There are a few things you can do as a fan of horror fiction that will help support authors and indie publishers. Leave a review (even just a few words goes a long way), share on social media, sign up for newsletters, and check out other platforms like Patreon.
Patreon is a space where creative minds can share their craft with fans for a fair monthly patronage. I've taken the time to outline some of my favorite Patreons of horror that I think fans will want to explore.
Welcome Aboard:
- Up to date information on current wip.
- Early cover reveals.
- Bi-monthly personal essays on writing.
Early access:
- Previous tier perks.
- A monthly short story.
Oh Snap!:
- Previous tier perks.
- Free ebooks of new releases.
- Free signed paperbacks of new. paperbacks (US & Canada only).
- Access to a serial novel called BRING ME TO LIFE.
My favorite perk:
- Bi-monthly personal essays on writing.
A while back, I read a blog post by Glenn on writing. It was inspiring, motivating and uplifting. This perk alone is enough to make me a subscriber.
Observer of Perpetual Chaos:
- Get access to the interactive novel PARADISE CLUB (one chapter per month).
- A Short Story every month. (1k-word minimum).
- Access to a quick weekly update.
Come Kill With Me:
- Previous tier perks.
- Vote on the fate of the characters and choose their outcomes in PARADISE CLUB.
- A signed/personalized copy with a special "THANK YOU" in the published version of PARADISE CLUB upon release.
You're a Maniac:
- Previous tier perks.
- Getting to appear as a character in PARADISE CLUB.
- Every 6 months, you'll receive two signed paperbacks
My favorite perk:
- Getting to appear as a character in PARADISE CLUB.
I absolutely love this. Tim is definitely a fan favorite of the Night Worms review team and getting to be a part of what is sure to be a visceral tale is enticing to say the least.
The Supporter:
- A monthly short story with cover art.
- cover reveals, vlogs, and video readings.
- A personal thank you in every book release as long as you remain a patron.
Freaky Nice:
- Previous tier perks.
- Exclusive vlogs.
- He'll start naming characters after you or your loved ones.
- Access to ebook backlog for three months.
Stalker-ish:
- The supporter tier perks.
- A paperback book of your choice and a free paperback copy of any book he releases for as long as you're a patron (US only).
- Also, you'll be able to pick the theme of a story that he will write where you'll be the main character.
My favorite perk:
- Pick the theme of a story that he will write where you'll be the main character.
Ok, take a minute to consider this… Picking the theme of a story one of your favorite authors will write and you also get to be the main character. It's a dream come true!
Serialized Novels:
- Access to three serialized novels.
Writing Advice:
- Previous tier perks.
- In-depth essays offering step-by-step advice for writers.
Behind the Scenes:
- Previous tier perks.
- Excerpts and sneak peeks.
- Information on his various wip.
My favorite perk:
Anyone who writes in any form has something to learn and why not learn from one of the best in horror fiction. How to find an agent, outline, pitch, stay focused, and creating a literary estate are some topics to expect in this perk.
The Curious:
- Behind the scenes goodies.
- Writing 101's.
- Tools and tips for writing.
Buttercup Groupies:
- Previous tier perks.
- Access to podcasts
Subtle Nudger:
- Previous tier perks.
- Flash fiction, forgotten stories, and bits and pieces of otherwise hard to find writings.
Super Supporter:
- Previous tier perks.
- A nod in acknowledgements of new books while a patron.
- Access to ebook backlog while a patron.
My favorite perk:
Forgotten stories…
Hard to find writings…
Sign me up. I enjoy the idea of feasting my eyes upon works that wont be seen just anywhere. Its special, just for patreons.
Sympathy for the Devil:
- Get access to news, cover reveals, and poetry.
- Early access to new episodes of his Wyrd Transmissions podcast.
Cultist:
- At least one new Patreon-exclusive short story, and two poems or flash fictions monthly.
- Early access to new episodes of his Wyrd Transmissions podcast.
Digital Demon:
- Free ebooks and Audible codes.
- At least one new Patreon-exclusive short story, and at least two poems or flash fictions per month.
- Early access to cover reveals, new episodes of the Wyrd Transmissions podcast, and other news.
Infernal Librarian:
- A signed paperback of every new novel, novella, or collection released for as long as you are a patron.
- A paperback of your choice.
- At least one new Patreon-exclusive short story, and at least two poems or flash fictions per month.
- Early access to cover reveals, new episodes of the Wyrd Transmissions podcast, and other news.
My favorite perk:
Wyrd Transmissions is a podcast where dark fiction author Curtis M. Lawson holds discussions with authors, musicians, and all manner of dark artists. It's a great show and well worth the money to listen ahead of schedule.
Writers' Forum, Q&As, and Ask The Guest:
- Patrons Only Q&A episodes.
- Early access to every episode of the Podcast.
- Submit questions for guests.
- Access to our Writers' Forum on Discord. Participate in community discussions, workshop stories, and more.
- We'll follow you on Twitter
- Your name added to a special Patreon page on www.thisishorror.co.uk.
Story Unboxed:
- Previous tier perks.
- Our patrons-only podcast Story Unboxed: The Horror Podcast on the Craft of Writing.
Full Interviews No Adverts:
- Previous tier perks.
- Access to interviews as one complete episode with no adverts.
- Receive a This Is Horror ebook. every six months.
25% off This Is Horror Shop + eBooks:
- Previous tier perks.
- 25% off all This Is Horror books and products from the shop.
- Receive a This Is Horror ebook every four months.
- Your name plus a custom link plus a one-line bio added to a special Patreon page on www.thisishorror.co.uk.
On Camera/Off Record:
- Previous tier perks.
- Get access to a patrons only video cast in which Michael David Wilson and Bob Pastorella present a casual 'off the record' post-podcast conversation reflecting on the conversation and beyond.
- Electronic versions of all brand new books from This Is Horror.
- Your name plus two custom links plus a two-line bio plus a brand or artist image added to a special Patreon page on www.thisishorror.co.uk.
The Book Collector:
- Previous tier perks.
- Electronic versions of all This Is Horror books from our archive.
- You will receive one new ebook every month until you have all of our back catalogue.
Podcast & Website Advertising:
- Previous tier perks.
- Two 30-second audio adverts played on one episode every single month.
- A 250X250 pixel image advert in the right hand navigation of the This Is Horror website.
- Hyperlink the advert to a URL of your choice.
The Philanthropist
- Suggest a guest every month to appear on the This Is Horror Podcast and we’ll do our best to grant your request.
- You’re a philanthropist and a ‘legend’. Not just a legend but The Legend. They might even refer to you as The Legend on air.
My favorite perk:
I think this an incredible opportunity for anyone who writes, not just for those who write fiction but for anyone that wants to improve their craft.
Support:
- Basic update
- 10% discount on eBooks ordered directly from us.
Join the Crystal Lake Adventure:
- Exclusive updates and behind the scenes info.
- 20% discount on eBooks ordered directly from us.
- Access to monthly Shallow Waters flash fiction stories, the Still Water Bay episodes, or the author-centered posts.
Authors on the go:
- Full behind the scenes access, as well as brand new interviews, guest posts, weekly motivation and exercises. This is our way of keeping our Writers on Writing series alive.
- A weekly practical challenge/prompt to help you improve your craft, imagination, or output.
- Access to our Still Water Bay episodes, our Shallow Waters flash fiction stories, and sneak peeks inside upcoming releases.
- All non-fiction books as they are published.
- Authors get early submissions a month before any of our submission windows open.
- You can also recommend which questions to ask our authors in upcoming interviews.
Fans of Fiction / Still Water Bay:
- Full behind the scenes access, as well as brand new flash fiction every month and excerpts from upcoming fiction titles. Not to mention access to our Still Water Bay Dark Fiction series.
- Vote for the best flash fiction stories every month, to be published in an anthology later on.
Still Water Bay bonus content:
- Previous tier perks.
- Bonus content from the Still Water Bay series
- A free eBook every month
- 20% discount on eBooks ordered directly from us.
Subscribe to all our releases:
- Previous tier perks.
- An ebook edition of every Crystal Lake eBook just before they are released.
- 30% discount on previously published ebooks ordered directly from us.
For the Speed Readers:
- Previous tier perks.
- Every new release, as well as four ebooks from their backlist every month.
- Access to every ebook just before they are released
- Four ebooks from their backlist every month.
- 30% discount on previously published ebooks directly from us.
For the Love of Paperbacks:
- One paperback a month of any one of their books + free international shipping.
- Other previously mentioned perks.
- 40% discount on ebooks ordered directly from us.
Marketing Boost / Ad Space:
- Previous tier perks.
- Ad space in their monthly newsletter.
- Exclusive author interviews, video workshops, or guest blog posts.
- All non-fiction ebooks as they are published, for as long as you support this tier.
- Eight tweets and Facebook posts a month with a pre-made tweet.
My favorite perk:
In my opinion, Shallow Waters is the bread and butter of Crystal Lake Publishing and monthly access is certainly a treat for readers.
Digital Magazine Subscription:
- Ebook subscription to every new quarterly issue of Dark Moon Digest.
- Early-bird access to our Stephen King podcast, Castle Rock Radio
- Your name will be printed in Dark Moon Digest.
- Access to exclusive blog posts.
- 10% discount on any product in our webstore.
Patreon Serial Novel:
- Previous tier perks.
- Access to The Geezer - a Patreon serial by Max Booth III.
Behind-the-Scenes:
- Previous tier perks.
- A behind-the-scenes look at upcoming PMMP publications, including interviews, cover reveals, excerpts, and much more.
Creative Writing Prompt + Feedback:
- Previous tier perks.
- Every month, they'll post a writing prompt for our patrons. The patrons will then send us what they come up with, and we'll offer feedback on the piece. We'll tell you what works, what needs help, and answer any other questions you might want to ask.
Paperback Magazine Subscription:
- Previous tier perks.
- Paperback subscription to every new quarterly issue of Dark Moon Digest.
Ebook Megapack:
- Previous tier perks.
- Ebook of any Perpetual Motion Machine title of your choice each month.
- Access to Dark Moon Digest's digital archives (issues 1-20).
Half-Page Advert:
- Ebook subscription to every new quarterly issue of Dark Moon Digest.
- Half-page B&W advertisement in each new quarterly issue of Dark Moon Digest*
Full Page Advert:
- Ebook subscription to every new quarterly issue of Dark Moon Digest.
- Full page B&W advertisement in each new quarterly issue of Dark Moon Digest*.
Back Cover Advert:
- Ebook subscription to every new quarterly issue of Dark Moon Digest.
- Back cover color advertisement in each new quarterly issue of Dark Moon Digest*.
My favorite perk:
- Every month, they'll post a writing prompt for our patrons. The patrons will then send us what they come up with, and we'll offer feedback on the piece. We'll tell you what works, what needs help, and answer any other questions you might want to ask.
More writing help from published authors of dark fiction. I especially like that this perk
Horror Supporter:
- Early Access to #TeamHorror campaign posts.
- Techniques & tips for horror fiction promotion.
- Option to join in on/Create Book Parties.
- Opportunity to vote on bookish polls.
- Access to Mother Horror's secret diabolical plans for Horror domination.
- Early Goodreads reviews before they're public/published.
- Patron Only Giveaways.
- Access to an exclusive or early viewing of videos!
Horror Advocate:
- Previous tier perks.
- Patron #TeamHorror selfie shoutouts on my Twitter (10K+ followers, 1M impressions, 2%+ engagements)
- Official Invite to participate in the #TeamHorror LFL Horror Bombs
- Official Invite to participate in the #TeamHorror Library Horror Interventions
Horror Champion:
- Previous tier perks.
- Working towards having exclusive, original short fiction for Patrons from horror favorites
- #Bookstagram tutorials/How-to/Videos
- Access to Author Guest Posts, Horror Industry Guest Posts, Book related promotions, News & Reviews
- Hosting digital author meet-ups + "signed book events"
- Promoting HORROR to the best of our ability means this tier will always be evolving and changing and taking shape. Buy in at this level to have full access to all the cool stuff the #TeamHorror movement will offer
My favorite perk:
You KNOW Sadie delivers the horror goods and I bet her giveaways are not going to be something you will want to miss. #TeamHorror is a movement worth investing in.
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