Subscription Tools to Help New Authors Monetize
Case Study: Prose
Prose, a digital publishing platform for aspiring authors, partnered with Melt Studio to strengthen their product and add monetization tools. Together, we transformed Prose’s MVP—fixing bugs, refining the user experience, and introducing a powerful subscription engine. In just three months, the platform was relaunched with new features that boosted author engagement and revenue potential.
THE CHALLENGE
Build Subscription Features on Top of a Buggy MVP
Prose needed to evolve from a basic MVP into a functional, scalable platform with monetization tools. Key challenges included poor UX, platform bugs (email notifications, post publishing, etc.), and lack of mobile optimization. Subscription features like paywalled content and Stripe payments had to be built from scratch—while improving reliability and preparing the platform for growth.
INITIAL STATE
OUR SOLUTION
From Platform Fixes to Full Subscription Infrastructure
Requirements
Simplification
We reviewed and clarified user stories for better alignment. Our team worked to simplify the tech roadmap, reduce bugs, and lay the foundation for subscription logic—ensuring each feature fit Prose’s business model and user needs.
Application
Building
We implemented Stripe integration, subscription paywalls, author tools for gated content, and gamification features. All features were built with a JavaScript-first stack using React and Node.js, maintaining scalability and user clarity.
Prototype
Release
Over three months, we conducted six demos and rolled out iterative updates. The new version launched with major UX improvements, author monetization tools, and bug fixes—resulting in a 16% revenue lift within two months.
DELIVER STATE
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
More Monetization, Better User Experience
Authors now access intuitive tools for managing paid content and tracking subscribers. Mobile responsiveness and email flows were fixed, and new analytics help authors monitor growth. The Prose team continues evolving the platform using our foundation.
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Mateo Alexander
Suyo
October 9, 2020
Most of my favorite service experiences occur when the company foresees my needs and questions before I ask. For example, digital trackers that inform me on the progress of my service (eg Dominos, Amazon, etc). Other service experiences I especially enjoy occur when a company integrates its solution with another solution I already use to create synergies or efficiencies (eg Uber + Expensify), and when a company provides painless returns/discounts when I'm not satisfied with the product's qualities (eg REI).
October 9, 2020
Alison CEO
Every Mother
July 11, 2025
To Melt Team: Camila, Yuli, Miguel, Sebastián O and Yulys.
Feeling fortunate to have the Melt team working with us and definitely experiencing the high impact of their work. UHC has told us we are their gold standard, out of everyone joining the Store, which is incredible. I feel really hopeful about some big things we can accomplish this year as a team. Thank you!
July 11, 2025
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