We recently launched a membership for our readers, offering two options: a Free package and a Premium package. The membership is hosted on the Payhip platform, which I reviewed recently and found to be a solid choice for indie publishers and authors.
Of course, this approach only works effectively if you have a substantial backlist or a large amount of content to offer. Over the years, we’ve built up a catalogue of short stories and series, so we decided to launch the membership under our publishing brand rather than an individual author name. Our goal is to grow the brand itself — not just one name — and make that the core of the business.
If you’re an author or publisher with a growing library, a membership model could be the next smart step.
Why Consider a Membership Model?
Subscription memberships give you predictable monthly income and a closer relationship with your superfans. Think of it as your own version of Kindle Unlimited or Patreon — but without the fees, gatekeeping, or exclusivity contracts. You’re in control of the content, the pricing, and the perks.
Option 1: Payhip Memberships
Payhip is a user-friendly platform built for digital creators. Their Membership feature makes it easy to set up monthly subscription tiers. You can offer:
- Early access to new releases
- Exclusive short stories or novellas
- Serialized fiction or episodic content
- Behind-the-scenes updates
- Bonus ebooks or audiobooks
Some key advantages:
- No upfront fees — Payhip takes a small cut per transaction.
- Tiered pricing — You can offer different perks at different price points.
- Global-ready — They handle VAT and other complications automatically.
If you’re looking for a fast, lightweight way to build a fan-supported income stream, Payhip is hard to beat — especially for authors outside the U.S.
Option 2: Shopify + Membership Apps
If you want more customization and long-term flexibility, Shopify is a strong alternative — especially when combined with apps like Bold Memberships, Seal Subscriptions, or Sky Pilot.
Here’s what you can do with a Shopify-based setup:
- Host a fully branded storefront for your books, merch, and bundles
- Create private member areas or content libraries
- Automate digital delivery (e.g., ebook chapters, audiobooks)
- Cross-sell or upsell to your most engaged readers
- Run email campaigns and affiliate programs
Shopify does come with more complexity and monthly costs, but it offers powerful tools for scaling your publishing business — particularly if you’re thinking beyond just books (e.g., merchandise, courses, events).
Read more on Shopify subscriptions
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to rely entirely on Kindle Unlimited or platforms like Patreon to make a sustainable income. Direct sales and reader memberships give you ownership over your audience, your pricing, and your future.
Whether you’re using a lightweight system like Payhip or a full-blown eCommerce setup with Shopify, the tools are available to help you turn readers into loyal supporters — and your backlist into recurring revenue.
If you’ve been considering launching your own membership model, now’s the time. Build once, and keep growing from there.
