Patreon for professional authors.
Read short stories on the go, tip authors for stories you love.
Key people at Curious Fictions.
Curious Fictions was founded by Tanya Breshears (Founder).
Curious Fictions was founded by Tanya Breshears (Founder).
Curious Fictions is a platform designed as a Patreon alternative specifically for professional authors, enabling readers to subscribe and tip authors for short stories and serialized fiction content. It aims to provide a more tailored subscription experience for authors compared to general platforms like Patreon, focusing on literary content and supporting professional writers directly[1][2]. The product serves professional authors and their readers by solving the problem of monetizing short fiction and serialized storytelling in a sustainable way, offering a dedicated space for literary patronage. Although it showed early promise and attracted authors preferring it over Patreon, Curious Fictions is currently inactive[1][2].
Founded by Tanya Breshears, an early Airbnb designer and engineer, Curious Fictions emerged from her experience in tech and design, aiming to help professional authors monetize their work more effectively[1]. The idea was to create a platform that better fits the needs of authors and readers of short fiction, distinct from broader creator platforms. Early traction included adoption by professional authors who appreciated its focus and simplicity compared to Patreon[2]. However, the company has remained small, with a team of two, and is currently inactive[1].
Curious Fictions rides the broader trend of creator economy platforms that empower individual creators to monetize their work directly from fans, bypassing traditional publishing gatekeepers. The timing was aligned with growing demand for subscription and patronage models in creative industries, especially for niche content like short fiction. However, the platform's niche focus on professional authors and serialized fiction set it apart from more general platforms like Patreon or Substack. This specialization reflects a market force favoring verticalized platforms that cater to specific creator communities. Although currently inactive, Curious Fictions contributed to the ecosystem by highlighting the need for author-centric monetization tools[1][2].
Given its current inactive status, Curious Fictions' future is uncertain. However, the concept of a Patreon-like platform dedicated to professional authors remains relevant as the creator economy continues to grow. Trends such as serialized storytelling, micro-subscriptions, and direct fan support for authors will likely shape future platforms in this space. If revived or reimagined, Curious Fictions could leverage its early insights and author community to capture a niche market underserved by broader platforms. The ongoing evolution of digital publishing and creator monetization suggests that specialized platforms for authors will continue to be important in the coming years[1][2].
Key people at Curious Fictions.
