You certainly may! :) I have zero interest in Substack but it's more than that. They're completely different platforms.

My first love is writing novels. I've been itching to get back to writing the later in life small town romance series I started a few years ago before health issues waylaid me.

Now I'm back to that as a full time thing and couldn't be happier.

Patreon is a platform that is built on the concept of being a patron of the arts - people support artists and musicians etc. so they don't have to have a 'day job' and can focus on doing what they were born to do - like the great composers etc.

Patrons on Patreon are essentially saying, "I love what you do and I want to support you in doing it." They pledge money monthly to help you follow your dreams or your heart or to say 'thank you' for what you share with the world.

So there are loads of people on Patreon - artists, bands, podcasters, influencers, TikTokkers, writers, speakers, comedians, psychics, Tarot readers - many people on YouTube.

On Patreon, you can have free members, and you can also create tiers, with different amounts and in return you offer certain benefits.

Patrons enjoy being close to you, having a little piece of you or what you're doing, they love 'behind the scenes' looks or sneak peeks or exclusive goodies that no one else gets. They feel special (as they should, because they are!) for getting to be a part of your inner circle, so to speak.

You can have just one tier with one amount or several with varying amounts. Or have it all be 'free'. Whatever you want.

There's also the option of having a digital shop so you can sell your books or other digital products. You can also upload them to give to your patrons free in the member area. You can share video, audio, images etc.

There is a community area where you can create chats (up to 10 different ones depending on which tiers you want to have access to which ones).

I've had a Patreon account for my little cartoon character, Witchy, for several years. She has patrons who love her and in exchange, she shares a weekly post.

The highest paid Patreon account is a group of people who do ONE weekly podcast. That's it. I am copying these figures from their Patreon page:

57,209 members 850 posts $180,200/month

So... on my Patreon page as an author, I'll share lots of things to do with writing, tips, resources, prompts, downloadable templates, behind the scenes, sneak peeks, polls regarding character names, storylines, characteristics, all kinds of fun stuff.

It's a fun place to hang out with your community, sharing an exclusive piece of your world and in return, they pledge a set amount each month and feel good about supporting you in following your dreams.

Sorry this is long ... but there's no other way to properly explain Patreon! It costs nothing to have a page; they take a percentage only when you have paying patrons.

Happy to answer questions if I can :)