty friendly, shares lots of helpful advice and fun conversation topics

Personally I've been using the site for at least a good five years now but the sites done well and continues to add useful features and grow in it's userbase so even if it may not seem talked about a whole lot in certain places it is worth joining imo

[fsarbolaez]

@Katzalcoatl My Patreon page wasn't working correctly, I contacted the staff, they said they needed video of what was going on, I shared it with them, they said they were on it, and not only did they never contact me back but my page was still poop.

[Katzalcoatl]

Thanks for all the feedback even if I don't answer directly I am taking it all into account before I ultimately decide what to do. As long as patreon doesn't attract more users I will most likely decide for ko-fi.

I did think of openning both but multi tasking as it is will be hard. Don't want to add even more work. I prefer using that time on my novel.

[system]

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