Have questions about publishing, growing, or going paid on Substack?
The Substack team, and your fellow writers, are here to help!ย
Weโre gathering the writer community and members of the Substack team together in this discussion thread to answer writer questions for an hour. Drop your questions in the thread by leaving a comment, and weโll do our best to share knowledge and tips.
Our team will be answering questions and sharing insights with you in the threadย today from 10 a.m.โ11 a.m. PST / 1 p.m.โ2 p.m. EST. We encourage writers to stick around after the hour and continue the conversation together.ย
Some updates and reminders from the Substack team:
Linked headings: When a post is published, if you hover over a heading, a link will generate and direct visitors to that specific spot within a post.
Substack app: We recently added customizable fonts to Substackโs article viewer. Our lead app designer, Alex, shares how we picked the typefaces.
Celebrating wins: Substack writers are publishing books! Valorie Clark just landed a book deal based on her Substack, Unruly Figures, and Sari Botton who writes Oldster Magazine publishes her new book on Tuesday. Tell us about a recent win and we will celebrate together in todayโs thread.
Got questions about Substack or feedback about whatโs new? Youโre in the right place! Leave a comment in this thread.
I've published on blogs and in print in the past, but this platform feels so collaborative. Hoping this (along with good old-fashioned discipline!) helps me stick with it.
I'd second that feeling of collaboration. I've been on other platforms where the relationships/interactions were really transactional. I don't see that here. I hope it stays that way!
I understand you want to get the word out about what you are doing. And perhaps what you are offering is the greatest platform/service for writers here.
But if we all just added a blanket comment on post after post, the office hours, which are already busy, would become too bloated to follow. It is a bit too self-promotional and gratuitous.
My advice, offer assistance to those who have asked questions and, through that, create the trust and goodwill that allows for the occasional self-promotion.
For what it's worth, Jack, I've seen people who post the same things multiple times on a thread get completely removed from it by the admin team, and even banned. A not-great strategy in more than once sense.
There is lots of inspiration here and great things to be learned from how others are doing things. I've never written a blog or newsletter before but there are great resources and much support here to help make it successful.
โThe longest journey begins with a single step.โ Luckily, I (and Iโm sure most of youโ enjoy the journey for itself. Writing (and reading) is something I am compelled to do anyway. I canโt read a comment section under a news video without having thoughts that MUST BE SHARED.
I am so glad that Substack has put blogging on steroids which might lead to allowing me to share my thoughts and experiences with a wider audience. I see the Writerโs Hour community as an opportunity to collaborate with other folks who share this feeling, build each other up and build on the ideas of others. For instance, the myth of scientific discoveries originating from one individual genius does not acknowledge all the input from others that provided the inspiration and information that went into that โEurekaโ moment.
Unlike the platforms that have degenerated into *Antisocial Media* this community promises to allow us to share thoughts that might need to be clarified, expanded or even completely rethought, without fear of harsh responses that crush that willingness to make ourselves vulnerable and risk rejection, leading to suppressing ideas that might lead to โAhaโ moments for others.
Passed the number of free subscribers (8.5k) that was all the way at the bottom of my subscriber growth planning spreadsheet - the number of people I originally aimed to hit by Christmas next year, 2023, but I suspected it might take longer and that was fine. But I had not planned on hitting it earlier, and not *this* early.
It really hasn't sunk in yet. My brain feels like one of those huge supertankers that takes about 20 miles to make a turn. But I'll take it gratefully. (In a theoretical, hasn't-sunk-in sense).
Also, I wrote this and then cringed and nearly deleted it. It felt like massive humblebragging. But also - it is important to be loudly grateful about these things! Without fibbing, obviously, and without forgetting the massive amount of luck involved. So yeah, I'm grateful, and while I'm still a bit terrified by all the stuff I still need to learn and improve, it's good to take stock occasionally and say "woah, hey - that worked! So what ELSE might work if I tried it?"
I mean, if we can't brag here, when Katie's genuinely asking us to, where can we brag? You've worked hard for your success, Mike -- you've been a generous member of this community. Enjoy it and keep sharing.
Thank you, Joshua! Steady is the way. I trust it a lot more than I trust "winning the attention lottery" and all that viral stuff that you can't predict and therefore can't rely on. I mean, that's the joy of paid subscriptions - to have a steady income, as opposed to the freelancer's 'boom & bust' cycles of euphoria and despair with their income, which are so, so hard on the soul. Which is why I now run a paid newsletter. :) So - that sounds healthy, and keep it up!
This is so expansive. Thank you for sharing. I'm at the very beginning of my project (literally published the first Outsourced Optimism last week) and hearing stories like yours offers such a sense of possibility.
Really, it's not much more than I mention in my Grow interview: https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-7 Learning the mechanics of telling a story has been super-useful for me - this is a great resource: https://niemanstoryboard.org/ (Professional nonfic journalists sharing storytelling tips.) But I suspect my "secret sauce" so far has really been luck. I haven't replicated what happened with that Megaflood viral thread, and I might never do so! But showing up, trying to tell a good story and getting a handful of new subscribers still moves me forward, so if that's the fate of the rest of the life of my newsletter, I'm good with that.
I just made a sample version, with two tabs - the first (Tracker) that has what I adapted from Elle's spreadsheet, and the second (Twitter threads) showing how I keep track of the big threads that I make to get free subscribers. I think this link will work for anyone who clicks?
Also I have to say you can add one more number to your spreadsheet now -- just read your post on the Atlantic spreading ridge and that is very up my street!
I can see it but will definitely need to read more into how to do this - I've always liked having an audience...when they're actually there *lol*, difficult starting out but glad we have things like this so I can learn
In the wretched rhetoric of spammy marketers - I'd be happy to leap on a call sometime and discuss it! Seriously, it's kinda overdue anyway. :) Not a great deal of planning - I usually have a rough framework of all the "wow!" moments I want to hit in a story - but more and more I'm using Twitter to test out the best way to tell that story, with the newsletter being the more refined (and if necessary, adjusted) version...
It's just a spreadsheet with columns and numbers, like the normal kind! But it's also an adapted version of one that - I think it was Elle Griffin who shared it a while back? I saved a copy, I adapted one of the tabs of it, and it just shows me my current numbers vs. the numbers I want to have. Nothing complicated! (No formulas, for example.)
This is pretty wild!! Wow!! So so impressed. Of course, like a lot of people I would think, would love to know more about how you did it! Other than just being a genius writer!!
Thank you. :) And I am sooooo overdue a proper email to you about That Stuff We Were Talking About, because, it's been a week or two. Please forgive me, or at least judge me in a slightly kinder way...
No worries at all. I often face the same struggles, a big to-do list and a full mailbox. Whenever you have time and no pressure of course! You already helped me a lot :).
Me too! I'm pining for it, as I haven't been back since the pandemic struck (I'm in Scotland right now). But it's a grand part of the world, and York (where I studied Archaeology) will forever feel like one of my homes.
I celebrated my newsletter's 2nd birthday. I can't believe I've been publishing twice a week for two years. My little pandemic experiment has exceeded all my expectations -- well, I had no expectations, I just wanted to have fun, and I've had *so much* fun. I've learned a ton. And I've met so many great people. I'm tremendously grateful.
Thank you! Consistency. Planning. My life has a lot of moving parts, so I try to stay a month ahead in my writing as often as I possibly can. Meeting other Substackers and collaborating has also been helpful (and fun).
Wow a month is serious! At the moment Iโm writing the day before, but I can see as this project goes on it would definitely help to have more forward planning.
I work full-time outside my home, have two little kids, take care of my 101yo grandmother... if I don't write far enough ahead of time, nothing would ever get published. It just works for me!
I've clearly got this wrong! I literally write day of...and typically treat my stuff like a blog....thank you for this! (also, Im realizing I'm a major procrastinator)
I really don't think there's any right or wrong way to do it! Everyone has to find (and experiment with) what works for them. I've learned that I need to set myself up for success, to avoid feeling overwhelmed *and* burning out (both of which I have experienced in the last two years of writing) -- for me that means writing as far in advance as a I can. Sometimes that's two weeks out, sometimes it's a month -- it really doesn't matter all that much, I just keep putting one metaphorical foot in front of the other, so I am always working on something coming up, with a long enough lead time to avoid stressing myself out.
That's not an uncommon response, Sarah -- many (most) people have this reaction when I tell them this. In the beginning, I was definitely flying by the seat of my pants and writing a few days ahead of time, sometimes the night before. But I can't do that anymore, not since returning to work in my office rather than at home, including a 50-minute roundtrip commute, and two kids in school, and and and and. I was trained to work on deadline and to plan that work in advance, sometimes six months ahead! so it's the way I operate, but it's also a strategy for building in margin. (I can give myself a break when I need a break, without my subscribers ever really knowing. I can also create a measure of peace, which is what it's really all about.)
I'm a week ahead, but more wiggle room would be great. I'm a slow writer though, so it takes me all the available time to generate next week's issue. I'm trying to get faster.
I've only done a handful of "tactics" so try and get subscribers - weirdly, adding a blurb about Gobbledy in my email signature has generated a bunch. I write weekly and I post something on LinkedIn when it comes out (the newsletter is about the language of software marketing, so LI makes sense for me). I've included a blurb at the top of the newsletter each week asking people to share it and explaining that unlike a blog, there's basically no SEO so there's no organic traffic. It's only because people share (which they've done). But it's the same thing I read people here saying all the time -- publish consistently, preferably on the same day(s) and have a point of view. You will find an audience. Oh - and this helps me the most: I've decided the "goal" isn't a large subscriber base. The goal is to put out a newsletter about the language of software marketing. Each Wednesday I accomplish that goal. I feel great every week. Which (sort of) helps me feel better about weeks where I don't get a ton of new subscribers. Because while new subscribers are great, the goal is the writing.
Great comments, Jared! Focusing on the goal of great content, your own voice and consistent output - wise advice. The subscribers will follow. I like the idea of using your email signature to promote your substack. Thank you.
Nice. I'm picking up a few new folks every week, kind of a steady drip. At 130 now. I think I'd need 1,000 to make adding paid content worthwhile. So for now I'm just trying to be consistent, sending out the free essay once a week on time, hoping that will build a strong foundation.
I was finally brave enough to start sharing my newsletter on my own personal social media accounts. Itโs really scary to put yourself out there, so it may seem small but Iโm proud of myself!
I've been putting myself out there for over a year, and other than my wife, I get zero support or comments from family. Wondering how everyone else does with family.
My mom is FINALLY reading my stuff and my in-laws signed up to be paid subscribers. But getting the rest of my family to be engaged and care is...hard.
My mom reads and comments on almost all of my articles! My dad reads but doesnโt subscribe because he doesnโt like giving out his email. My friends are a mixed bag; some read and like/comment consistently but others not so much. Iโve actually found a wonderful community of support through fellow writers here on Substack, though!
I keep repeating Anne Lamott to myself: "You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better." <mic drop>
For me it wasn't even the criticism. My father recently passed away and I wrote about him in a post. A cousin read it and sent it to the whole extended family with a note commenting on the "beautiful eulogy" I'd written. Spent the next week explaining that it wasn't a eulogy.
Thatโs so awkward and invasive but also....very nice/// idk how id feel ab that. I definitely use my writing as a grieving mechanism , I couldnโt imagine people reading some things I write
Iโm sorry to hear about your father, and also that your words were taken and used in a way other than how you intended. Definitely another risk of sharing your writing.
I donโt mind putting myself out there, except that Iโm horribly inconsistent. I just havenโt nailed down a daily time to write. But thatโs my seat-of-the-pants life.
I usually write in bits and pieces, when inspiration strikes. Even if that means starting a draft post for a newsletter wonโt go out for a month!
Setting a schedule for publishing has helped me be more consistent, though. I publish a longer, more dedicated article on Tuesday or Wednesday (I write a blog about food culture- Iโm from the US but have lived in Madrid for six years, so a mix of US and Spanish culinary commentary and recipes) and then a Friday post with random food-related things Iโve loved throughout the week. I may eventually have to change, but for now itโs working well for me!
Thatโs so cool! Kids really are sponges at that age for language. The earlier they start learning the better! One of my good friends has two kids in a bilingual Spanish preschool back in the US and itโs amazing how much theyโve learned in the past couple of years just through immersion.
This! I have held back in my writing when I knew people I knew were reading. I haven't told any close family or friends about this yet. I'm feeling a little freer with my words because of it. Maybe I'll share one day...but kudos to you!
That is seriously one of my biggest issues, promoting myself to the people who should care the most about what I'm doing. And then not feeling rejected when they don't subscribe.
Yeah, trying to not take it personally when friends donโt subscribe is hard! And also striking a balance between a casual โOh, this old newsletter Iโm writing?โ vibe but also โPlease subscribe this is important to meโ is something that is still escaping me. Maybe Iโm playing it too cool haha
Well done on being courageous! I deliberated about using my personal social media account and decided instead to create a separate newsletter account. I promoted it on my personal account and let those who were interested migrate over. I wanted to maintain a personal space where I share non-newsletter things.
Hereโs a win. Iโve been writing for 20 years, some ups and some downs. Iโve found some communities along the way, but never true kindred spirits. Writing on Substack Iโve found two -- count โem TWO -- other writers who are total kindred spirits. Needless to say thatโs added a lot of depth to the community experience, made my work feel less lonely, and confirmed that Iโm on the right track.
Um... I just discovered your Substack and I'm IN LOVE WITH IT. I didn't realize there were other nerds like me out there too! I'll be in line to pre-order the book. :)
Oh, I just checked out your Substack. This English teacher is interested :-) I'll just have to remember to also subscribe with my teacher Substack as well.
Congratulations! Well done. One of the Substack resources (can't remember which one; I've watched so many) recommends approaching each newsletter issue as part of one large publication. My genre is non-fiction but I'm trying to write from that viewpoint. One (kinda) cohesive whole.
I hit a nice subscriber milestone recently. More importantly, I've found some projects to collaborate on, and have seen the comment section on a few posts really come alive.
I switched to publishing once a week to once every other week, which allowed me to spend more time researching and revising my writing, which made for for better quality essays and more engaged readers. Sometimes slowing down is growth :)
I originally asked people on instagram what kind of letters they had liked best in the past few months. Because I write essays, but also book reviews, link round ups, etc. And the essays were definitely what brought people to the newsletter, and because these take the most time to write, it really felt right to do the switch. For me, the point of the newsletter (vs. IG, Twittter, etc.) is that it's just me and my audience, there are no algorithms to please, no attention to compete for, so as long as we are happy, that's all that matters.
I so agree that putting effort into good quality writing is key. I can't generate more than one newsletter a week. Like you, there's research, then writing, then editing. I love your comments about algorithms and non-competitive writing. There's room to breathe... and enjoy what we do.
Youโre right, I think newsletters have a very luxurious quality compared to social media. My favourite newsletters Iโll open a few times a week, click some links, mull them over, and itโs just nice to know your attention isnโt being vyed for in a way which cheapens the actual content of the email.
I submitted a Modern Love Tiny Love Story to the New York Times! I am tapping away at a piece for Chicken Soup for the Soul, about a decision that changed my life (due 7/31). Without the discipline of four months of writing my "The Desert Rose" Substack newsletter, I don't think I would have been ready to do either. Thank you, Substack, for helping me organize my thoughts, stay on track with my deadlines, and find my writing groove once again. ๐
I'm in month 2 of my newsletter and trying to grow organically. I posted an interview which hit 150 views, which I admit is v. v. small in the grand scheme of things but it's a little milestone, you know?
Just because it isn't millions of views or the most viral sensation in the world doesn't mean it is pointless. Celebrate the small stuff, you are human and these things start with a ripple before they become a tsunami.
Been thinkin about it and finally went and did it: First podcast post went up yesterday! Got great feedback from a few commenters, very happy with how that went. Excited to explore the medium more fully!
It is intimidating! I have a goal to make it more of a "radio-show" style, but when I tried recording my first episode I got spooked--I am not great at public speaking and I was intimidated by the fact that I was talking to myself. I started off easy--a brief discussion of what my goals are for podcasting (including improving my public speaking) and I read an old article from my Wordpress site.
I used Anchor to do basic edits which was very easy, and the reaction has been very positive. I am excited to do more with it, but for a first venture into the fray I am very happy with it.
Hey, Scoot! That sounds fantastic! So with you there. Can you tell me if we record live do we have a re-record or delete button? Iโve tested my first post, but dread a live test for audio being stuck on here forever, since I canโt record it without committing that far. Can you tell me what buttons are there? Is there a bail out option if I donโt like the recording? I cannot use transfer a Filesโฆ Need to do this from my phone! Congrats on your progress! All very exciting. ๐๐
You have all the same tools for a podcast as you have for a post--you can delete and presumably re-upload audio as necessary. I use Anchor.fm to do first-pass editing and then download the final product and upload separately to substack.
Anchor looks awesome! If I knew how to get my podcast from there onto Substackโฆ Without uploading to my computerโฆ That would be great! What a super looking app. I am hoping working live through Substack will be just as good for the informal voice that I need. โจ๐โ๏ธ๐ซ
Awesome! You just saved my fear, if not my whole life. Lol. ๐๐ Thank you. (I canโt download and upload so it has to be liveโฆ Thus I really need to be sure!) cheers, my friend. Kind of you to answer. Very relieved. ๐๐ซ๐คพโโ๏ธ
The first step is always the hardest. I am glad you made it and I hope you do more! Podcasting can be an awesome way to create content that not only your readers/listeners will enjoy but something YOU can enjoy as well.
Sorry I was not able to join in at the same time as everyone else... Hereโs something I feel is exciting: Iโve been publishing on Substack infrequently for 2 years, but six weeks ago, I set some simple goals for myself to publish on a set schedule. My subscribers (free and paid) get something at least once a week. I have set up a simple editorial calendar for myself to help me keep track of whatโs being published when, what needs my attention, and what is finished. And I have now fully integrated all this process into the other work/travel I do, so I am now feeling very comfortable with all of the โproductionโ. You might think this is not exciting, but in my experience, this is the part of writing and connecting with people that is by far the hardest, so I would have to say, setting and accomplishing these little goals is actually very exciting.
This is great! I made a vow this week to set aside more time just to plan my story lineups. It can feel like a waste of time but I think it will save time in the long run, not to mention save me from living in the anxiety fog of not having a plan!
This is awesome, Leland -- and I totally agree. The writing of my newsletter is the easiest part, once I have all the planning, scheduling, and other behind-the-scenes work done.
Curious what tools/platforms you're using to stay organized? I keep track of my overall schedule on Google Calendar, plan content/track other things in Notion, and write in Substack.
Thanks Sarah: To answer your question about tools/platforms:
I use a google calendar for my editorial calendar. It's simple, but that is all I need. I have a private calendar that I color code and I start each entry with an all-capped keyword for anything that is in need of something ({title} -- for things that are done, on Substack and scheduled to be published. Everything else starts with DRAFT: {title} for things I'm still working on, EDIT:{title} for things that are close but still needing some edits, etc.)
I use an app called Things for my to-do's and over the years, I've developed a pretty elaborate set of lists that I use to do research, plan travel, read, and of course write drafts of things on a schedule so I have time to edit, etc. My publication is largely based on photography, so i have massive lists of places to visit/photograph. I also use Google Maps for this.
For writing -- I always carry a fountain pen and a black artist's sketchbook which I write/sketch in. I start everyday writing in my notebook for about 30 minutes. I then mine these writings for ideas, short written passages, etc. then these get refined and moved to the computer.
I use two programs, both of which I absolutely adore: (I'm on a Mac): Ulysses and Bear. They are very similar, and I should probably just pick one to use, but I can't. So I bounce back and forth. I love Bear because I can organize ideas, and apply hashtags. I tag images in Adobe Lightroom, so this makes it easy for me to write something and find a photo to accompany, or (much more likely) find some writing to accompany or get me started on writing something to accompany an image. The rest is just keeping my head clear and making sure I stay on task. Things (app), Ulysses and Bear are great because they save to Cloud so I can work on things on my phone or my computer. I am surprised at how much work I do on my phone.
I geek out so hard on the details of other people's processes -- thank you!
Your Google Calendar system is truly brilliant. So simple, and yet I can see how it works.
I am a long-time (and pretty die-hard) user of OmniFocus, so I totally understand how elaborate it can get -- I've looked into Things but can't break up with OF ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ
I do not recommend ditching OF or any tool that works for you. In fact, I'd feel terrible if letting others peek into my toolbox disrupted or distracted. I would hope people would be more interested in what they are writing than how I am writing. Tangent: There is a kind of post that has long been vogue with photobloggers (and others) that is often called "what's in my bag?" It's all about gear, but the gear you actually use and carry around, not just reviews of the new gizmos, etc. I once played around with this format and posted a list of things that my cat had hidden under my couch. If you're interested and want a laugh, https://lelandbuck.com/ali-babas-cave/
Oh my goodness, that is a GREAT post! (As a fellow cat owner, I deeply understand.)
I know of the "what's in my bag" post -- my boss is obsessed. I think there is a certain inclination some of us have to peek into the methods and processes of others -- it's just interesting. (Don't worry, I'm not ditching OF -- believe me, I've tried.)
This has been an inspiring and informative afternoon, fellow Substackers, and thank you, Substack Team! I look forward to reading all the new work I subscribed to today. And if you're curious about mine, here's Morning After Thoughts! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/ Happy Thursday.
Also wanted to say a thanks to the Substack gang for the Recommendations system. I was pretty apathetic about it at first but then a few other writers in my field recommended me and I've got more than 200 signups out of it in a couple of weeks. Hurrah!
Same here. I was lukewarm about it at first, but seeing the subscribers rolling in between posting is a nice shot in the arm. I only hope my recommendations help out my fellow writers as much as theirs help me!
I'm getting ready to add some Recommendations. There is so much excellent writing on Substack both in my field (cooking) and other topics too. I'm always telling people about things I'm reading so this is right up my alley. I'm glad to that it drives new sign ups too.
Hi writers! Here's some encouragement from one little newsletter to all of you: the best way out is through! If you're feeling stagnant, uninspired, or blocked creatively, the best thing to do is to KEEP WRITING. Sometimes the stuff we write that we feel the least excited about ends up resonating with someone in ways we could never have imagined. So DON'T give up, and DON'T stop writing! The world needs to hear your voice, and someone out there needs to read your words! KEEP GOING! ๐ฟ
I have to agree. I spent years trying to write and getting discouraged, but somewhere along the line I learned to keep going and it has made an incredible difference
Absolutely! We're our own worst critics pretty much 99% of the time. The trick is just to keep going, and don't stop. The more we practice, the more chance our community--the people who love what we do--will find us!
The team at Substack is incredible โ and I want to say thank you to all of them, but especially to those who really helped me sort through a couple recent issues I was having.
My substack follows my life after quitting the office to pursue writing and yesterday my first commercially published book was sent off to the printers. After the intense editing process I don't think I'll ever look at it again but a very enjoyable feeling.
This is so cool! Do you ever do collaborations? On my (smaller) personal substack, Collection Rejections, I interview other writers who have taken big leaps. valorieclark.substack.com
haha - you will in time. I'm republishing a book and just got the proofs yesterday. After edits and adding some new stuff, I'm feeling like you. I'm indie publishing though, so I have TONS of work left to do - I love it tho. Soft launch is 7/6. Congratulations on such a huge achievement!!!!! ps - I quit office work too. You might enjoy my book "Rock Gods & Messy Monsters" - happy to do a cross promo if you're interested. If your book is about quitting the office, we might have good synergy. I'm signing up for your substack now!
Thanks Diane! I'll check it out. My book is completely unrelated to my substack. It's a work of non-fiction fiction about the first Afghan migration to Australia in the 1890s. Kind of niche but very interesting! ๐
sounds interesting - I've signed up for your substack also. I'll be in touch - I've got too much going on right now, but I'm going to be launching a campaign around my book, and I'll be asking folks to write a blurb about crazy experiences in offices (not mean, just crazy or humorous). If you have one, maybe you could do one and I can use it as a way to give your book a shoutout. I'm soft launching 7/6 and official launch is 9/7 so there's time - but just in case you're interested. I think us substackers with books should promote each other!! Maybe that could be our hashtag.
oh, and the page still needs work but you can see a bit about the book at https://www.wholehealthygroup.com/rock-gods - and ps - I just officially shut down my nonprofit and am pursuing fiction writing fulltime. I will evaluate in a year....
Just crossed 2700 free and 125 paid subs! Here are the things I wished I knew when I started: 1. No Facebook or Twitter ads. You can use these platforms for free and actually see better results by posting regularly in forums and threads. 2. You should be cold emailing a lot more. Substackers are way more likely to help a fellow writer than you think so don't be shy. 3. If you are paid, give away your paid subscription to those who help you. Since you will be cold emailing a bunch, you should have lots of free comps given out! (I run https://shortstory.substack.com/ so let me know if any one in this thread wants a free 6 month comp in exchange for a reco or even a quick tweet.) 4. The only positive Return on Investment I have got in advertising is when I reached out to someone in my field, then asked what they charged, found out they don't really do ads, and then worked something out that made sense for them to mention my substack. Most newsletters that have ads regularly will see some click through but they don't break even so you need to forge your own path. That's all! Hope you enjoyed this mini-thread!
Palisatrium team, thank you for the helpful mini-thread. Happy to engage in this exchange - how does it work? Happy to tweet or add reco in July edition.
Step one, Get the name right! Start with "Hi Jessica," for example. 2. Say that you are also a writer/substacker to show you aren't just spam. 3. Tell them why you are emailing WITHOUT jargon and QUICKLY get to the point. For example, "I noticed you are a fellow writer and I was wondering if you are open to swapping recommendations." 4. Give them something for free, even if it is just a compliment! 5. Understand that most people will say no or not respond. No worries, it's nothing personal!
Wow, that's some great experience sharing. Thanks for that. Very helpful. Is it easy to give away paid subscriptions? I was considering that. I am only on free now, and am thinking of going paid. Anyway, above all, congrats on the wins!
It is super easy! Go to the Settings Tab, look for the "Give away paid subscription for free" section, and then input the email address that you want to give for free!
I returned to writing after 9 years being away. It feels incredible to be back and Substack has made the process so enjoyable. I hit publish for the first time last week and I'm so excited to get back to it. I'm starting to feel like a full version of myself again!
My question is about how do you build an audience when you donโt have a niche or specific topic?
I interview guests for the Bigger Than Me Podcast. Iโve spoken with ocean pollution experts, business owners, authors, politicians, artists, Indigenous leaders and musicians. My newsletter talks about why I wanted to have them on, and what I took away from the conversation. Each article is completely unique in the topic, which makes it harder to build a community.
Hi Aaron, it sounds to me like you are curating public attention, which is in and of itself a product; the lens through which you are doing it is your own curiosity and interests--that is your niche. Simply put, it is your taste. You can create a brand out of that, highlighting each time why whatever topic and/or interlocutor you have selected is important, and how it connects back to the space and community you want to build in your substack. You can elaborate on that in your About page (and update this every few months as you go). It is important, I believe, for you to have a clear idea of what your substack's "mission" is and an attempt to define that will also help you in seeing what is unique about it.
I would make it a point to send out links and maybe promo copy to guests so that they can share it on their social media and newsletters (if they have them).
Thank you for all the support! Unfortunately, I only record interviews in person and Iโm located in BC, Canada ๐จ๐ฆ I think it makes the interviews more personal and genuine.
I donโt have a niche either but say I like to tell stories with weight. Itโs about the emotional connection, about feeling seen, and connecting with community.
Bigger Than Me is a great podcast name and if thereโs a through line you can create with all these stories, maybe lean on that. Itโs likely youโre the best part of the experience. I will also comment that if you sign up for newsletter distribution sites (RadLetters), they have an โeclecticโ category.
Hi Aaron, I'll have to check out your podcast, as I'm just starting one to add to my Mind Wise blog and newsletter. I struggle with the same issues as I cover most things related to mental and holistic health care. It is a broad area, and I always go for topics that I get interested in and want to explore more deeply. I so far have not wanted to or been successful at niching it down. But again, it is what I enjoy, and we'll see where it takes me. Good luck to you. Ron
Warn them in advance that each newsletter will be different and that your Substack is not advised for people who want to read the same thing many times. You could potentially do this with the title of each piece. Or maybe the subtitle if you're pushed for time. Good luck.
I did a subscription drive and went from 75 to 150 in a week with 3 paid.
Now I have had two unsubscribed. Is this a good ratio? My paid subscriptions are at about 10%. But that will go down as my reach goes up I would speculate.
I will say that my writing is not niched. It depends entirely what on my skill in presenting either astute analysis of various things which catch my interest, or little vignettes from my personal experience. The success of each post depends entirely on the quality of the writing.
Today I hit 16 paid subs, which is amazing to me! It's not something I push a lot, and I feel really honored that 16 people (10 of whom I don't know personally) pay for my work. ๐ฅฒ
I love this Substack Thursday. Quite resembles a whole year when we work our ass off, and then we meet for the thanksgiving. This is more like a weekly Thanksgiving--and I love it! So many views and links to so many great pieces. Keep writing!
I want to also say how impressed I am with the Substack platform. I love everything about it, how it works to write, blog, podcast, add video. The potential is fantastic. And, Iโm discovering some really great writers. Iโm a musician, amateur writer, so seeing how itโs done is very enlightening. The subscription fees from my $5 $50 and $100 dollar memberships just hit my bank deposit, very handy. Iโm also seeing a decent amount of podcast hits from my posting on Substack and sending it to Apple and Spotify.
I experimented around with the different locations, logo, headers etc. itโs was beginnerโs luck, it also works in regular post, I added one yesterday.
I've been thinking a lot about milestones this week. My baby celebrated his first birthday (or rather, we celebrated his first birthday!) and also stood up for the first time.. (look ma, no hands!) I think he'll be walking pretty soon, but not before falling over (many, many times!) My substack is only 6 months old, so just starting to crawl, but it's exciting to watch it grow, step by step... Forgive this cheesy post, it's been an big week!
THIS! I didnโt know anything about the writer community, or that there would be such hands-on support from the team. I thought it was just a vehicle, but itโs more like a city!
Substack! What is the best way to share old issues with new subscribers? Should I resend or just copy and paste into a new issue? I have great content from over a year ago and many new subscribers who would benefit from it.
We simply send out old content once a month by creating an entirely new newsletters with a note that is content that we are proud of and since we're so much bigger now, we figure folks will be interested.
We could do what TV networks do, and simply positively label "repeats": Like, "A Brent and Michael Encore Presentation!" and similar. No need to apologize or feel like we're being "sneaky"!
Love that! And we definitely don't apologize. We've got an email open rate between 50 and 60% but that still leaves a lot of folks who might've missed it the first time as well.
Oh, I know that....I've seen this dilemma mentioned before, and some 'Stackers sound like they're reluctant and apologetic to even consider the notion! That was meant for them.
Kevin, I would judge it by # of subs, generally, rather than time/age. Ex: I have a majority of my subs come aboard since the first of the year, and few have probably seen my initial posts starting in August. For me, I might look at re-posting things from December, backwards to Aug.
You can unlock paid posts and send an unlocked version to free subscribers. I wonder if "locking" a post and then immediately unlocking will allow you to generate the new email to all subscribers.
You could always just integrate it in your writing and use the built-in embedding Substack has. I think it looks nice and allows you to organically share it with your readers without selling out.
This is something I'm trying to figure out too! I'm planning to try adding a paragraph at the end of each post saying, "If you liked this, you might like x post from [whenever]" and linking to it. It's manual but I trust that I know what posts in my archive relate well to one another.
I have a couple of other blogs, and what I do there, and what I'll probably do with my Substacks when I've built up a substantial body of work is the following (a) On this day: eg On June 9 2017 I wrote this post, which I still think is apposite ... (b) update an old post, eg On 9June I wrote this, but since then a couple of the links don't work any more and there's a newer website blah blah blah; (c) republish the old post as it is, with perhaps a note at the start to say this is a blast from the past, and still relevant.
Greetings! Well, about a week ago I FINALLY published my first article, and I have to say, I think I "overwrote" it! I became so intimidated by all the fantastic writers here that I "over-edited" what I had to say. I made the article too long, because I was trying to match some other writer's word count! Well, next time I will do better, I promise!
Every writer is always learning. Easy to overwrite. I've got an article in progress now that fits that because the topic is complex and sensitive. Got it out with a few beta readers who will have better perspective than I can bring atm.
Just a quick reminder to everyone out there to update your about page. I'm always shocked at how many Substacks I see which still have the boilerplate text for their about page. This is the first place new readers will visit to find out what to expect from you - give them something compelling and memorable!
I agree. Updated mine last week. I also noticed that one substacker pins a Welcome Post to the home page with a Read This First heading. I found it helpful on that site, so I pinched the idea.
Absolutely. I often check out the about page to see if I might be interested in a newsletter and it's offputting if the writer hasn't taken the time to write something there
hey, I just clicked on your name (never knew I could do this and get about info) and nothing shows up. You might check your about blurb - maybe it's blank? You're too awesome to not be publicizing who you are!
Hey Substack team, when will customizable fonts be available on the computer version? Love that it's on the app but I write and publish from my laptop. I'd LOVE to have customizable fonts!!
I am excited to share a win! A technical publication I have been working on the last 2 years was finally published. I used my monthly Substack newsletter (directed to a very niche audience) to successfully get pre-orders since my Substack subscribers are the perfect audience for my book (titled "Make Your Safety Training Stick: Increase Retention and Get Better Results). I am considering offering a free trial paid subscription for anyone who buys the book but not sure if I'll go that way yet.
I've self-published in the past and a few of those books are on Amazon but this latest was published by a professional association (the American Society of Safety Professionals).
I have a question about commenting! Our readership (Matriarchy Report on Substack) has grown by hundreds (yay!). But we get very few comments (even on posts with 1,500+ reads) and subscribers have told us that it's very cumbersome to leave a comment--they have to log out, log in with a password, they don't remember the password, etc. Is there a way to trouble shoot this?!
If you encourage more readers to read in the app, this could help! Some of the challenges with commenting are related to email, which is static and is also where many readers are reading Substack posts.
It's a big problem because we are trying to build a *community, not just a readership/subscriber base. Instead people will comment on our social media accounts bc it's easier, but that's not the community feel I want.
thanks Diane! i use photoshop for my newsletter collages so may just have to put in a couple more minutes to draft layouts on there for regular photos, too.
What is the best way to attract subscribers for new writers? I sometimes feel like most shoutout and events here are for those who are already popular.
Most writers who participate in these threads are early and new to Substack, or in the midst of their journey building a name for themselves. Don't be shy to join us!
These pieces of writing may be helpful for you as you're just getting started:
My dividers, that I use often to break up text, are no longer visible against my gray background. No, this doesn't belong here. But Tech support has twice sent me the same boilerplate response suggesting I take up this and another tech issue here, and see if anyone else shares my issue. This isn't the stated purpose of the thread. This is a tech problem, no question: I've been using both the gray background AND dividers for more than a year, and the line was never invisible before. Will you guys in community please get together with tech and fix both the issue and the punting of it to the Thursday thread?
This seems to be a result of using themes (changing your background color). I am seeing next to our writer product team right now and they are filing a ticket to further investigate.
Thanks Katie! I'm in the same boat as Annette. This is Sunday and I just wrote to tech support as you suggested and they keep telling me it's because the gray divider line doesn't show up against my pale green background, but as with Annette, it always has before. They sent be back to the Thursday thread.
I've noticed this in the past 2 or 3 weeks as well. I haven't changed my background color, but the dividers are practically invisible now. I thought - too much screen time - I'm going blind!
Yeah, this shouldn't require either a workaround OR giving up the background that was among the limited choices on offer, and is likely most friendly to eyeballs . . .
I've been writing on Substack for over a year, and this change only happened this week. I appreciate the suggestion, but it would be less time-consuming if Substack could just fix this.
They are still there, but they're very faint and blend into the background. I'm struggling to recreate it on an older version of the site. Did you update your theme about a week ago by chance to a new background color?
It always seems to stun many, if not most, 'Stackers, but I lean heavily on biz cards. I just had new ones printed on VistaPrint, and they provide a way to "translate" a web address into a QR code! So, my ID pic (on your left) that features me (second from left) at 22, with the Ramones backstage in '77 is on the front, and my page's QR code is on the back!
So, along with the usual social media sites, I leave biz cards on Panera and Starbucks community bulletin boards, as well as leaving one with my tip at restaurants, and when I meet people in line at stores, etc! It's fun, and is a great conversation starter!
Of course, it helps if you've got what many Ramones (and even rock fans) consider a collector's item as your main photo, but you do you! Good luck! Don't ignore paper!!!๐
I do this too! I have an eagle eye for bulletin boards now lol. I put them up at the library, coffee shops, bakeries, pretty much anywhere that is high traffic and there is likely to be book and bread enthusiasts!
Great minds! When I have more articles, I wanted to have business cards made (didnโt think about QR codes!) and put them EVERYWHERE.
In books at the local (and big) bookstores, under windshield wipers, on top of cans at certain grocery stores, on resturant tables when I go eat out, bulletin boards on campuses or elsewhere... e v e r y w h e r e. Haha
That's the spirit! And, good on ya.....too many of the kids these days, who were raised with a silver iPad in their mouths, are loathe to do anything regarding paper when it comes to PR-ing their 'Stack!
Tweet all you want your links, but there are people out there, and some of them will actually look up from their phones to engage with you about your writing, and your biz card will help get the convo going!
What I hope is that they'll line all their friends up back home, have them all pull out their phones while they slowly pass my QR code past them as they snap it! Good luck, Cierra!
Thank you! Goodness the World Wide Web can be so noisy! Itโs nice to stumble across things that pique your interest in the real world. I grew up with chalk boards, overhead projectors, and pen and paper and the iPad JUST started becoming a thing around the time I was in college so it feels like I escaped in a way! Haha some things just feel better on paper on in the real world so we might as well try marketing like that as well! Like in the good olโ days before algorithms took over haha. Thank you! :)
Well, it's still a thing to the extent you want to make it a thing! There's enough people, these days, we all end up ignoring, but when they're playing EDM and "today's pop" at the gym, it's a great way to ask a stranger what kind of music THEY like.
Of course, I write about music and musicians, so that makes it a legit question, and regardless of their answer, I can produce a card that begins discussion! When I see someone at a bulletin board looking in the direction of my card hanging up, I'll saunter up (my favorite way to "up"), I ask, "Do you recognize a 22-year-old me?" Go get 'em, Robert!
Social media, connecting with other writers, join The Sample, which is doing a great job of promoting different newsletters :https://thesample.ai/?ref=b66a
I tell everyone I know, tell new people I meet, and Iโm active on twitter so when I drop a new story it hits an engaged audience. That said, on twitter I try to keep promo to around 10% of all posts.
One thing Iโm planning to do is make a QR code that links to my Substack, then put that code on a sticker and put it on the back of my phone. My phone is always with me so when I tell people about my Substack itโs super easy to set them up to subscribe. A business card works too, so Iโll probably do that as well. But the phone is just more reliable for me.
Hi Diamond-Michael! You can use a free QR code generator, you just copy and paste the url for your substack into it, and then you can download the QR code as a png or jpeg. Then you can stick it into your business card/sticker etc design before you get it printed. Something like this: https://www.qr-code-generator.com/
That is a great idea. I was chatting with four Brits at a cafe overlooking Lake Como last week and that would have been a GREAT thing to have. I'm doing it tomorrow.
Wherever I frequent, whether a coffeehouse or a fancy wine bar, I leave a book sitting out. This one act draws in conversations like flies. When they ask me what I do, I tell em that I read books for a living and share author interviews and reviews with my digital community. Slam dunk in terms of immediate sign ups.
nice! it would be hard for me though - I should have a book like โintro to the global paymentsโ, โunbelievable story of Mastercard and Visaโ, or โDecentralized finance is hereโ near me ;-)
Business cards, business cards, business cards! Along with SM. For 5 years (2015-20), I wrote about the Houston Astros on TheRunnerSports.com. There were 85 writers on the all-sports blog site, and for the last 2 yrs or so (2018-20), I had the site's leading monthly page-views! AND, ALL WITHOUT ANY SOCIAL MEDIA!!!!!
I handed out my cards relentlessly, plus I managed to also get the players and print and broadcast media reading me! I'll say it again....ALL WITHOUT THE VAUNTED, ALMIGHTY SOCIAL MEDIA! Plus, I met some great new people along the way, something I'm not particularly inclined to sneeze at.
I think I had managed to gain what the kids today call "traction." Hmmm, wonder if my writing must've been good or something? Naaaaaah.
Where do you draw the line between spending time on social media vs. doing your writing and publishing? My last venture has been checking out and doing some answers on Quora. Fun, but not sure if it is worth using my creative energy and time, and not sure of the audience Quora reaches. Maybe I should check out Reddit?
I love the idea. I guessed when I published my book I had unsatisfactory experience with marketing courses and my attempts to do my marketing or outsource the marketing. I've been doing all the outreach, marketing, and social media myself, but I would instead outsource it now as I want to focus on my writing and less on my consulting work. If you have any suggestions of what you have found as good outsources for marketing, let me know, and I will check it out. Thank you so much, Ron
I went paid right out of the gate--I'm committed to low and slow growth. It's a big step but my impression--and from what I've read of others doing the same thing--readers are fairly amenable as long as you don't cut them out of the loop entirely!
Thank you for this comment, Scoot, it is very encouraging. I want to (actually need to ) go paid quite early. It was always my intention for my newsletter to generate some income, not just be a creative writing adventure. But I wasn't sure how long to wait. Maybe sooner than later!
Thanks for holding this discussion. I have not been able to post my writing. I am 96 and tech deficient. I need to speak to someone by phone to guide me step by step. Can someone do that? -My # is: 212-204-0656. My name is Abe Markman.
Hi I started Why Journalism Matters 18 months ago. It's a study and a celebration of Investigative and Campaigning journalism around the world. There is much that deserves celebrationa nd championing. I am a retired journalism lecturer in the UK and my objective is not to make money for myself but to help raise funds for journalistic organisations like Reporters without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists(CPJ). When I get to a critical mass of free subscribers I am hoping to ask some of those readers to go paid (and get some extra benefits). I get a lot of interest from various individual readers around the world and have recently started a French language edition because RSF is based in Paris. But getting people to subscribe has been hard work although there is a steady trickle. Ideally I need at least 200 readers in order to persuade say 50 of them to go for a paid subscription. (One idea is to offer them the truly wonderful photobooks produced by RSF three times a year as part of the package, and I am sure there are other similar benefits offered by CPJ which could be part of whatis on offer. I have had great support from the Global Investigative Journalism Network which has been a real gateway into developing content and contacts, but the whole thing needs a bit of a boost and I am not sure how to pitch it differently or better to attract more active interest. All suggestions gratefully recieved! Here's the link so you can have a look.
Thanks Elena, your support is really appreciated. It's fair to say that despite the obstacles investigative journalism is booming around the world, and when other aspects of society fail, a free, inquiring press serves to give people hope that things will get better
Because you want to raise funds for journalistic organizations, why wait? That could be the benefit to start. I don't promote my paid option but have 7 people who pay just because it's there. You can create a custom button - you could mention that the subscription fee is to support journalists - so why not start it now?
Thanks Diane, what pointed, inspiring and wise advice. Why wait? These organisations need support now and I want to be able to give it to them. Will also have a look at Next Draft and will help you out in anyway I can. Many thanks once again.
I just tested it. The links show up on all styled headers (e.g. H2, H3) as a grey link icon to the left of the header on the live post when you hover over it. You can then click on the link to copy it.
After a little bit of testing, you can use the private draft link to get the links to each segment and then set up the TOC before actually publishing to the masses.
Even more photo capabilities would be awesome. I'm using gifs now to get some movement, but the ability to host larger moving files would be awesome. Slow moves on high res photos can look really nice
I've not been able to get any gifs to look good while moving, it's a tough nut to crack! If I keep an image still and use gifs to move text on it, it looks alright, especially on the home page. But full screen they lose detail, and when I share them on SM, the lower quality gif image is used and it's noticeable. Just my observations. :)
That'd be great. I'm attaching a link as an example. There is a photo of the ball player blowing a bubble and you can see the movement on it, it looks great :)
Hi, I noticed that the new UI for display audio has changed from a player to a button. My question is this here to stay or just an A/B test? I have seen an 98% drop in audio listens since the introduction. I have also had subscribers reach out asking why I stopped doing audio as part of my newsletter.
Custom buttons in posts don't have the blue box around them when viewed in the app, or web browser. The default Substack buttons like "Subscribe now" retain the blue box.
Other than that, solid week for me. I'm climbing the leader board, got 25 free sign ups, active engagement in comments, and 3 recommendations. Doing my first collab post with another music newsletter author tomorrow. Fun stuff.
Well, poking my shy head to say how grateful I am to be showing up to the office hours finally - for the first time! It's been in my mind for ages yet my imposter syndrome told me that a newbie newsletter wouldn't be good enough or interesting enough for me to show up here. Amazed to see so many people getting started too! So inspiring. Much needed!
So I'm making this my win today๐๐ผ. I started my newsletter a few months ago and having good plans for it, looking forward to sharing more. I have found Substack to be an extremely cozy, welcoming writing place like I hadn't felt in a long long time! I'm glad it exists, and the fact that such initiatives like this one here encourage us all to be free to write, share and express, makes it all one hell of a universe for writers. I'm grateful!
Reddit has been helping drive traffic and the people who discovered me on Reddit have been leaving enthusiastic comments. Still less than 250 subscribers though
That's terrific! I've been at this over a year and still am under 300 subscribers. I tried Reddit but didn't have any success. Maybe I just couldn't find the right group. I found the whole platform frustrating. But really glad it's working for you!!
Itโs a great podcast I really enjoyed listening to decorating ideas about spring. It isnโt clear on any of your promotional material what your area of expertise is or what your doctorate is in. Curious how your research informs your work. Although I do not have a doctorate I go out of my way to reference and link back to evidence based research as it builds credibility
Hmm that's weird. Not sure what you mean by promotional material but I answer your questions in several places. In the short description as well as in both About pages:
"After years of moving around, I earned a PhD in sacred mythologies and depth psychology and wrote a dissertation on the psychology of home." and
"Insights to finding home & creating home from a home researcher who has moved around a lot. Using psychology, myth, popular culture, religion, the hero's journey, and more." and
"About Finding Home
Each of us longs for home. More than a physical space, we each desire the sense of feeling at home. But where do we find that? Why do some places feel more like home than others? How do we create home when we live far away from what feels familiar?
Finding Home explores all this and more. My writing draws from years of research, my doctorate in depth psychology and sacred mythologies, and from my own personal experience. (I admit, Iโve moved around a bit.)
Finding Home is for anyone who believes that home is more than a house, more than the place you grew up, and certainly more than current popular trends. It is for anyone who believes that finding and creating home is a personal journey, a journey to becoming your best self.
Some posts are personal, others are more informational. Spirituality, mythology, psychology, pets, traditions, travel, and more are all woven together to consider the aching question of where and how we find homeโฆ wherever we are."
I have stopped including citations due to the repeated feedback I've received from my readers. They tell me my writing sounds too academic when I cite - though I do my best to still fold sources into the content. But you can bet I keep all my research in case anyone ever has a question!
I think it's wonderful substack. Makes me want to visit Tulsa and learn more about the history of the 1st nations there. And beautiful photos -- home renovation window shots are mesmerizing. Perhaps put some images on Instagram and start connecting with local Tulsa decorators you can interview and cross post with? Just off the top of my head ideas and there's always Instagram and Pinterest but I think it's a strong theme and investing in the uniqueness so your regional and cultural brand would best be done visually since home is so much about space, light, time, shadows and safety
Thank you, Susanna, it was generous of you to take a look at my site. Pinterest is another thing I just can't get behind - lol! Guess I'm too old school.
Itโs hard to know whether or not Pinterest would actually help. And what do I know anyway? My less than 250 followers didnโt happen by magic Iโve been hustling to get them and itโs tiring at points and tedious and often disappointing but Iโm trying to stay focused on the long term goals
I took part in a presentation about Substack in an International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) session with https://diannejacob.substack.com/. One of the questions that came up is if there is, or will be, a searchable database for our individual newsletters?
What do you mean precisely? A way to search in the archive of a newsletter, a way to search substack for nice newsletters or a way to search all posts in all newsletters published on Substack? I think the first two are already available.
It's the first one. A way to search specifically in the archives of a specific individual newsletter...like mine. Might be able to link me to the how to page in settings, Arjan?
Well, here's the thing. I have a free newsletter, and have not switched on paid subscriptions, so it might be different in your case. But if I go to the archive of my newsletter, I see a magnifying glass icon top right. That's search for my archive. Here's my link, but you should have it, too. https://trippleeffect.substack.com/archive
Hey, Substack! I was curious to know if Substack is run on any sort of an algorithm the way Twitter or Facebook is or if all of the content showing up in our inbox is all organically the stuff we signed up for?
I'm curious because I used to work in social media for years, so everything felt so manufactured, but everything on here feels so organicโin a good way!
Tom White of www.whitenoise.email here! I write a weekly(ish) missive on all things psychology and philosophy, books and the brain, what and why :). My question: how best do we avoid gmailโs pesky spam filters? Despite all the tricks (I.e. being added to readersโ address books, moving out of the promotions tab, and encouraging responses), my notes still sometimes land there!
I "teach" my subscribers. In my welcoming e-mail after you subscribe (subtle hint intended, unless you're mortified with disgust at the very notion), I list the 4 or so possible e-mail host sites, and how a reader can successfully maneuver to push the right buttons in each to direct my posts away from Spam and Promo inboxes, and to Primary.
If you dare to subscribe, you'll see it, plus you can copy'n'paste it to put on YOUR welcome e-mail. That's what I did!!
That's all you can do. We hope the reader will do those little tasks, and beyond that, Google will still do what it does, and whomever else, but we can't control algorithms!!.....as you know!
I've been running newsletters for the last seven years, largely through Mailchimp, I've not found away way to address this, except reminding people to add my address. And sending reminders through social that there's a new newsletter.
I created https://newslettertosocials.com/ which is social media automation specifically for newsletter creators! The site connects to your newsletter, suggests engaging content, and automates scheduling across all the major social media platforms.
Agents, publishers, all will say having a subscriber list is really important. If you can start talking about what you eventually want to write your book about in your newsletter. Build that faithful readership and you will have something to show that you are working towards being published.
Avoid traditional (legacy) publishing. Theyโll expect you to do all the work - including marketing, and theyโll take most of the profit. First question theyโll ask is whatโs your social media like. Self-publish, donโt let those old parasites anywhere near your book. Itโs a con, from the bestseller lists to your โearningsโ itโs a con. But you need to market your work. Get busy finding podcasts and YouTube channels who might have you on as a guest to discuss your book. Look into guerilla marketing and get all over it.
Definitely depends on the type of book you want to publish. I second Bailey's recommendation to read Kate McKean especially if you want to publish fiction!
So I have two substacks but I have been sick from April to date (finally on the mend). One of my substacks is for my law practice/business. The other substack is intended to be a serialized memoir about my life - especially working as a lawyer in the Middle East.
I'd like to get your views on the latter - my memoir as a serial.
I will write shorter posts instead of chapters - because I don't have the capacity right now to sit down and write a novel so this gives me the ability to write it in real time. It won't be an ongoing novel - not a diary, but a snapshot of a particular period in my life.
๐ Wins ๐
Tell us something exciting that has happened recently!
I took the plunge! Finally published first post last week.
Congrats! Same here. Just published my first post few days ago.
Yay- same! June Launch Club.
Awesome, congrats!
Good for you!
And congrats to you, Patience!
I posted mine yesterday! It feels good to have started writing on here.
Yay me too! Another member of the June launch club. Congratulations!
Right on! Feels pretty good, doesn't it?
I've published on blogs and in print in the past, but this platform feels so collaborative. Hoping this (along with good old-fashioned discipline!) helps me stick with it.
I'd second that feeling of collaboration. I've been on other platforms where the relationships/interactions were really transactional. I don't see that here. I hope it stays that way!
Same for me, Denice!
It's a clean interface and I've found that it has been so much more accessible than my Wordpress blog. I've subscribed!
Jack.. you are being spammy.
I understand you want to get the word out about what you are doing. And perhaps what you are offering is the greatest platform/service for writers here.
But if we all just added a blanket comment on post after post, the office hours, which are already busy, would become too bloated to follow. It is a bit too self-promotional and gratuitous.
My advice, offer assistance to those who have asked questions and, through that, create the trust and goodwill that allows for the occasional self-promotion.
For what it's worth, Jack, I've seen people who post the same things multiple times on a thread get completely removed from it by the admin team, and even banned. A not-great strategy in more than once sense.
Just subscribed! Good luck to you!
Good for you and Welcome!
Congrats on publishing that first post!!
That's great! I'm gonna go check it out! I've only been posting for a few months. It's getting addictive. The few subscribers I have are amazing.
I'm enjoying checking out everyone else's spaces too. The hardest part is not subscribing to ALL the things!
There is lots of inspiration here and great things to be learned from how others are doing things. I've never written a blog or newsletter before but there are great resources and much support here to help make it successful.
Congrats!
*Marvel superhero film voiceover* AND SO IT BEGINS.
โThe longest journey begins with a single step.โ Luckily, I (and Iโm sure most of youโ enjoy the journey for itself. Writing (and reading) is something I am compelled to do anyway. I canโt read a comment section under a news video without having thoughts that MUST BE SHARED.
I am so glad that Substack has put blogging on steroids which might lead to allowing me to share my thoughts and experiences with a wider audience. I see the Writerโs Hour community as an opportunity to collaborate with other folks who share this feeling, build each other up and build on the ideas of others. For instance, the myth of scientific discoveries originating from one individual genius does not acknowledge all the input from others that provided the inspiration and information that went into that โEurekaโ moment.
Unlike the platforms that have degenerated into *Antisocial Media* this community promises to allow us to share thoughts that might need to be clarified, expanded or even completely rethought, without fear of harsh responses that crush that willingness to make ourselves vulnerable and risk rejection, leading to suppressing ideas that might lead to โAhaโ moments for others.
Congrats! Youโre well on your way now :)
Congrats Holly!
Congrats!
I haven't taken the plunge yet and so would like to see your example. Could you please point me to it?
Passed the number of free subscribers (8.5k) that was all the way at the bottom of my subscriber growth planning spreadsheet - the number of people I originally aimed to hit by Christmas next year, 2023, but I suspected it might take longer and that was fine. But I had not planned on hitting it earlier, and not *this* early.
It really hasn't sunk in yet. My brain feels like one of those huge supertankers that takes about 20 miles to make a turn. But I'll take it gratefully. (In a theoretical, hasn't-sunk-in sense).
Also, I wrote this and then cringed and nearly deleted it. It felt like massive humblebragging. But also - it is important to be loudly grateful about these things! Without fibbing, obviously, and without forgetting the massive amount of luck involved. So yeah, I'm grateful, and while I'm still a bit terrified by all the stuff I still need to learn and improve, it's good to take stock occasionally and say "woah, hey - that worked! So what ELSE might work if I tried it?"
I mean, if we can't brag here, when Katie's genuinely asking us to, where can we brag? You've worked hard for your success, Mike -- you've been a generous member of this community. Enjoy it and keep sharing.
It's a lovely environment to have others genuinely celebrate our milestones with us. I really appreciate this forum.
Agreed!
Donโt humble brag. Brag brag! You deserve all the success yr getting! Weโre all here to support each other - and the wins are the best!!
Congrats, Mike. Growth has been much slower for me, but it is nice to see steady progress.
Thank you, Joshua! Steady is the way. I trust it a lot more than I trust "winning the attention lottery" and all that viral stuff that you can't predict and therefore can't rely on. I mean, that's the joy of paid subscriptions - to have a steady income, as opposed to the freelancer's 'boom & bust' cycles of euphoria and despair with their income, which are so, so hard on the soul. Which is why I now run a paid newsletter. :) So - that sounds healthy, and keep it up!
This is so expansive. Thank you for sharing. I'm at the very beginning of my project (literally published the first Outsourced Optimism last week) and hearing stories like yours offers such a sense of possibility.
Congrats on your milestone Mike, glad you kept it up!!! the last part about 'what else works' is exactly what I needed to hear.
Congrats!
Amazing MIke...like you!
That's awesome, Mike! So happy for you!
Whoa! Absolutely awesome, congrats!
Totally not. The thread is for celebrating!
โhumblebraggingโ - man, Iโm hanging on to that one!
Well done Mike! That's an awesome milestone!
Can you do a Substack piece on the main tips that you have based on your experiencing getting that many free signups?
Really, it's not much more than I mention in my Grow interview: https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-7 Learning the mechanics of telling a story has been super-useful for me - this is a great resource: https://niemanstoryboard.org/ (Professional nonfic journalists sharing storytelling tips.) But I suspect my "secret sauce" so far has really been luck. I haven't replicated what happened with that Megaflood viral thread, and I might never do so! But showing up, trying to tell a good story and getting a handful of new subscribers still moves me forward, so if that's the fate of the rest of the life of my newsletter, I'm good with that.
Congratulations!! Any advice on how you got there?
You might find a few things in this interview I did for Substack Grow: https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-7
Short answer: mainly being an enthusiastic idiot on Twitter, with additional enthusiastic idiocy elsewhere...
Enthusiasm can takes people a long way! It's infectious!
ah, thank you. I'm pretty much done with Twitter but I'm glad to know it works for you.
and thank you for the link - I'll take a look at what you said there
Great name for your newsletter, btw. AND it seems well suited for your success!
that's what I was about to ask!
I have to askโฆ what does a growth spreadsheet look like? :)
I just made a sample version, with two tabs - the first (Tracker) that has what I adapted from Elle's spreadsheet, and the second (Twitter threads) showing how I keep track of the big threads that I make to get free subscribers. I think this link will work for anyone who clicks?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JKsmoecjqfHR0l8gOp6P3o3FqqWxnKJc6ksCnfsuhGw/
Thank you for sharing this Mike, that is a super helpful resource :) And congrats!
Also I have to say you can add one more number to your spreadsheet now -- just read your post on the Atlantic spreading ridge and that is very up my street!
Yep, I can click and view it. Thanks for taking the time to share this!
I can see it but will definitely need to read more into how to do this - I've always liked having an audience...when they're actually there *lol*, difficult starting out but glad we have things like this so I can learn
It does work, and htis is very helpful! I am trying to get better at doing big Twitter threads. I'm curious--how much planning goes into your threads?
In the wretched rhetoric of spammy marketers - I'd be happy to leap on a call sometime and discuss it! Seriously, it's kinda overdue anyway. :) Not a great deal of planning - I usually have a rough framework of all the "wow!" moments I want to hit in a story - but more and more I'm using Twitter to test out the best way to tell that story, with the newsletter being the more refined (and if necessary, adjusted) version...
that is super helpful!!! Thanks
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this. It is always helpful to look inside a writers process.
It's just a spreadsheet with columns and numbers, like the normal kind! But it's also an adapted version of one that - I think it was Elle Griffin who shared it a while back? I saved a copy, I adapted one of the tabs of it, and it just shows me my current numbers vs. the numbers I want to have. Nothing complicated! (No formulas, for example.)
Aha, I see. Iโve not focussed a lot on growth yet so might be worth creating my own sheet! Thanks for sharing :)
Actually wait yeah, seconding this--can you tell us more about your growth spreadsheet/approach?
Just added a link to a sample version in a comment above!
Sweet, thanks!
This is huge! I could only hope to even have 500!
Remember that feeling when you overshoot 500 and just keep going upwards. :)
Whatโs your subscriber growth planning spreadsheet ?
I just put together a sample version - link is here: https://on.substack.com/p/office-hours-42/comment/7034044
That's fantastic, Mike. Well-deserved
Wow! How'd you do it?
This is pretty wild!! Wow!! So so impressed. Of course, like a lot of people I would think, would love to know more about how you did it! Other than just being a genius writer!!
Congratulations! Big number there so definitely something to be proud of.
Thank you. :) And I am sooooo overdue a proper email to you about That Stuff We Were Talking About, because, it's been a week or two. Please forgive me, or at least judge me in a slightly kinder way...
No worries at all. I often face the same struggles, a big to-do list and a full mailbox. Whenever you have time and no pressure of course! You already helped me a lot :).
This is well .... amazing! Congrats!
This is amazing, congratulations!
Congrats on your book deal! Fantastic!!
Wow, Mike, that's amazing -- congratulations!
Thank you, Sarah! It's all been a bit mad, but I'm here for this kind of lunacy. (And, to be fair, most of the other kinds.)
๐
I've quite a soft spot for Yorkshire, spent a fair amount of time in North Yorkshire!
Me too! I'm pining for it, as I haven't been back since the pandemic struck (I'm in Scotland right now). But it's a grand part of the world, and York (where I studied Archaeology) will forever feel like one of my homes.
Lovely city, York, beautiful cathedral.
That is wonderful news. Support you!
Thank you, Lori. :)
Happy for you! Also, why was the goal 8.5k?
That's where my target growth rate would have taken me! x-hundred amount of subscribers for y-months = z-total subscribers by the end of 2023.
I celebrated my newsletter's 2nd birthday. I can't believe I've been publishing twice a week for two years. My little pandemic experiment has exceeded all my expectations -- well, I had no expectations, I just wanted to have fun, and I've had *so much* fun. I've learned a ton. And I've met so many great people. I'm tremendously grateful.
Having fun is the best expectation, and I'm glad it met it!
Yes! The positivity at Substack is contagious! I'm glad to have met you, Sarah.
Same, Ramona!
Well done. That's showing up! Great consistency and commitment. They are my main aims too... and presenting my best writing.
Happy 2nd birthday! What a great milestone to celebrate.
Thanks so much! It feels really good.
Congrats friend! You're a great person I'm happy to have met!
Right back at you, Elizabeth โค๏ธ
Congrats Sarah! Hope to get there soon๐
One subscriber at a time!
YAY!!!!!! Twice a week for 2 years - especially during THESE two years - is quite an achievement! Congrats!
Thank you!
Congrats on the milestone! Mine was a pandemic experiment too. I'll bet there are many who could say the same.
Thanks, Lloyd!
Woohoo!!! ๐ฅณ
2 years! Iโve just done 4 months now. Congratulations. Whatโs been your biggest takeaways from it?
Thank you! Consistency. Planning. My life has a lot of moving parts, so I try to stay a month ahead in my writing as often as I possibly can. Meeting other Substackers and collaborating has also been helpful (and fun).
Wow a month is serious! At the moment Iโm writing the day before, but I can see as this project goes on it would definitely help to have more forward planning.
I work full-time outside my home, have two little kids, take care of my 101yo grandmother... if I don't write far enough ahead of time, nothing would ever get published. It just works for me!
I've clearly got this wrong! I literally write day of...and typically treat my stuff like a blog....thank you for this! (also, Im realizing I'm a major procrastinator)
I really don't think there's any right or wrong way to do it! Everyone has to find (and experiment with) what works for them. I've learned that I need to set myself up for success, to avoid feeling overwhelmed *and* burning out (both of which I have experienced in the last two years of writing) -- for me that means writing as far in advance as a I can. Sometimes that's two weeks out, sometimes it's a month -- it really doesn't matter all that much, I just keep putting one metaphorical foot in front of the other, so I am always working on something coming up, with a long enough lead time to avoid stressing myself out.
Also, so happy to have "met" you.
Oh, ditto, Sarah -- you're a gem and I appreciate you โค๏ธ
So interesting to read this. A month ahead amazes me.
That's not an uncommon response, Sarah -- many (most) people have this reaction when I tell them this. In the beginning, I was definitely flying by the seat of my pants and writing a few days ahead of time, sometimes the night before. But I can't do that anymore, not since returning to work in my office rather than at home, including a 50-minute roundtrip commute, and two kids in school, and and and and. I was trained to work on deadline and to plan that work in advance, sometimes six months ahead! so it's the way I operate, but it's also a strategy for building in margin. (I can give myself a break when I need a break, without my subscribers ever really knowing. I can also create a measure of peace, which is what it's really all about.)
I'm a week ahead, but more wiggle room would be great. I'm a slow writer though, so it takes me all the available time to generate next week's issue. I'm trying to get faster.
well done!
Congratulations!
I got my 300th subscriber this week. When I started a few months ago with zero, 300 seemed impossible. Onward to 400 :)
So expansive. Thank you for sharing! I love that you reoriented your goal to something you have complete control over.
Congrats! Any winning strategies on how you got your first 300 subs?
I've only done a handful of "tactics" so try and get subscribers - weirdly, adding a blurb about Gobbledy in my email signature has generated a bunch. I write weekly and I post something on LinkedIn when it comes out (the newsletter is about the language of software marketing, so LI makes sense for me). I've included a blurb at the top of the newsletter each week asking people to share it and explaining that unlike a blog, there's basically no SEO so there's no organic traffic. It's only because people share (which they've done). But it's the same thing I read people here saying all the time -- publish consistently, preferably on the same day(s) and have a point of view. You will find an audience. Oh - and this helps me the most: I've decided the "goal" isn't a large subscriber base. The goal is to put out a newsletter about the language of software marketing. Each Wednesday I accomplish that goal. I feel great every week. Which (sort of) helps me feel better about weeks where I don't get a ton of new subscribers. Because while new subscribers are great, the goal is the writing.
Great comments, Jared! Focusing on the goal of great content, your own voice and consistent output - wise advice. The subscribers will follow. I like the idea of using your email signature to promote your substack. Thank you.
Well said
Thanks
Good advice! Thanks!
Yeah, I need this too
I'm on 50subs and I started 2months ago
๐ฅณ Yes!
Nice. I'm picking up a few new folks every week, kind of a steady drip. At 130 now. I think I'd need 1,000 to make adding paid content worthwhile. So for now I'm just trying to be consistent, sending out the free essay once a week on time, hoping that will build a strong foundation.
Congrats!
Amazing!!!! Congratulations!!!
Congratulations Jared. Your consistency actually paved way for this awesome result.
Congratulations
It's the link to the right of his name, "Writes Gobbledy"
I was finally brave enough to start sharing my newsletter on my own personal social media accounts. Itโs really scary to put yourself out there, so it may seem small but Iโm proud of myself!
I've been putting myself out there for over a year, and other than my wife, I get zero support or comments from family. Wondering how everyone else does with family.
My mom is FINALLY reading my stuff and my in-laws signed up to be paid subscribers. But getting the rest of my family to be engaged and care is...hard.
I feel like a lot of the time my posts make sense to everyone but my family ๐
Ha!
My mom reads and comments on almost all of my articles! My dad reads but doesnโt subscribe because he doesnโt like giving out his email. My friends are a mixed bag; some read and like/comment consistently but others not so much. Iโve actually found a wonderful community of support through fellow writers here on Substack, though!
My sister reads them and calls me but doesnโt actually use Substack enough to know the โcultureโ
Lloyd Iโm gonna subscribe and do my best to comment for you!!!!!
Also very from my family. I'm doing things very differently from how we were raised. I write a parenting through nonviolence blog.
I also talk about my relationship in a way sometimes I donโt want my mom to see so I kinda like being hidden sometimes
Knowing there are friends and family seeing a more vulnerable part of yourself is definitely hard. Well done on the bravery.
I went through the same thing. Sharing to FB meant that family would see it. Terrifying.
I keep repeating Anne Lamott to myself: "You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better." <mic drop>
Ha I love this! Great life advice for writers and everyone else. You never know whose substack youโll pop up on, so act accordingly haha
Well said! I laughed out loud, but it is very true. Even so, my mother doesn't know about my newsletter.
Mine either. For someone who "doesn't do Facebook," she sure knows a lot of things about my life that come from Facebook!
I love this!
I love Anne's advice. All of it!
PERIANA
Right? I feel like friends and family can be the harshest critics!
For me it wasn't even the criticism. My father recently passed away and I wrote about him in a post. A cousin read it and sent it to the whole extended family with a note commenting on the "beautiful eulogy" I'd written. Spent the next week explaining that it wasn't a eulogy.
Sorry about your father, youโre in my prayers
Thatโs so awkward and invasive but also....very nice/// idk how id feel ab that. I definitely use my writing as a grieving mechanism , I couldnโt imagine people reading some things I write
Iโm sorry to hear about your father, and also that your words were taken and used in a way other than how you intended. Definitely another risk of sharing your writing.
Haha same! I don't know why sharing your writing with your family is so much scarier than with strangers, but somehow it is!
Lots more to lose I guess ๐
Thatโs what Iโm most afraid of but I donโt know how else to gain publicity..
Not small at all -- promotion is a huge pain point for many (almost all?) of us. Good for you! Keep going!
I donโt mind putting myself out there, except that Iโm horribly inconsistent. I just havenโt nailed down a daily time to write. But thatโs my seat-of-the-pants life.
This is me....I usually write my best at night
I write my best at night too! Maybe fewer distractions??
That or Iโm a night owl ,, and itโs the witching hours -- maybe I just am the zaniest at those hours which provides for good content
I usually write in bits and pieces, when inspiration strikes. Even if that means starting a draft post for a newsletter wonโt go out for a month!
Setting a schedule for publishing has helped me be more consistent, though. I publish a longer, more dedicated article on Tuesday or Wednesday (I write a blog about food culture- Iโm from the US but have lived in Madrid for six years, so a mix of US and Spanish culinary commentary and recipes) and then a Friday post with random food-related things Iโve loved throughout the week. I may eventually have to change, but for now itโs working well for me!
Ironic that you mention Madrid. My daughter just turned 11 and has been begging me to teach her Spanish. I finally agreed. Sheโs a little spongeโฆ
Thatโs so cool! Kids really are sponges at that age for language. The earlier they start learning the better! One of my good friends has two kids in a bilingual Spanish preschool back in the US and itโs amazing how much theyโve learned in the past couple of years just through immersion.
This! I have held back in my writing when I knew people I knew were reading. I haven't told any close family or friends about this yet. I'm feeling a little freer with my words because of it. Maybe I'll share one day...but kudos to you!
It takes a lot of vulnerability. Here's to reading too much Brene Brown to get through it ๐
Same for me...cozying up to vulnerability, Brene style.
That is seriously one of my biggest issues, promoting myself to the people who should care the most about what I'm doing. And then not feeling rejected when they don't subscribe.
Yeah, trying to not take it personally when friends donโt subscribe is hard! And also striking a balance between a casual โOh, this old newsletter Iโm writing?โ vibe but also โPlease subscribe this is important to meโ is something that is still escaping me. Maybe Iโm playing it too cool haha
Yep, I have no idea what the balance is. I've struggled with that balance for over 10 years!
It's a big deal. Finally put my face and name attached to my social media so I feel you.
Well done on being courageous! I deliberated about using my personal social media account and decided instead to create a separate newsletter account. I promoted it on my personal account and let those who were interested migrate over. I wanted to maintain a personal space where I share non-newsletter things.
Hereโs a win. Iโve been writing for 20 years, some ups and some downs. Iโve found some communities along the way, but never true kindred spirits. Writing on Substack Iโve found two -- count โem TWO -- other writers who are total kindred spirits. Needless to say thatโs added a lot of depth to the community experience, made my work feel less lonely, and confirmed that Iโm on the right track.
Oh I love that!
That must feel wonderful. Iโm glad you found them.
Similar experience here, on all points.
Nice Michael!
Celebrating 100 subscriber milestone this week!
Let's go!!!!
Congratulations! I'm almost there myself!
Fรฉlicitations Amie ! This is an important milestone.
Congrats!
Congrats! Feels good, doesn't it!
I finally got to announce that the Unruly Figures book is coming out next year! ๐ฅฒ
Um... I just discovered your Substack and I'm IN LOVE WITH IT. I didn't realize there were other nerds like me out there too! I'll be in line to pre-order the book. :)
You're so sweet, thank you!
YASSSSSSSS THE LOUDEST OF APPLAUSE
And of course the highest of fives.
This highest, with all the hands that are available. SEND FOR MORE HANDS. WE NEED EXTRA HANDS.
๐ซฒ๐พ๐ซฒ๐พ๐ค๐พ๐ซฑ๐พ๐๐พ๐ค๐พโ๐พ๐๐พ๐ค๐พ๐ซฑ๐พ
WOOOOO
This is AMAZING! Congratulations!! How are you celebrating?
Mostly by working hard, haha. Manuscript due in August!
๐๐ฝCongrats!!
Lol I feel so silly that I posted this because I didn't even notice that it was called out in the original post! ๐ตโ๐ซ
What awesome news, congratulations
Thank you!
Wonderful! Congrats!
Congratulations!
Wow! Congratulations
Thank you!
Nice work!
Thank you! :)
YAYAYAY!!!
I sort of can't believe it still!! haha
I obviously want to support your launch however I can. After you finish the book, let's talk?
Oh, I just checked out your Substack. This English teacher is interested :-) I'll just have to remember to also subscribe with my teacher Substack as well.
Sounds good! Manuscript is due in late August!
Amazing. Congratulations, Valorie!
Thank you!
Congrats on the book! Super happy for you Valorie!
Thank you! Still can't quite believe it's happening!
Congratulations! Well done. One of the Substack resources (can't remember which one; I've watched so many) recommends approaching each newsletter issue as part of one large publication. My genre is non-fiction but I'm trying to write from that viewpoint. One (kinda) cohesive whole.
I hit a nice subscriber milestone recently. More importantly, I've found some projects to collaborate on, and have seen the comment section on a few posts really come alive.
Excellent, Kevin. There are a lot of milestones and successes here today. Keep going, everybody!
Thank you! I appreciate your support!
same...
I love this!
I love that substack can be a springboard to great collaboration. Congrats!
Thank you!
I switched to publishing once a week to once every other week, which allowed me to spend more time researching and revising my writing, which made for for better quality essays and more engaged readers. Sometimes slowing down is growth :)
Well done, that's a great lesson
Totally agree!
So true! Did it feel counterintuitive to do, or just right?
I originally asked people on instagram what kind of letters they had liked best in the past few months. Because I write essays, but also book reviews, link round ups, etc. And the essays were definitely what brought people to the newsletter, and because these take the most time to write, it really felt right to do the switch. For me, the point of the newsletter (vs. IG, Twittter, etc.) is that it's just me and my audience, there are no algorithms to please, no attention to compete for, so as long as we are happy, that's all that matters.
I so agree that putting effort into good quality writing is key. I can't generate more than one newsletter a week. Like you, there's research, then writing, then editing. I love your comments about algorithms and non-competitive writing. There's room to breathe... and enjoy what we do.
Youโre right, I think newsletters have a very luxurious quality compared to social media. My favourite newsletters Iโll open a few times a week, click some links, mull them over, and itโs just nice to know your attention isnโt being vyed for in a way which cheapens the actual content of the email.
Wins:
- Over 100 subscribers!! ๐ฅณ
- My Substack turns one on Monday, the 13th!
Nice!
That's awesome, Chevanne -- happy birthday! Keep going!
Thank you! More to come. ๐ช๐พ
Happy Newsletterversary! Mine's turning three next month. ๐ฅ
A precious toddler. ๐ฅฐ
Thanks!
I submitted a Modern Love Tiny Love Story to the New York Times! I am tapping away at a piece for Chicken Soup for the Soul, about a decision that changed my life (due 7/31). Without the discipline of four months of writing my "The Desert Rose" Substack newsletter, I don't think I would have been ready to do either. Thank you, Substack, for helping me organize my thoughts, stay on track with my deadlines, and find my writing groove once again. ๐
Awesome! I just checked out your Substack and am subscribing now!
I'm in month 2 of my newsletter and trying to grow organically. I posted an interview which hit 150 views, which I admit is v. v. small in the grand scheme of things but it's a little milestone, you know?
All the milestones matter, regardless of their size. Keep going!
100% agree
Thanks!
Just because it isn't millions of views or the most viral sensation in the world doesn't mean it is pointless. Celebrate the small stuff, you are human and these things start with a ripple before they become a tsunami.
Thanks Jeff! I used to blog over 10 years ago so I know something of how this works. Nonetheless, it's kind of fun to start over!
Starting small is fine! I remind myself that if my reader base grew too quickly I'd be freaked out by the responsibility and lose my nerve.
And this is the interview in question, if you'd like to check it out: https://howaboutthis.substack.com/p/how-about-this-presents-katy-jean?s=w
Little milestones add up to big milestones and a win win! Congrats!
๐ฅณ๐ฅณ
https://howaboutthis.substack.com/p/how-about-this-presents-katy-jean?s=w
Been thinkin about it and finally went and did it: First podcast post went up yesterday! Got great feedback from a few commenters, very happy with how that went. Excited to explore the medium more fully!
That is awesome! How do you like podcasting so far?
It is intimidating! I have a goal to make it more of a "radio-show" style, but when I tried recording my first episode I got spooked--I am not great at public speaking and I was intimidated by the fact that I was talking to myself. I started off easy--a brief discussion of what my goals are for podcasting (including improving my public speaking) and I read an old article from my Wordpress site.
I used Anchor to do basic edits which was very easy, and the reaction has been very positive. I am excited to do more with it, but for a first venture into the fray I am very happy with it.
Hey, Scoot! That sounds fantastic! So with you there. Can you tell me if we record live do we have a re-record or delete button? Iโve tested my first post, but dread a live test for audio being stuck on here forever, since I canโt record it without committing that far. Can you tell me what buttons are there? Is there a bail out option if I donโt like the recording? I cannot use transfer a Filesโฆ Need to do this from my phone! Congrats on your progress! All very exciting. ๐๐
You have all the same tools for a podcast as you have for a post--you can delete and presumably re-upload audio as necessary. I use Anchor.fm to do first-pass editing and then download the final product and upload separately to substack.
Anchor looks awesome! If I knew how to get my podcast from there onto Substackโฆ Without uploading to my computerโฆ That would be great! What a super looking app. I am hoping working live through Substack will be just as good for the informal voice that I need. โจ๐โ๏ธ๐ซ
Awesome! You just saved my fear, if not my whole life. Lol. ๐๐ Thank you. (I canโt download and upload so it has to be liveโฆ Thus I really need to be sure!) cheers, my friend. Kind of you to answer. Very relieved. ๐๐ซ๐คพโโ๏ธ
The first step is always the hardest. I am glad you made it and I hope you do more! Podcasting can be an awesome way to create content that not only your readers/listeners will enjoy but something YOU can enjoy as well.
That's a great point--remember to make a product I enjoy! Thank you for the encouragement!
Any time!
Congratulations! I'll check it out!
Congratulations! Podcasting is so much more fun that I ever knew.
Awesome!
Sorry I was not able to join in at the same time as everyone else... Hereโs something I feel is exciting: Iโve been publishing on Substack infrequently for 2 years, but six weeks ago, I set some simple goals for myself to publish on a set schedule. My subscribers (free and paid) get something at least once a week. I have set up a simple editorial calendar for myself to help me keep track of whatโs being published when, what needs my attention, and what is finished. And I have now fully integrated all this process into the other work/travel I do, so I am now feeling very comfortable with all of the โproductionโ. You might think this is not exciting, but in my experience, this is the part of writing and connecting with people that is by far the hardest, so I would have to say, setting and accomplishing these little goals is actually very exciting.
This is great! I made a vow this week to set aside more time just to plan my story lineups. It can feel like a waste of time but I think it will save time in the long run, not to mention save me from living in the anxiety fog of not having a plan!
This is awesome, Leland -- and I totally agree. The writing of my newsletter is the easiest part, once I have all the planning, scheduling, and other behind-the-scenes work done.
Curious what tools/platforms you're using to stay organized? I keep track of my overall schedule on Google Calendar, plan content/track other things in Notion, and write in Substack.
Thanks Sarah: To answer your question about tools/platforms:
I use a google calendar for my editorial calendar. It's simple, but that is all I need. I have a private calendar that I color code and I start each entry with an all-capped keyword for anything that is in need of something ({title} -- for things that are done, on Substack and scheduled to be published. Everything else starts with DRAFT: {title} for things I'm still working on, EDIT:{title} for things that are close but still needing some edits, etc.)
I use an app called Things for my to-do's and over the years, I've developed a pretty elaborate set of lists that I use to do research, plan travel, read, and of course write drafts of things on a schedule so I have time to edit, etc. My publication is largely based on photography, so i have massive lists of places to visit/photograph. I also use Google Maps for this.
For writing -- I always carry a fountain pen and a black artist's sketchbook which I write/sketch in. I start everyday writing in my notebook for about 30 minutes. I then mine these writings for ideas, short written passages, etc. then these get refined and moved to the computer.
I use two programs, both of which I absolutely adore: (I'm on a Mac): Ulysses and Bear. They are very similar, and I should probably just pick one to use, but I can't. So I bounce back and forth. I love Bear because I can organize ideas, and apply hashtags. I tag images in Adobe Lightroom, so this makes it easy for me to write something and find a photo to accompany, or (much more likely) find some writing to accompany or get me started on writing something to accompany an image. The rest is just keeping my head clear and making sure I stay on task. Things (app), Ulysses and Bear are great because they save to Cloud so I can work on things on my phone or my computer. I am surprised at how much work I do on my phone.
I geek out so hard on the details of other people's processes -- thank you!
Your Google Calendar system is truly brilliant. So simple, and yet I can see how it works.
I am a long-time (and pretty die-hard) user of OmniFocus, so I totally understand how elaborate it can get -- I've looked into Things but can't break up with OF ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ
I do not recommend ditching OF or any tool that works for you. In fact, I'd feel terrible if letting others peek into my toolbox disrupted or distracted. I would hope people would be more interested in what they are writing than how I am writing. Tangent: There is a kind of post that has long been vogue with photobloggers (and others) that is often called "what's in my bag?" It's all about gear, but the gear you actually use and carry around, not just reviews of the new gizmos, etc. I once played around with this format and posted a list of things that my cat had hidden under my couch. If you're interested and want a laugh, https://lelandbuck.com/ali-babas-cave/
Oh my goodness, that is a GREAT post! (As a fellow cat owner, I deeply understand.)
I know of the "what's in my bag" post -- my boss is obsessed. I think there is a certain inclination some of us have to peek into the methods and processes of others -- it's just interesting. (Don't worry, I'm not ditching OF -- believe me, I've tried.)
yes! very important!!
Someone I donโt know got an annual paid subscription!
Such a cool feeling. Congrats!
Congrats!
There is a lot to celebrate in today's thread! We hope you take a moment to recognize these milestones as you finish out the week.
The Substack team is signing off. We will be back next week at the same time and place.
Keep going,
The Substack Team
Katie, Kelsa, Bailey, Sophia, Becca, Sam, Ben, Wyatt, Kevin, & Maggie
Thank you, team Substack!
This has been an inspiring and informative afternoon, fellow Substackers, and thank you, Substack Team! I look forward to reading all the new work I subscribed to today. And if you're curious about mine, here's Morning After Thoughts! https://jessicabsokol.substack.com/ Happy Thursday.
Also wanted to say a thanks to the Substack gang for the Recommendations system. I was pretty apathetic about it at first but then a few other writers in my field recommended me and I've got more than 200 signups out of it in a couple of weeks. Hurrah!
Same here. I was lukewarm about it at first, but seeing the subscribers rolling in between posting is a nice shot in the arm. I only hope my recommendations help out my fellow writers as much as theirs help me!
I'm getting ready to add some Recommendations. There is so much excellent writing on Substack both in my field (cooking) and other topics too. I'm always telling people about things I'm reading so this is right up my alley. I'm glad to that it drives new sign ups too.
I love this system too! It's nice to know who's supporting you and that you can support your favorite writers right back!
Recommendations have been doing pretty well for me also.
I agree, recommendations rock!
Hi writers! Here's some encouragement from one little newsletter to all of you: the best way out is through! If you're feeling stagnant, uninspired, or blocked creatively, the best thing to do is to KEEP WRITING. Sometimes the stuff we write that we feel the least excited about ends up resonating with someone in ways we could never have imagined. So DON'T give up, and DON'T stop writing! The world needs to hear your voice, and someone out there needs to read your words! KEEP GOING! ๐ฟ
I have to agree. I spent years trying to write and getting discouraged, but somewhere along the line I learned to keep going and it has made an incredible difference
Wonderful advice, thank you.
You are the best, S.E. I like how you encourage others. My publication is also small, and your words are very encouraging.
Thanks for being an encourager.
Writers (and creatives of all kinds, really) tend to be SO tough on ourselves! But the world needs our work, now more than ever. <3
Absolutely! We're our own worst critics pretty much 99% of the time. The trick is just to keep going, and don't stop. The more we practice, the more chance our community--the people who love what we do--will find us!
Recommendations are super dope, I think a featured recommendation that alternates every few days would be a cool feature on our pages.
i would love to just be able to shuffle or rearrange the recommendations display so the same ones are not always visible/hidden on my home page.
Agree... Also I was in your panel session the other day at T2M. Thanks for your contributions... Super helpful.
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes please!
Awesome, you rock!
This is a Substack appreciation comment.
The team at Substack is incredible โ and I want to say thank you to all of them, but especially to those who really helped me sort through a couple recent issues I was having.
Thank you for choosing to share your music here!
My substack follows my life after quitting the office to pursue writing and yesterday my first commercially published book was sent off to the printers. After the intense editing process I don't think I'll ever look at it again but a very enjoyable feeling.
This is so cool! Do you ever do collaborations? On my (smaller) personal substack, Collection Rejections, I interview other writers who have taken big leaps. valorieclark.substack.com
I haven't as yet but always interested in trying new things
Iโm interested. I moved cross country and changed careers to writing after 30 yrs in nyc.
haha - you will in time. I'm republishing a book and just got the proofs yesterday. After edits and adding some new stuff, I'm feeling like you. I'm indie publishing though, so I have TONS of work left to do - I love it tho. Soft launch is 7/6. Congratulations on such a huge achievement!!!!! ps - I quit office work too. You might enjoy my book "Rock Gods & Messy Monsters" - happy to do a cross promo if you're interested. If your book is about quitting the office, we might have good synergy. I'm signing up for your substack now!
Thanks Diane! I'll check it out. My book is completely unrelated to my substack. It's a work of non-fiction fiction about the first Afghan migration to Australia in the 1890s. Kind of niche but very interesting! ๐
sounds interesting - I've signed up for your substack also. I'll be in touch - I've got too much going on right now, but I'm going to be launching a campaign around my book, and I'll be asking folks to write a blurb about crazy experiences in offices (not mean, just crazy or humorous). If you have one, maybe you could do one and I can use it as a way to give your book a shoutout. I'm soft launching 7/6 and official launch is 9/7 so there's time - but just in case you're interested. I think us substackers with books should promote each other!! Maybe that could be our hashtag.
I worked in Government. I've got 100s!
i bet you have thousands!....
Yes! And thanks for signing up! I hope you enjoy.
oh, and the page still needs work but you can see a bit about the book at https://www.wholehealthygroup.com/rock-gods - and ps - I just officially shut down my nonprofit and am pursuing fiction writing fulltime. I will evaluate in a year....
Congratulations. You'll look at it one day and feel satisfied, I'm sure
Congrats!
That's awesome, congratulations!
Just crossed 2700 free and 125 paid subs! Here are the things I wished I knew when I started: 1. No Facebook or Twitter ads. You can use these platforms for free and actually see better results by posting regularly in forums and threads. 2. You should be cold emailing a lot more. Substackers are way more likely to help a fellow writer than you think so don't be shy. 3. If you are paid, give away your paid subscription to those who help you. Since you will be cold emailing a bunch, you should have lots of free comps given out! (I run https://shortstory.substack.com/ so let me know if any one in this thread wants a free 6 month comp in exchange for a reco or even a quick tweet.) 4. The only positive Return on Investment I have got in advertising is when I reached out to someone in my field, then asked what they charged, found out they don't really do ads, and then worked something out that made sense for them to mention my substack. Most newsletters that have ads regularly will see some click through but they don't break even so you need to forge your own path. That's all! Hope you enjoyed this mini-thread!
Just subscribed
Palisatrium team, thank you for the helpful mini-thread. Happy to engage in this exchange - how does it work? Happy to tweet or add reco in July edition.
Just send me what email you want the free sub under to "shortstorystack@gmail.com" I'd love a reco in July if you con manage it!
Thanks, very helpful! I did find that with my "real business" I never took out Google ads, I always found ways to get higher rankings in other ways.
This is all super helpful info. Thank you for sharing. How do you approach the cold emailing part of this? Subscribing to yours now.
Step one, Get the name right! Start with "Hi Jessica," for example. 2. Say that you are also a writer/substacker to show you aren't just spam. 3. Tell them why you are emailing WITHOUT jargon and QUICKLY get to the point. For example, "I noticed you are a fellow writer and I was wondering if you are open to swapping recommendations." 4. Give them something for free, even if it is just a compliment! 5. Understand that most people will say no or not respond. No worries, it's nothing personal!
Thanks so much!
Is it possible that the ads are the problem, not the channel?
Always possible, but in the forums I am a part of, people have confirmed my experience on ads.
Thank you! I've been wondering about ads so your input is helpful.
Fantasticโฆโฆ
Wow, that's some great experience sharing. Thanks for that. Very helpful. Is it easy to give away paid subscriptions? I was considering that. I am only on free now, and am thinking of going paid. Anyway, above all, congrats on the wins!
It is super easy! Go to the Settings Tab, look for the "Give away paid subscription for free" section, and then input the email address that you want to give for free!
Our win this week was getting included in a Fodor's writeup of travel tips for living abroad (https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/money-saving-tips-for-living-abroad), passing 2000 subscribers, and still staying close to a 10% paid subscription rate.
Congrats ๐
Thanks!
Wonderful, well done and congratulations
Thank you!
That's a great paid sub rate. Congrats, Michael!
Thanks. We keep being pretty surprised ourselves!
Awesome! Well done!
Thank you!
That's amazing! Congrats!
Thanks!
Wonderful. Congrats!
So cool.
Substack that monthly report you send out is extremely helpful!
I LOVED this, it was very cool to see.
Seconded! Love seeing that monthly report!
I never received this monthly report. Is it something you need to activate in the settings ?
Not sure, I started receiving it a few months back, it has been helpful.
Maybe you need to reach a certain level of subscribers. I just passed 130 free subscribers this week.
Good point. I just got my first one this month, but I'm not sure what the threshold would have been.
I second this wholeheartedly!
I returned to writing after 9 years being away. It feels incredible to be back and Substack has made the process so enjoyable. I hit publish for the first time last week and I'm so excited to get back to it. I'm starting to feel like a full version of myself again!
good luck, Jenovia. I've just subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing to mine -- ditto!
I got another paid subscriber yesterday, which was pretty amazing. Slow and steady progress.
https://isanchez.substack.com/
that looks interesting, as I'm constantly curious too I've just subscribed!
Thank you so much, Terry!
Good morning,
My question is about how do you build an audience when you donโt have a niche or specific topic?
I interview guests for the Bigger Than Me Podcast. Iโve spoken with ocean pollution experts, business owners, authors, politicians, artists, Indigenous leaders and musicians. My newsletter talks about why I wanted to have them on, and what I took away from the conversation. Each article is completely unique in the topic, which makes it harder to build a community.
Any insights would be valued ๐๐
Hi Aaron, it sounds to me like you are curating public attention, which is in and of itself a product; the lens through which you are doing it is your own curiosity and interests--that is your niche. Simply put, it is your taste. You can create a brand out of that, highlighting each time why whatever topic and/or interlocutor you have selected is important, and how it connects back to the space and community you want to build in your substack. You can elaborate on that in your About page (and update this every few months as you go). It is important, I believe, for you to have a clear idea of what your substack's "mission" is and an attempt to define that will also help you in seeing what is unique about it.
I would make it a point to send out links and maybe promo copy to guests so that they can share it on their social media and newsletters (if they have them).
I would promote it as something for the naturally curious or the universal person we are all capable of becoming
Thatโs a really good idea. I should have a short sentence to pull people in around curiosity.
Correct. Also dope guests who can promote it to their networks..like me!
Thank you for all the support! Unfortunately, I only record interviews in person and Iโm located in BC, Canada ๐จ๐ฆ I think it makes the interviews more personal and genuine.
I donโt have a niche either but say I like to tell stories with weight. Itโs about the emotional connection, about feeling seen, and connecting with community.
Bigger Than Me is a great podcast name and if thereโs a through line you can create with all these stories, maybe lean on that. Itโs likely youโre the best part of the experience. I will also comment that if you sign up for newsletter distribution sites (RadLetters), they have an โeclecticโ category.
Hi Aaron, I'll have to check out your podcast, as I'm just starting one to add to my Mind Wise blog and newsletter. I struggle with the same issues as I cover most things related to mental and holistic health care. It is a broad area, and I always go for topics that I get interested in and want to explore more deeply. I so far have not wanted to or been successful at niching it down. But again, it is what I enjoy, and we'll see where it takes me. Good luck to you. Ron
Warn them in advance that each newsletter will be different and that your Substack is not advised for people who want to read the same thing many times. You could potentially do this with the title of each piece. Or maybe the subtitle if you're pushed for time. Good luck.
I did a subscription drive and went from 75 to 150 in a week with 3 paid.
Now I have had two unsubscribed. Is this a good ratio? My paid subscriptions are at about 10%. But that will go down as my reach goes up I would speculate.
When you say "subscription drive," what did this look like? I am always curious to learn how people do these things.
I'd say that's pretty good! For the drive itself, what did you do?
Facebook and Twitter every day. Including posting from โthe vaultโ and a call to action.
I will say that my writing is not niched. It depends entirely what on my skill in presenting either astute analysis of various things which catch my interest, or little vignettes from my personal experience. The success of each post depends entirely on the quality of the writing.
So I know when it is good because people respond.
Thanks!
Today I hit 16 paid subs, which is amazing to me! It's not something I push a lot, and I feel really honored that 16 people (10 of whom I don't know personally) pay for my work. ๐ฅฒ
Woot!
I feel similar about mine, honoured and slightly anxious that people pay for what I write.
That's amazing, congrats! It looks to me like the writing is well worth it.
I love this Substack Thursday. Quite resembles a whole year when we work our ass off, and then we meet for the thanksgiving. This is more like a weekly Thanksgiving--and I love it! So many views and links to so many great pieces. Keep writing!
I feel that way about these too. Such a lovely day for community!
I want to also say how impressed I am with the Substack platform. I love everything about it, how it works to write, blog, podcast, add video. The potential is fantastic. And, Iโm discovering some really great writers. Iโm a musician, amateur writer, so seeing how itโs done is very enlightening. The subscription fees from my $5 $50 and $100 dollar memberships just hit my bank deposit, very handy. Iโm also seeing a decent amount of podcast hits from my posting on Substack and sending it to Apple and Spotify.
This is wonderful to hear! Thank you. Love the GIF in your avatar, too :)
I experimented around with gif and jpeg, animated gif draws attention more, imo, but doesnโt work everywhereโฆโฆthanksโฆ.
This is the first time I've seen a gif in an avatar. I didn't know we could do this! So fun!
I experimented around with the different locations, logo, headers etc. itโs was beginnerโs luck, it also works in regular post, I added one yesterday.
I've been thinking a lot about milestones this week. My baby celebrated his first birthday (or rather, we celebrated his first birthday!) and also stood up for the first time.. (look ma, no hands!) I think he'll be walking pretty soon, but not before falling over (many, many times!) My substack is only 6 months old, so just starting to crawl, but it's exciting to watch it grow, step by step... Forgive this cheesy post, it's been an big week!
So awesome. Congrats on the substack and the baby milestone :)
Yay thank you!
THIS! I didnโt know anything about the writer community, or that there would be such hands-on support from the team. I thought it was just a vehicle, but itโs more like a city!
Wow, the linked headings is a great addition. I can't wait to use that!
Congratulations Valorie and Sari! That is very cool to hear, and very encouraging!
Thank you!
Substack! What is the best way to share old issues with new subscribers? Should I resend or just copy and paste into a new issue? I have great content from over a year ago and many new subscribers who would benefit from it.
We simply send out old content once a month by creating an entirely new newsletters with a note that is content that we are proud of and since we're so much bigger now, we figure folks will be interested.
Do you have an example of one that had good engagement you could share?
Sure. Folks ALWAYS want to know about our finances, so this is one we reshared: https://brentandmichaelaregoingplaces.substack.com/p/our-finances-how-are-we-able-to-afford?s=w
Yes, that is a great piece! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks very much!
This one was also popular: https://brentandmichaelaregoingplaces.substack.com/p/how-our-romantic-night-on-the-train-554?s=w
We could do what TV networks do, and simply positively label "repeats": Like, "A Brent and Michael Encore Presentation!" and similar. No need to apologize or feel like we're being "sneaky"!
Love that! And we definitely don't apologize. We've got an email open rate between 50 and 60% but that still leaves a lot of folks who might've missed it the first time as well.
Oh, I know that....I've seen this dilemma mentioned before, and some 'Stackers sound like they're reluctant and apologetic to even consider the notion! That was meant for them.
Ah, got it!
That's a brilliant idea. I'm building up a body of work now and it would be great for newer people to see the earlier stuff
Yes, it would be a complete shame to waste it. We've never had a single complaint from older subscribers about it either.
Just curious; what's your definition of "old?" 6 mos.?
Kevin, I would judge it by # of subs, generally, rather than time/age. Ex: I have a majority of my subs come aboard since the first of the year, and few have probably seen my initial posts starting in August. For me, I might look at re-posting things from December, backwards to Aug.
Oh, I like that!
That's a good idea.
Got it, thank you.
You can unlock paid posts and send an unlocked version to free subscribers. I wonder if "locking" a post and then immediately unlocking will allow you to generate the new email to all subscribers.
I want to know as well.
I am also curious about this. My plan was to cut and paste (and update, as needed), but maybe there are other options.
You could always just integrate it in your writing and use the built-in embedding Substack has. I think it looks nice and allows you to organically share it with your readers without selling out.
I like the embedding idea. It might help for a summer writing plan, when this mom gets busy to write new things.
Appreciate it
This is something I'm trying to figure out too! I'm planning to try adding a paragraph at the end of each post saying, "If you liked this, you might like x post from [whenever]" and linking to it. It's manual but I trust that I know what posts in my archive relate well to one another.
I have a couple of other blogs, and what I do there, and what I'll probably do with my Substacks when I've built up a substantial body of work is the following (a) On this day: eg On June 9 2017 I wrote this post, which I still think is apposite ... (b) update an old post, eg On 9June I wrote this, but since then a couple of the links don't work any more and there's a newer website blah blah blah; (c) republish the old post as it is, with perhaps a note at the start to say this is a blast from the past, and still relevant.
I've done round ups of previous book recommendations as a like "best of" with links to previous issues.
https://whattoreadif.substack.com/p/youre-ready-to-win-summer-reading?s=w
https://whattoreadif.substack.com/p/you-just-want-some-good-books-part?s=w
I sometimes do "reminder recs" where I like to a previous issue that's relevant to the current issue.
I think this is something Books on Gif does well. Scroll to the bottom: https://booksongif.substack.com/p/nineties-chuck-klosterman?s=r
I sometimes put links to related articles on the bottom of a new article so that people can read further if they wish
Wins:
- Over 100 subscribers!! ๐ฅณ
- My Substack turns one on Monday, the 13th!
Congrats. Chevanne!
Thanks! ๐
Congratulations, well done
Thanks!
Congratulations!
Thanks! Congrats to YOU! What a big step!
Thank you! :)
Greetings! Well, about a week ago I FINALLY published my first article, and I have to say, I think I "overwrote" it! I became so intimidated by all the fantastic writers here that I "over-edited" what I had to say. I made the article too long, because I was trying to match some other writer's word count! Well, next time I will do better, I promise!
Every writer is always learning. Easy to overwrite. I've got an article in progress now that fits that because the topic is complex and sensitive. Got it out with a few beta readers who will have better perspective than I can bring atm.
Just a quick reminder to everyone out there to update your about page. I'm always shocked at how many Substacks I see which still have the boilerplate text for their about page. This is the first place new readers will visit to find out what to expect from you - give them something compelling and memorable!
Great reminder! Here is our resource on About pages: https://on.substack.com/p/how-to-polish-your-publications-about?s=w
I agree. Updated mine last week. I also noticed that one substacker pins a Welcome Post to the home page with a Read This First heading. I found it helpful on that site, so I pinched the idea.
That's a good idea! Could go into even more detail than an about page / welcome email.
Absolutely. I often check out the about page to see if I might be interested in a newsletter and it's offputting if the writer hasn't taken the time to write something there
Congrats to those newly published books! Just happens that I subscribe to both Substack publications :-)
You're so smart!
hey, I just clicked on your name (never knew I could do this and get about info) and nothing shows up. You might check your about blurb - maybe it's blank? You're too awesome to not be publicizing who you are!
Hey Substack team, when will customizable fonts be available on the computer version? Love that it's on the app but I write and publish from my laptop. I'd LOVE to have customizable fonts!!
Interesting! It's not on our current roadmap, but I'll share your feedback.
I am excited to share a win! A technical publication I have been working on the last 2 years was finally published. I used my monthly Substack newsletter (directed to a very niche audience) to successfully get pre-orders since my Substack subscribers are the perfect audience for my book (titled "Make Your Safety Training Stick: Increase Retention and Get Better Results). I am considering offering a free trial paid subscription for anyone who buys the book but not sure if I'll go that way yet.
Congrats!
I've self-published in the past and a few of those books are on Amazon but this latest was published by a professional association (the American Society of Safety Professionals).
My poem won first prize at the Dolgeville, NY Violet Festival. I will read it at the festival on Sunday.
https://branwenspoetry.substack.com/p/once-upon-a-violet?r=5ikk8&s=w&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Facebook, primarily. Used to write on Medium. I also use twitter and occasionally other media.
I have a question about commenting! Our readership (Matriarchy Report on Substack) has grown by hundreds (yay!). But we get very few comments (even on posts with 1,500+ reads) and subscribers have told us that it's very cumbersome to leave a comment--they have to log out, log in with a password, they don't remember the password, etc. Is there a way to trouble shoot this?!
If you encourage more readers to read in the app, this could help! Some of the challenges with commenting are related to email, which is static and is also where many readers are reading Substack posts.
I would agree.
It's a big problem because we are trying to build a *community, not just a readership/subscriber base. Instead people will comment on our social media accounts bc it's easier, but that's not the community feel I want.
I would love the capability to have two photos side by side. I donโt think that can happen yet. Unless I donโt know about it?
I think most people who do that right now use canva to put the photos side but side then upload as one image. Canva is definitely your friend....
thanks Diane! i use photoshop for my newsletter collages so may just have to put in a couple more minutes to draft layouts on there for regular photos, too.
that would work perfectly!
What is the best way to attract subscribers for new writers? I sometimes feel like most shoutout and events here are for those who are already popular.
Have you tried doing a cross-promo with another writer who writes something similar / complimentary to what you write?
I have. Works like a charm
Most writers who participate in these threads are early and new to Substack, or in the midst of their journey building a name for themselves. Don't be shy to join us!
These pieces of writing may be helpful for you as you're just getting started:
https://on.substack.com/p/getting-your-first-100-signups?s=w
https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-6?s=w
My dividers, that I use often to break up text, are no longer visible against my gray background. No, this doesn't belong here. But Tech support has twice sent me the same boilerplate response suggesting I take up this and another tech issue here, and see if anyone else shares my issue. This isn't the stated purpose of the thread. This is a tech problem, no question: I've been using both the gray background AND dividers for more than a year, and the line was never invisible before. Will you guys in community please get together with tech and fix both the issue and the punting of it to the Thursday thread?
Hi Annette,
This seems to be a result of using themes (changing your background color). I am seeing next to our writer product team right now and they are filing a ticket to further investigate.
Thanks Katie! I'm in the same boat as Annette. This is Sunday and I just wrote to tech support as you suggested and they keep telling me it's because the gray divider line doesn't show up against my pale green background, but as with Annette, it always has before. They sent be back to the Thursday thread.
I've noticed this in the past 2 or 3 weeks as well. I haven't changed my background color, but the dividers are practically invisible now. I thought - too much screen time - I'm going blind!
LOL, Julie, thank you! I had the EXACT same thought! So relieved to hear from others.
Hello, Annette. Today I opened my Substack, and was able to see my divider lines. Perhaps Substack has fixed it. Yeah!
Thanks, Julie! Looks like they have!
I didn't change my background color or theme. Hand on heart.
Iโll be fixing this soon!
Today I can see my divider lines again, so you must have fixed this. Thanks so much!
Nick, you're a champ! Thanks so much. ๐
This is Office Hours. Of course it belongs. :)
That's not what the thread description above says, though!
They did say they would be answering questions in the post! :D
Right... I thought something was switched up (and realize I'm a bit out of it...) I've been typing in ~~~~~ and muddling along, but it's not the same.
Yeah, this shouldn't require either a workaround OR giving up the background that was among the limited choices on offer, and is likely most friendly to eyeballs . . .
Can you show me an example of what that looks like?
I went into Canva and created dividers - you can then make it look how you want
I've been writing on Substack for over a year, and this change only happened this week. I appreciate the suggestion, but it would be less time-consuming if Substack could just fix this.
Do you happen to remember what they looked like before? Are they correct in your old posts or do they now look the same across all posts?
Thanks, Sam. They have vanished in every old post I just checked.
What did they used to look like? Sorry for all the questions, I'm struggling to reproduce it.
Oh, tough one to answer. Faint. Maybe blue-ish? Sorry, Sam. Can anyone else chime in? Clearly, I'm not alone.
They are still there, but they're very faint and blend into the background. I'm struggling to recreate it on an older version of the site. Did you update your theme about a week ago by chance to a new background color?
No, I didn't. Thanks, Sam.
Nope. It was a sudden change.
How do you promote your substack?
It always seems to stun many, if not most, 'Stackers, but I lean heavily on biz cards. I just had new ones printed on VistaPrint, and they provide a way to "translate" a web address into a QR code! So, my ID pic (on your left) that features me (second from left) at 22, with the Ramones backstage in '77 is on the front, and my page's QR code is on the back!
So, along with the usual social media sites, I leave biz cards on Panera and Starbucks community bulletin boards, as well as leaving one with my tip at restaurants, and when I meet people in line at stores, etc! It's fun, and is a great conversation starter!
Of course, it helps if you've got what many Ramones (and even rock fans) consider a collector's item as your main photo, but you do you! Good luck! Don't ignore paper!!!๐
I do this too! I have an eagle eye for bulletin boards now lol. I put them up at the library, coffee shops, bakeries, pretty much anywhere that is high traffic and there is likely to be book and bread enthusiasts!
Great minds! When I have more articles, I wanted to have business cards made (didnโt think about QR codes!) and put them EVERYWHERE.
In books at the local (and big) bookstores, under windshield wipers, on top of cans at certain grocery stores, on resturant tables when I go eat out, bulletin boards on campuses or elsewhere... e v e r y w h e r e. Haha
That's the spirit! And, good on ya.....too many of the kids these days, who were raised with a silver iPad in their mouths, are loathe to do anything regarding paper when it comes to PR-ing their 'Stack!
Tweet all you want your links, but there are people out there, and some of them will actually look up from their phones to engage with you about your writing, and your biz card will help get the convo going!
What I hope is that they'll line all their friends up back home, have them all pull out their phones while they slowly pass my QR code past them as they snap it! Good luck, Cierra!
Thank you! Goodness the World Wide Web can be so noisy! Itโs nice to stumble across things that pique your interest in the real world. I grew up with chalk boards, overhead projectors, and pen and paper and the iPad JUST started becoming a thing around the time I was in college so it feels like I escaped in a way! Haha some things just feel better on paper on in the real world so we might as well try marketing like that as well! Like in the good olโ days before algorithms took over haha. Thank you! :)
thats a really great idea! thanks for sharing :)
Well, it's still a thing to the extent you want to make it a thing! There's enough people, these days, we all end up ignoring, but when they're playing EDM and "today's pop" at the gym, it's a great way to ask a stranger what kind of music THEY like.
Of course, I write about music and musicians, so that makes it a legit question, and regardless of their answer, I can produce a card that begins discussion! When I see someone at a bulletin board looking in the direction of my card hanging up, I'll saunter up (my favorite way to "up"), I ask, "Do you recognize a 22-year-old me?" Go get 'em, Robert!
Social media, connecting with other writers, join The Sample, which is doing a great job of promoting different newsletters :https://thesample.ai/?ref=b66a
The Sample is great both as a writer and a reader!
Just signed up.
cool! Didn't know this service, I will check it out!
I tell everyone I know, tell new people I meet, and Iโm active on twitter so when I drop a new story it hits an engaged audience. That said, on twitter I try to keep promo to around 10% of all posts.
One thing Iโm planning to do is make a QR code that links to my Substack, then put that code on a sticker and put it on the back of my phone. My phone is always with me so when I tell people about my Substack itโs super easy to set them up to subscribe. A business card works too, so Iโll probably do that as well. But the phone is just more reliable for me.
Ohhhh, I like that. So how does one create a QR code?
Hi Diamond-Michael! You can use a free QR code generator, you just copy and paste the url for your substack into it, and then you can download the QR code as a png or jpeg. Then you can stick it into your business card/sticker etc design before you get it printed. Something like this: https://www.qr-code-generator.com/
Ahhh, yes! Thank you Hannah. Appreciate you!
That is a great idea. I was chatting with four Brits at a cafe overlooking Lake Como last week and that would have been a GREAT thing to have. I'm doing it tomorrow.
Absolutely. I follow the one in ten rule on all social media.
Wherever I frequent, whether a coffeehouse or a fancy wine bar, I leave a book sitting out. This one act draws in conversations like flies. When they ask me what I do, I tell em that I read books for a living and share author interviews and reviews with my digital community. Slam dunk in terms of immediate sign ups.
nice! it would be hard for me though - I should have a book like โintro to the global paymentsโ, โunbelievable story of Mastercard and Visaโ, or โDecentralized finance is hereโ near me ;-)
Social media, social media, social media....
Business cards, business cards, business cards! Along with SM. For 5 years (2015-20), I wrote about the Houston Astros on TheRunnerSports.com. There were 85 writers on the all-sports blog site, and for the last 2 yrs or so (2018-20), I had the site's leading monthly page-views! AND, ALL WITHOUT ANY SOCIAL MEDIA!!!!!
I handed out my cards relentlessly, plus I managed to also get the players and print and broadcast media reading me! I'll say it again....ALL WITHOUT THE VAUNTED, ALMIGHTY SOCIAL MEDIA! Plus, I met some great new people along the way, something I'm not particularly inclined to sneeze at.
I think I had managed to gain what the kids today call "traction." Hmmm, wonder if my writing must've been good or something? Naaaaaah.
Everywhere and anywhere
Where do you draw the line between spending time on social media vs. doing your writing and publishing? My last venture has been checking out and doing some answers on Quora. Fun, but not sure if it is worth using my creative energy and time, and not sure of the audience Quora reaches. Maybe I should check out Reddit?
I outsource the marketing so I can focus on writing
I love the idea. I guessed when I published my book I had unsatisfactory experience with marketing courses and my attempts to do my marketing or outsource the marketing. I've been doing all the outreach, marketing, and social media myself, but I would instead outsource it now as I want to focus on my writing and less on my consulting work. If you have any suggestions of what you have found as good outsources for marketing, let me know, and I will check it out. Thank you so much, Ron
so which channels are the most effective for you?
Reddit, Quora, it depends.
I now have enough subscribers to feel confident in going paid! Any tips on getting started, advice, or anything else?
My advice is to just do it. Produce quality work that you yourself would pay for and they'll come.
I went paid right out of the gate--I'm committed to low and slow growth. It's a big step but my impression--and from what I've read of others doing the same thing--readers are fairly amenable as long as you don't cut them out of the loop entirely!
Thank you for this comment, Scoot, it is very encouraging. I want to (actually need to ) go paid quite early. It was always my intention for my newsletter to generate some income, not just be a creative writing adventure. But I wasn't sure how long to wait. Maybe sooner than later!
I was paid of out of the gate too. Someone surprised me by being my first paid subscriber. You never know.
me too
I found these tips to be really helpful: https://substack.com/going-paid-guide?utm_source=menu-dropdown
Itโs a great guide! Especially the YouTube videos. Iโm thinking of doing a launch plan inspired by Substack in August for my birthday to go paid.
Awesome, thanks!
Yes, tell them you're skint. Or an alcoholic. Maybe you need to pay for a funeral? Good luck with it.
Going paid soon as well, I will keep you in the loop.
Thanks for holding this discussion. I have not been able to post my writing. I am 96 and tech deficient. I need to speak to someone by phone to guide me step by step. Can someone do that? -My # is: 212-204-0656. My name is Abe Markman.
If you put six candles around your computer whilst sitting in a rune-circle, youโll be halfway there. Good luck.
I cannot open today's discussion. Can someone tell how?
Hi I started Why Journalism Matters 18 months ago. It's a study and a celebration of Investigative and Campaigning journalism around the world. There is much that deserves celebrationa nd championing. I am a retired journalism lecturer in the UK and my objective is not to make money for myself but to help raise funds for journalistic organisations like Reporters without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists(CPJ). When I get to a critical mass of free subscribers I am hoping to ask some of those readers to go paid (and get some extra benefits). I get a lot of interest from various individual readers around the world and have recently started a French language edition because RSF is based in Paris. But getting people to subscribe has been hard work although there is a steady trickle. Ideally I need at least 200 readers in order to persuade say 50 of them to go for a paid subscription. (One idea is to offer them the truly wonderful photobooks produced by RSF three times a year as part of the package, and I am sure there are other similar benefits offered by CPJ which could be part of whatis on offer. I have had great support from the Global Investigative Journalism Network which has been a real gateway into developing content and contacts, but the whole thing needs a bit of a boost and I am not sure how to pitch it differently or better to attract more active interest. All suggestions gratefully recieved! Here's the link so you can have a look.
https://whyjournalismmatters.substack.com/
Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you
Ted Sullivan
Just subscribed to your substack, having done some investigative journalism in the past, Iโm very interested in your content. Thanks.
Thanks Elena, your support is really appreciated. It's fair to say that despite the obstacles investigative journalism is booming around the world, and when other aspects of society fail, a free, inquiring press serves to give people hope that things will get better
Because you want to raise funds for journalistic organizations, why wait? That could be the benefit to start. I don't promote my paid option but have 7 people who pay just because it's there. You can create a custom button - you could mention that the subscription fee is to support journalists - so why not start it now?
Thanks Diane, what pointed, inspiring and wise advice. Why wait? These organisations need support now and I want to be able to give it to them. Will also have a look at Next Draft and will help you out in anyway I can. Many thanks once again.
Yes!
Linked headings?! Be still, my heart.
Are they working for your posts? I don't see them in mine and I have been clamoring to start having a table of contents.
I just tested it. The links show up on all styled headers (e.g. H2, H3) as a grey link icon to the left of the header on the live post when you hover over it. You can then click on the link to copy it.
This is working for existing and new posts alike.
Yeah, my issue was using header 4. It does work as intended for H1-3. Thank you for the help!
Good to know! I didn't test H4. That should be included, I would think.
I'm dying to have a table of contents in long posts! I just learned about this 2 minutes ago though, so I haven't even tried yet.
It looks like something you may have to publish first and then add the TOC afterward - which isn't ideal but could work for certain applications.
Hmmm, interesting. I'll have to give it a try next time a write a longer post. (Which should have been yesterday but I'm behind this week!)
After a little bit of testing, you can use the private draft link to get the links to each segment and then set up the TOC before actually publishing to the masses.
Yeah, I'm not sure if there is some setting we need to change or something we need to do on our end. Hopefully someone weighs in here.
Even more photo capabilities would be awesome. I'm using gifs now to get some movement, but the ability to host larger moving files would be awesome. Slow moves on high res photos can look really nice
I'd love a photo carousel.
eBay?
We've heard this for a while. Let me check in on this!
I've not been able to get any gifs to look good while moving, it's a tough nut to crack! If I keep an image still and use gifs to move text on it, it looks alright, especially on the home page. But full screen they lose detail, and when I share them on SM, the lower quality gif image is used and it's noticeable. Just my observations. :)
That'd be great. I'm attaching a link as an example. There is a photo of the ball player blowing a bubble and you can see the movement on it, it looks great :)
https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/big-read-vlad-guerrero-jr-best-blue-jays-prospect-generation/
Iโve got some slow moves, but they donโt look great. Iโm old.
Hi, I noticed that the new UI for display audio has changed from a player to a button. My question is this here to stay or just an A/B test? I have seen an 98% drop in audio listens since the introduction. I have also had subscribers reach out asking why I stopped doing audio as part of my newsletter.
Ian, hey. We are taking a look at your stats to make sure those are working just fine. Sorry about this.
And - we've shared your feedback about the UI with the team working on audio tools and they are discussing it.
Thanks Bailey, really appreciate it!
Hi Bailey, did you hear back yet? Would love to know if you are seeing this across other accounts or if there is anything I can do my side?
I have been wondering the same thing. I really liked having the play button be front and center.
Custom buttons in posts don't have the blue box around them when viewed in the app, or web browser. The default Substack buttons like "Subscribe now" retain the blue box.
Other than that, solid week for me. I'm climbing the leader board, got 25 free sign ups, active engagement in comments, and 3 recommendations. Doing my first collab post with another music newsletter author tomorrow. Fun stuff.
Thanks for that Nikhil and Becca, it was on my list to ask about but got sidelined!
thank you!
Well, poking my shy head to say how grateful I am to be showing up to the office hours finally - for the first time! It's been in my mind for ages yet my imposter syndrome told me that a newbie newsletter wouldn't be good enough or interesting enough for me to show up here. Amazed to see so many people getting started too! So inspiring. Much needed!
So I'm making this my win today๐๐ผ. I started my newsletter a few months ago and having good plans for it, looking forward to sharing more. I have found Substack to be an extremely cozy, welcoming writing place like I hadn't felt in a long long time! I'm glad it exists, and the fact that such initiatives like this one here encourage us all to be free to write, share and express, makes it all one hell of a universe for writers. I'm grateful!
Reddit has been helping drive traffic and the people who discovered me on Reddit have been leaving enthusiastic comments. Still less than 250 subscribers though
That's terrific! I've been at this over a year and still am under 300 subscribers. I tried Reddit but didn't have any success. Maybe I just couldn't find the right group. I found the whole platform frustrating. But really glad it's working for you!!
Itโs a great podcast I really enjoyed listening to decorating ideas about spring. It isnโt clear on any of your promotional material what your area of expertise is or what your doctorate is in. Curious how your research informs your work. Although I do not have a doctorate I go out of my way to reference and link back to evidence based research as it builds credibility
Hmm that's weird. Not sure what you mean by promotional material but I answer your questions in several places. In the short description as well as in both About pages:
"After years of moving around, I earned a PhD in sacred mythologies and depth psychology and wrote a dissertation on the psychology of home." and
"Insights to finding home & creating home from a home researcher who has moved around a lot. Using psychology, myth, popular culture, religion, the hero's journey, and more." and
"About Finding Home
Each of us longs for home. More than a physical space, we each desire the sense of feeling at home. But where do we find that? Why do some places feel more like home than others? How do we create home when we live far away from what feels familiar?
Finding Home explores all this and more. My writing draws from years of research, my doctorate in depth psychology and sacred mythologies, and from my own personal experience. (I admit, Iโve moved around a bit.)
Finding Home is for anyone who believes that home is more than a house, more than the place you grew up, and certainly more than current popular trends. It is for anyone who believes that finding and creating home is a personal journey, a journey to becoming your best self.
Some posts are personal, others are more informational. Spirituality, mythology, psychology, pets, traditions, travel, and more are all woven together to consider the aching question of where and how we find homeโฆ wherever we are."
I have stopped including citations due to the repeated feedback I've received from my readers. They tell me my writing sounds too academic when I cite - though I do my best to still fold sources into the content. But you can bet I keep all my research in case anyone ever has a question!
I think it's wonderful substack. Makes me want to visit Tulsa and learn more about the history of the 1st nations there. And beautiful photos -- home renovation window shots are mesmerizing. Perhaps put some images on Instagram and start connecting with local Tulsa decorators you can interview and cross post with? Just off the top of my head ideas and there's always Instagram and Pinterest but I think it's a strong theme and investing in the uniqueness so your regional and cultural brand would best be done visually since home is so much about space, light, time, shadows and safety
Thank you, Susanna, it was generous of you to take a look at my site. Pinterest is another thing I just can't get behind - lol! Guess I'm too old school.
Itโs hard to know whether or not Pinterest would actually help. And what do I know anyway? My less than 250 followers didnโt happen by magic Iโve been hustling to get them and itโs tiring at points and tedious and often disappointing but Iโm trying to stay focused on the long term goals
Same experience - Reddit has been very helpful.
Just keep going. People will follow you and you will see increasing engagement and upvoting over time, which will eventually lead to more subs.
I took part in a presentation about Substack in an International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) session with https://diannejacob.substack.com/. One of the questions that came up is if there is, or will be, a searchable database for our individual newsletters?
Hi Kate, I just checked out your newsletter and subscribed. Love it!
Thank you Jessica!
What do you mean precisely? A way to search in the archive of a newsletter, a way to search substack for nice newsletters or a way to search all posts in all newsletters published on Substack? I think the first two are already available.
It's the first one. A way to search specifically in the archives of a specific individual newsletter...like mine. Might be able to link me to the how to page in settings, Arjan?
Well, here's the thing. I have a free newsletter, and have not switched on paid subscriptions, so it might be different in your case. But if I go to the archive of my newsletter, I see a magnifying glass icon top right. That's search for my archive. Here's my link, but you should have it, too. https://trippleeffect.substack.com/archive
Oh! I never noticed the magnifying glass. Thank you!!
Hey, Substack! I was curious to know if Substack is run on any sort of an algorithm the way Twitter or Facebook is or if all of the content showing up in our inbox is all organically the stuff we signed up for?
I'm curious because I used to work in social media for years, so everything felt so manufactured, but everything on here feels so organicโin a good way!
Hi Kathleen,
Glad you feel that! We are build an alternative to the ad-driven and algorithm based model.
Our founder, Chris, wrote about it:
https://on.substack.com/p/breaking-off-the-engagement?s=w
Oh I love this!
Tom White of www.whitenoise.email here! I write a weekly(ish) missive on all things psychology and philosophy, books and the brain, what and why :). My question: how best do we avoid gmailโs pesky spam filters? Despite all the tricks (I.e. being added to readersโ address books, moving out of the promotions tab, and encouraging responses), my notes still sometimes land there!
You can encourage your reader to read on the Substack app too https://substack.com/app
I "teach" my subscribers. In my welcoming e-mail after you subscribe (subtle hint intended, unless you're mortified with disgust at the very notion), I list the 4 or so possible e-mail host sites, and how a reader can successfully maneuver to push the right buttons in each to direct my posts away from Spam and Promo inboxes, and to Primary.
If you dare to subscribe, you'll see it, plus you can copy'n'paste it to put on YOUR welcome e-mail. That's what I did!!
Love that โ really clever. Will tinker with that methodology. Thank you!
That's all you can do. We hope the reader will do those little tasks, and beyond that, Google will still do what it does, and whomever else, but we can't control algorithms!!.....as you know!
anything front row or backstage is interesting to me - i just subscribed!
:)
I've been running newsletters for the last seven years, largely through Mailchimp, I've not found away way to address this, except reminding people to add my address. And sending reminders through social that there's a new newsletter.
Ty sir!
We have been trying to uncover that secret for years, no luck so far. Also, your newsletter sounds dope!
Thank you! Please take a gander if youโre interested :)
I created https://newslettertosocials.com/ which is social media automation specifically for newsletter creators! The site connects to your newsletter, suggests engaging content, and automates scheduling across all the major social media platforms.
Where the hell do you start when trying to get a book published?
There's a great Substack to read about this! https://katemckean.substack.com/
Thanks for sharing this, Bailey! Subscribing now.
Agents, publishers, all will say having a subscriber list is really important. If you can start talking about what you eventually want to write your book about in your newsletter. Build that faithful readership and you will have something to show that you are working towards being published.
Avoid traditional (legacy) publishing. Theyโll expect you to do all the work - including marketing, and theyโll take most of the profit. First question theyโll ask is whatโs your social media like. Self-publish, donโt let those old parasites anywhere near your book. Itโs a con, from the bestseller lists to your โearningsโ itโs a con. But you need to market your work. Get busy finding podcasts and YouTube channels who might have you on as a guest to discuss your book. Look into guerilla marketing and get all over it.
Definitely depends on the type of book you want to publish. I second Bailey's recommendation to read Kate McKean especially if you want to publish fiction!
So I have two substacks but I have been sick from April to date (finally on the mend). One of my substacks is for my law practice/business. The other substack is intended to be a serialized memoir about my life - especially working as a lawyer in the Middle East.
I'd like to get your views on the latter - my memoir as a serial.
Do you have an outline for the serialized memoir? You have a cohesive story you are telling?
Hi Caitlin, I am just setting up the page now and I will work on an outline...thanks for the question, it's a good hint.
I think serialising can work but I suppose it depends how often you are publishing the pieces. How are you planning that?
I will write shorter posts instead of chapters - because I don't have the capacity right now to sit down and write a novel so this gives me the ability to write it in real time. It won't be an ongoing novel - not a diary, but a snapshot of a particular period in my life.
I hope to write once a week.
What about you?
I know this has been asked before but it would really help if Substack can better sort in the dashboard where direct sign ups actually come from?
I think it would be really great if Substack had a feature where I got promoted.