We started Substack because we believe that what you read matters and good writing is valuable. We believe that writers, bloggers, thinkers, and creatives of every background should be able to pursue the meaningful work they love, generating ample income directly from their own audiences and on their own terms.
During the current global crisis, we’ve been awed by the output of writers on Substack, and the response and support from their readers. It’s clear to us that people are looking to writers not only for urgent and accurate reporting on the economy, politics, local news, and COVID-19 itself, but also for guidance, leadership, humor, and the creation of spaces for meaningful discourse and camaraderie.
Unfortunately, we also know that writers and creatives are among the hardest hit by the economic downturn and are experiencing decreasing job opportunities, canceled projects, and pay cuts. Yet while advertising budgets get slashed, we’re finding that readers are eager to directly support the creators they care about, because they believe, like we do, that journalism and the arts are more necessary than ever.
We also want to offer a few small ways we can help.
First, we are donating $100,000 in grants to independent writers who are experiencing economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grants will range from $500 up to $5,000 in cash, and recipients will also receive digital mentorship from the Substack team focused on best practices and insights to help grow their publications. These grants are designed to be quick, supplemental payments to writers, and there are no strings attached. We’re accepting applications starting today, Tuesday, March 31 through Tuesday, April 7. You can read more about the program and apply here.
Second, we're going to drop Substack's cut of subscription revenue for publications that are donating their earnings to the fight against COVID-19, whether that’s charities, non-profits, or businesses that have been directly impacted. If you’re donating some or all of your revenue, please reach out to covid@substackinc.com for more information, and we will waive our 10% fee for one month, which can be renewed up to three months.
Finally, we’re updating the subscription page of all Substack publications so writers can personally customize their subscription offerings to better suit their needs and their readers’ needs. We’re also adding the ability for writers to customize a “super supporters” subscription level, which is a way for generous readers to pay more than an annual subscription price, at any price they desire, to support that writer’s work. We’ve also made it easier for readers to give gift subscriptions. We’ll be releasing these updates throughout the week.
This is just the first step. We hope to find more ways to support writers in the coming weeks and months. Thanks for publishing on Substack and showing up for us and for each other during this time.
The Substack team
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First. Incredibly generous. You have my business❤️ I also wanted to reach out to a writer this morning and ask if I could pay for his particular content like a book with a one-time payment and I also think people might be more generous and apt to pay that way, say for a particular/seasonal topic instead of the commitment for long term and avoiding the awkwardness of a break up if the material is no longer personally relevant or even (gasp!) interesting. Thoughts?
Seconding the request for a one-time payment. I've had people subscribe to my paid tier just to read a single interview, unsubscribe immediately after reading, and then send me a note saying something to the effect of: "Thanks for that great interview; I don't read often enough to spring for a subscription but just wanted to chip in $5 to express my appreciation!" And as a reader, I'd sometimes like to make a one-time payment to writers also. I hope you'll consider this option, Substack! And thank you so much for your unprecedented and ongoing support of writers in a world where we so often end up with the short end of the financial stick.
It may be unrealistic to expect even the most financially secure reader to commit to an annual newsletter subscription (in any amount) during a time of unprecedented financial/social shock. It is human nature to conserve in times of heightened uncertainty; yet, many readers now find themselves with more time to explore engaging content. "Tip jar" payment options, which allow a reader to say "that was great!" without making future commitments, are designed for these times. Please implement this option; and also allow this feature to be applied to archived posts.
Are these announced yet? I like the initiative but do not see who has won the grants (or is that a secret unless they reveal themselves publicly)? I have found much value in Substack and am always looking for newest top newsletters!
Hi Benji! Grant recipients are being notified this week, and we'll share something about it after that.
This is the spirit that made me start my newsletter here and not somewhere else. Thanks for your support.
This is a great initiative! I write on a number of platforms and Substack is the first to actually try to support its writers directly and take concrete steps to help fight COVID-19 (most platforms are just censoring content; few are actually facilitating donations to help). I will definitely be sharing this to Blogging Guide newsletter subscribers! https://bloggingguide.substack.com
Hi Chris,
I am an independent journalist and I run a small Facebook community of geeks. I am releasing my first newsletter from Substack tomorrow. Do I count as an individual? Because my account is under my community name.
Nonetheless, thank you for doing this! I can't explain how amazing it feels to have a support system around.
Hi Hira! Yes, absolutely feel free to apply.
It's exciting that there will be new payment features and options. I'm hoping something akin to a tip function will be included for those who may want to give a one-time payment to a publication. Thanks for the update.
That would be a fantastic addition.
This is a great letter. I'm new to the platform and was about to write into support today to ask about a 'pay what you want' subscription tier. You've answered that for me beautifully. Love the community you're building here!
This is really lovely to hear right now. Thank you.
Wow, that is so wonderful.... and to Chris, Hamish and Substack crew I want to thank you so so much for Substack - it is a great encouraging platform for these times, and I wish you well as everyone navigates the impact of the virus and the shutdown over the next many months, and beyond. I am so grateful that I started my newsletter before all this happened - the weekly deadline keeps me going in uncertain times. I sincerely hope that you will all weather the changes, keep the doors open for us all, and thrive!
Awesome response. Just another reason for one I'm glad I shifted my whole business model over to Substack.
This is so great! Thanks guys! I really appreciate the ability to customize giving. I have some readers who will love this option.
Loving your work! Thanks!
Hai..
I want my subdomain to be indexed to the google search console. How to? I index the link but it is blocked by robot.txt
We are new to Substack and are so grateful for their commitment and care for writers and creatives. My husband and I are both teachers and since we've been home, we started a free daily newsletter providing games, videos, and activities for families. We are so proud to be a part of the Substack family.
A request from a writer: Add RTL language support. Thank you
I’m still not out of the chute, but this sure impresses and inspires me.
Good people. ❤️
I want to thanks so a lot for Substack - it is a excellent encouraging platform for those times, and I want you well as anyone navigates the effect of the virus and the shutdown over the next many months, and beyond. I've also wrote some productive content here https://colognehunt.com/
this letter made my day. thanks substack to give good initiative to the bloggers and writers. I really glad about my new started blog https://www.unique-links.com.pk/. Hope this will be helpful for my blog
WHAT WE NEED IS MORE CONTENT FROM SUBSTACK WRITERS WHO HAVE ACTUALLY SCALED THEIR NEWSLETTERS
Great move.
This is amazing as so many of us have suffered huge hits since COVID-19. How and where do we apply? Or is this a random selection that Substack decides?
Hi Kristi - further details on the grant program can be found here. It requires an application. https://on.substack.com/p/substack-independent-writer-grant
Love the ‘super supporters’ idea. Thank you. ❤️
Highly impressive gesture from the team. We are grateful 🙏🏽.
This all sounds awesome, Chris! A really wonderful thing to do at a really unprecedented time.
Thank you for this, really thankful for your kindness and good heart, I hope I get a chance to be part of those who will benefit, thank you
Bravooooooooo
Bravo to you and your team, Chris. This is why I love substack. Douglas
Wonderful humanity and kindness. Thank you.
love this. thank you!
Thank you for this.