We invited writer and art witch Amanda Yates Garcia, who writes Mystery Cult, to share her insights on switching to Substack to focus on rituals; not marketing; finding and using one’s voice; and how she reached six figures in less than a year by understanding what her subscribers needed.
Ok, so she “had a mailing list of 10,000 (on Mailchimp) before I joined Substack and an Instagram following of 50,000”. Well that’s great: good for her. It makes Substack look great too (which it is, I’m not knocking it)...
HOWWWWEVER...
What about accounts that started from 0 followers on instagram and 0 followers on Substack? Are there any success stories with those demographics? Those who grew from nothing? I think you’d be hard pressed to find one, especially a poetry account. Lemme know if you find one.
I don’t mean to whine but rather to manage expectations. If you bring a following from another account or have an already huge email client base, odds are you will do well on Substack.
So what is an outlier poet doing with 17 instagram followers and 110 followers on Substack? Reading posts and interacting with others as much as time will allow (like I am right now). Following those who follow me, post poems when I can (these full time jobs sure get in the way of that dang it!). I’m not going to set up subscriptions because I don’t produce enough content to warrant that. As of now I’m a part time poet in search of full time glory. I’m extremely grateful for the subscribers I have and am thankful they’re getting something out of it.
As Amanda herself says, she didn't start on Substack with zero subscribers. She brought her community with her. We don't know whether that total is 60K; I'm sure at least some of the Mailchimp/IG audiences overlap. But those are large figures, and explain what initially might look like a stratospheric rise. Again, as Amanda says, it took her 13 years to build all this interest.
Extrapolating from this, then, I'd say anyone starting here with all zeroes, is likely going to face as challenging a time as Amanda did when she started out from ground zero. Perhaps more, perhaps less.
I would say not to worry so much about precise numbers but to be clear about the purpose, intent, and fulfillment that your Substack brings you. I much prefer Substack to the traditional social media platforms, and find growing a community here so much more fulfilling and meaningful than on Twitter or IG or FB. I recognize it will take time to build up the paid subscribership, but that's ok. I'm here for the long haul.
Thank you for sharing that perspective too, Brigitte. I agree that we should not dismiss the fact that most of the writers who have a large following on Substack spent YEARS growing their audience on other platforms or through publishing their work elsewhere. So their “overnight success” on Substack is a result of the hard work they have done previously. However, the question I have is whether Substack is suitable for growing from zero.
I think right now it’s a great platform to consolidate a writer’s offerings but it’s not a replacement for the growth that other platforms can offer (even though I do not like the algorithms). For those just starting out Substack cannot be the sole focus of their efforts.
I do have hope for Notes if there is going to be some hashtag/topic system so the notes can be discovered by people from outside of your reading bubble. And I also see collaborations as a great way to get additional exposure. But that’s all that I know can help growing within Substack.
The answer to your question about Substack's potential to grow a writer from seed-stage is likely the same answer for most other platforms... and I'd say even more so given how dedicated this community is to good writing and, well, community. That said, I don't think any one single platform is the answer... we all should be active in as many other communities and platforms as our time and schedules allow.
Yes, collabs are great. I've done guest posts for people with large newsletters here, that have driven significant upticks for me. Being consistently engaged works too, although you do have to balance that. Likes and comments don't necessarily translate to paid subscriptions, but they do carry their own value and currency, if you will.
Wishing you the very best on your Substack journey Nika! I like the name of your publication :)
Agreed! Growing my audience was not the result of just one platform. It began by me growing my name IN MY OWN COMMUNITY here in LA. Then local journalists and other "influencers" wrote about it, which helped me get name recognition nationally. It took me about 8 years to grow my Instagram platform, which was greatly assisted by my podcast, my book, and my media appearances, not just posting. So I would say that the best way to grow is to follow your passion and talk about the things you'd want to talk about even if you never would get "successful" at it. I think the important thing to remember is that you don't need EVERYONE to like or follow your work. You only need enough people to support you financially while you make the work FOR THEM. You don't need 50k people - you just need enough to get you a livable income.
Yes, and all the "growth tips" come from that select group of newsletters. I have no idea what the numbers are, but I suspect there are far more of us are out here trying to grow a Substack from scratch than those coming in with their previously existing platforms, social media followings, book deals, etc. It would be nice if some posts were from and for the rest of us
I agree. But they always focus on these big newsletters, probably because those are the ones that make Substack money. The rest of us are forgotten and made to feel like we don't count.
True. Substack brags about all these ‘Success’ stories but fails to mention (or is not clear) that all these writers who ‘suddenly’ gain a large subscriber base actually already had a large following on Mailchimp or Medium or Twitter etc and they followed on SUBSTACK. These writers were promised (or bribed) such exposure if they brought their following to Substack. In some cases, Substack even paid certain writers advance fees to lure them and their large following to substack. If you are starting from ZERO on Substack, without any followers on other socials or heavy marketing, forget about gaining large subscribers base.
Glad you raised this point. Also glad that she was transparent about it in the article. It would be so brilliant if Substack started sharing success stories of newbies too, even if that version of success is different.
"First of all, don’t worry about what other people are doing; explore what only you can do. Your background, your experiences, your interests are uniquely yours, and no one else has your voice—use it, celebrate it, feed that voice, make it so that your readers only have one place to go to get what you have to offer." Needed to hear this!
Inspiring post to encourage me to show up as I am, instead of a marketing strategy. Substack continues to amaze me with their platform and the people here are warm and inviting. ❤️
I feel Amanda's advice that you need to both simply write about what interests you while also providing something that people need. Like she says, in a way it's contradictory but I have found that what interests me also apparently (and amazingly!) is something that other people need or want. In my case, with almost no marketing on my part, people who want to dig deeper into myth, history, or even their own Hellenistic practice have found me on their own.
I’m curious how you are able to give your voice and your offerings so freely when you have so many harsh voices attacking you. It’s beautiful that you found your audience and that you e grown so much. It was shocking to me to see so many negative comments. Having monthly moon rituals isn’t demonic, it’s being in touch with the moon and the earths cycles.
I'm not bothered by the haters because they're not my audience. I am here to serve the people who are working towards de-coloniality, justice, spiritual ecology, and a deeper connection to the land and each other. I'm working for them. To support THEM, and help them stay grounded and connected because then THEY will be able to create things of use for the world, and in that way, our webs of healing will take root and spread. If I offend people who are not working towards liberation of all beings (queer folks, women, people of color, the land, flora and fauna)... great! It shows I'm doing something right. Lol.
In a spirit of love, only a harsh voice can warn these promoters of the spiritual darkness, that they are on path to hell. This is not an attack, it's just a sincere word of advice. .
Three is an audience for just about everything. You focus on that as a positive and ignore the negative. Ignore the people who don't understand what you do, because you're never going to appeal to them, and focus on the people who are receptive to what you do. If you are a writer and you expect to form a community around your work (much less make any money from that community) you have to know before you start whether or not there are people out there who might be willing to form that community. If there are, then focus on them and focus on how to appeal to them,
In a spirit of love, only a harsh voice can warn these promoters of the spiritual darkness, that they are on path to hell. This is not an attack, it's just a sincere word of advice. .
Substack isn't the only news outlet pushing witchcraft!! If you go to Google News and put in "Witchcraft" you will find articles this week from: NBC, Newser, Axios, New York Post, Daily Mail, Wired Magazine and NPR among others. So sad to see Substack participating in a weird creepy PR push for witchcraft across multiple platforms. That is what I came to Substack to escape from.
Celebrate! Love the advice for writers and the subject matter of your Substack! It's funny how people are scared of witchcraft and animism - I think its fascinating and I'm glad you're writing about it!
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11 KJV
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Isaiah 55:6 KJV
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 KJV
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7 KJV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 KJV
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9 KJV
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36 KJV
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 KJV
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3 KJV
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25 KJV
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 KJV
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Deuteronomy 4:39 KJV
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21 KJV
I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: Isaiah 45:5 KJV
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31 KJV
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18 KJV
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19 KJV
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22 KJV
I received this in an email from the company. I never subscribed to this. This is not neutral material to send to customers. You wouldn't send out an interview with a Muslim imam or an evangelical pastor, right? Because you are sending out unwarranted ideological content, I will completely stop using your site, and I encourage others to do the same.
It's great testimony and I see how this can work. However, substack does not cater for Africa to earn a living it is designed for America, Asia and Europe. I say this because last week I had a reader who wanted to pledge. I had not turned on my publication for substack for payments. When I did try to turn it on, stripe was the only way to get paid and my country South Africa was not included. Stripe Atlas requires an American Address and security number which I do not have. So that is a problem it means I can never earn money for my writing. So this platform needs to be more inclusive and find other ways to include us. D.E.I is paramount for all of us in this world. So substack please find a way for African writers to earn a living too. This is a good platform and I believe it can always be great.
Hi, I'm in Australia and did not need an American address but I do not know the African situation.
Anyway, we have big problems here because if they pass the digital censorship bill Substack will disappear from Australia anyway. Substack doesn't seem to care or want to interact about the issue (this post will likely be taken down and I will be banned again).
Wow! Was not expecting such harsh comments after such a fun, delightful interview! I'm cheering you on, Amanda! Also want to add that you're a great writer. Even on Substack, many folks seem to forget the importance of that when complaining that they can't seem to get more subscribers.
Great article, enjoyed reading it. Love how she underlines that success needs hard work and grind, and that goes for the witchy world too... you go girl!
Ok, so she “had a mailing list of 10,000 (on Mailchimp) before I joined Substack and an Instagram following of 50,000”. Well that’s great: good for her. It makes Substack look great too (which it is, I’m not knocking it)...
HOWWWWEVER...
What about accounts that started from 0 followers on instagram and 0 followers on Substack? Are there any success stories with those demographics? Those who grew from nothing? I think you’d be hard pressed to find one, especially a poetry account. Lemme know if you find one.
I don’t mean to whine but rather to manage expectations. If you bring a following from another account or have an already huge email client base, odds are you will do well on Substack.
So what is an outlier poet doing with 17 instagram followers and 110 followers on Substack? Reading posts and interacting with others as much as time will allow (like I am right now). Following those who follow me, post poems when I can (these full time jobs sure get in the way of that dang it!). I’m not going to set up subscriptions because I don’t produce enough content to warrant that. As of now I’m a part time poet in search of full time glory. I’m extremely grateful for the subscribers I have and am thankful they’re getting something out of it.
As Amanda herself says, she didn't start on Substack with zero subscribers. She brought her community with her. We don't know whether that total is 60K; I'm sure at least some of the Mailchimp/IG audiences overlap. But those are large figures, and explain what initially might look like a stratospheric rise. Again, as Amanda says, it took her 13 years to build all this interest.
Extrapolating from this, then, I'd say anyone starting here with all zeroes, is likely going to face as challenging a time as Amanda did when she started out from ground zero. Perhaps more, perhaps less.
I would say not to worry so much about precise numbers but to be clear about the purpose, intent, and fulfillment that your Substack brings you. I much prefer Substack to the traditional social media platforms, and find growing a community here so much more fulfilling and meaningful than on Twitter or IG or FB. I recognize it will take time to build up the paid subscribership, but that's ok. I'm here for the long haul.
Thank you for sharing that perspective too, Brigitte. I agree that we should not dismiss the fact that most of the writers who have a large following on Substack spent YEARS growing their audience on other platforms or through publishing their work elsewhere. So their “overnight success” on Substack is a result of the hard work they have done previously. However, the question I have is whether Substack is suitable for growing from zero.
I think right now it’s a great platform to consolidate a writer’s offerings but it’s not a replacement for the growth that other platforms can offer (even though I do not like the algorithms). For those just starting out Substack cannot be the sole focus of their efforts.
I do have hope for Notes if there is going to be some hashtag/topic system so the notes can be discovered by people from outside of your reading bubble. And I also see collaborations as a great way to get additional exposure. But that’s all that I know can help growing within Substack.
The answer to your question about Substack's potential to grow a writer from seed-stage is likely the same answer for most other platforms... and I'd say even more so given how dedicated this community is to good writing and, well, community. That said, I don't think any one single platform is the answer... we all should be active in as many other communities and platforms as our time and schedules allow.
Yes, collabs are great. I've done guest posts for people with large newsletters here, that have driven significant upticks for me. Being consistently engaged works too, although you do have to balance that. Likes and comments don't necessarily translate to paid subscriptions, but they do carry their own value and currency, if you will.
Wishing you the very best on your Substack journey Nika! I like the name of your publication :)
Agreed! Growing my audience was not the result of just one platform. It began by me growing my name IN MY OWN COMMUNITY here in LA. Then local journalists and other "influencers" wrote about it, which helped me get name recognition nationally. It took me about 8 years to grow my Instagram platform, which was greatly assisted by my podcast, my book, and my media appearances, not just posting. So I would say that the best way to grow is to follow your passion and talk about the things you'd want to talk about even if you never would get "successful" at it. I think the important thing to remember is that you don't need EVERYONE to like or follow your work. You only need enough people to support you financially while you make the work FOR THEM. You don't need 50k people - you just need enough to get you a livable income.
I agree. Unfortunately, Substack usually only features newsletters with big (and usually pre-existing) audiences.
Yes, and all the "growth tips" come from that select group of newsletters. I have no idea what the numbers are, but I suspect there are far more of us are out here trying to grow a Substack from scratch than those coming in with their previously existing platforms, social media followings, book deals, etc. It would be nice if some posts were from and for the rest of us
I agree. But they always focus on these big newsletters, probably because those are the ones that make Substack money. The rest of us are forgotten and made to feel like we don't count.
True. Substack brags about all these ‘Success’ stories but fails to mention (or is not clear) that all these writers who ‘suddenly’ gain a large subscriber base actually already had a large following on Mailchimp or Medium or Twitter etc and they followed on SUBSTACK. These writers were promised (or bribed) such exposure if they brought their following to Substack. In some cases, Substack even paid certain writers advance fees to lure them and their large following to substack. If you are starting from ZERO on Substack, without any followers on other socials or heavy marketing, forget about gaining large subscribers base.
💯 Truth
Glad you raised this point. Also glad that she was transparent about it in the article. It would be so brilliant if Substack started sharing success stories of newbies too, even if that version of success is different.
"First of all, don’t worry about what other people are doing; explore what only you can do. Your background, your experiences, your interests are uniquely yours, and no one else has your voice—use it, celebrate it, feed that voice, make it so that your readers only have one place to go to get what you have to offer." Needed to hear this!
Inspiring post to encourage me to show up as I am, instead of a marketing strategy. Substack continues to amaze me with their platform and the people here are warm and inviting. ❤️
Inspiring post. Shows the power of following your own vision and being consistent.
I feel Amanda's advice that you need to both simply write about what interests you while also providing something that people need. Like she says, in a way it's contradictory but I have found that what interests me also apparently (and amazingly!) is something that other people need or want. In my case, with almost no marketing on my part, people who want to dig deeper into myth, history, or even their own Hellenistic practice have found me on their own.
I’m curious how you are able to give your voice and your offerings so freely when you have so many harsh voices attacking you. It’s beautiful that you found your audience and that you e grown so much. It was shocking to me to see so many negative comments. Having monthly moon rituals isn’t demonic, it’s being in touch with the moon and the earths cycles.
I'm not bothered by the haters because they're not my audience. I am here to serve the people who are working towards de-coloniality, justice, spiritual ecology, and a deeper connection to the land and each other. I'm working for them. To support THEM, and help them stay grounded and connected because then THEY will be able to create things of use for the world, and in that way, our webs of healing will take root and spread. If I offend people who are not working towards liberation of all beings (queer folks, women, people of color, the land, flora and fauna)... great! It shows I'm doing something right. Lol.
Great way to see it. Thanks for the response.
Yes to that. I’m so shocked at the attacks on this page. In this day and age.
In a spirit of love, only a harsh voice can warn these promoters of the spiritual darkness, that they are on path to hell. This is not an attack, it's just a sincere word of advice. .
Three is an audience for just about everything. You focus on that as a positive and ignore the negative. Ignore the people who don't understand what you do, because you're never going to appeal to them, and focus on the people who are receptive to what you do. If you are a writer and you expect to form a community around your work (much less make any money from that community) you have to know before you start whether or not there are people out there who might be willing to form that community. If there are, then focus on them and focus on how to appeal to them,
In a spirit of love, only a harsh voice can warn these promoters of the spiritual darkness, that they are on path to hell. This is not an attack, it's just a sincere word of advice. .
Substack isn't the only news outlet pushing witchcraft!! If you go to Google News and put in "Witchcraft" you will find articles this week from: NBC, Newser, Axios, New York Post, Daily Mail, Wired Magazine and NPR among others. So sad to see Substack participating in a weird creepy PR push for witchcraft across multiple platforms. That is what I came to Substack to escape from.
Celebrate! Love the advice for writers and the subject matter of your Substack! It's funny how people are scared of witchcraft and animism - I think its fascinating and I'm glad you're writing about it!
no one is "scared" of this rot. Just repulsed. None of us signed up to be bombarded with this nonsense.
It's pretty simple, don't follow or read it and it won't get you down.
Amanda is the absolute best! I was lucky enough to have a healing session with her a few years back. I wrote about it in my latest Stack.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11 KJV
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Isaiah 55:6 KJV
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 KJV
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7 KJV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 KJV
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9 KJV
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36 KJV
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 KJV
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3 KJV
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25 KJV
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 KJV
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Deuteronomy 4:39 KJV
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21 KJV
I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: Isaiah 45:5 KJV
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31 KJV
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18 KJV
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19 KJV
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22 KJV
Amen!
Amen!
I received this in an email from the company. I never subscribed to this. This is not neutral material to send to customers. You wouldn't send out an interview with a Muslim imam or an evangelical pastor, right? Because you are sending out unwarranted ideological content, I will completely stop using your site, and I encourage others to do the same.
You are totally correct, and I would be very interested in an interview with an imam, pastor or rabbi. Well said.
It's great testimony and I see how this can work. However, substack does not cater for Africa to earn a living it is designed for America, Asia and Europe. I say this because last week I had a reader who wanted to pledge. I had not turned on my publication for substack for payments. When I did try to turn it on, stripe was the only way to get paid and my country South Africa was not included. Stripe Atlas requires an American Address and security number which I do not have. So that is a problem it means I can never earn money for my writing. So this platform needs to be more inclusive and find other ways to include us. D.E.I is paramount for all of us in this world. So substack please find a way for African writers to earn a living too. This is a good platform and I believe it can always be great.
Hi, I'm in Australia and did not need an American address but I do not know the African situation.
Anyway, we have big problems here because if they pass the digital censorship bill Substack will disappear from Australia anyway. Substack doesn't seem to care or want to interact about the issue (this post will likely be taken down and I will be banned again).
https://vicparkpetition.substack.com/p/the-australian-government-may-legally
Wow! Was not expecting such harsh comments after such a fun, delightful interview! I'm cheering you on, Amanda! Also want to add that you're a great writer. Even on Substack, many folks seem to forget the importance of that when complaining that they can't seem to get more subscribers.
Then don't tune in. You clicked on it and read it. Feeling guilty?
You're not "calling" anyone out. You are just look and sound like a misogynistic jerk.
Don't hate her because she's beautiful. Stop reading and scroll on troll.
Cutie. x
So much honesty! It didn’t happen overnight, or even in a year. Thank you! So refreshing.
Great article, enjoyed reading it. Love how she underlines that success needs hard work and grind, and that goes for the witchy world too... you go girl!