Join us for Substack Grow

A new crash course for writers eager to build loyal readerships and kickstart paid subscriptions

Writer success is Substack’s top priority, and helping writers become independent publishers through making a good livelihood on Substack is central to our mission.

We have promised writers that we will be investing in resources and programs that will stack the odds in your favor. Today we are excited to announce one of those investments: Substack Grow, a series of six sessions covering the essential knowledge writers need to grow their readership and paid subscriptions. 

Between August 11th and September 15th,  Substack Grow will bring together writers eager to set the foundation for striking out on their own. Participants will have the opportunity to attend weekly live sessions and engage in a private community.  

All sessions are free. Because we have limited capacity, interested writers must apply to take part in the program and RSVP to the live sessions they plan to attend.

A program for committed writers

This program is specifically designed for committed independent writers, including:

• Professional writers looking to start a financially viable subscription publication. 

• Entrepreneurial and emerging writers who want to earn money while writing about their passions or expertise. 

• Writers and editors banding together to cover a topic not well served in existing media.

• Writers who are already publishing consistently on Substack and seeing promising signals that they could turn on paid subscriptions (e.g. list sizes in the hundreds or thousands, open rates of 25% or higher).
  

Live Sessions

Each week’s live session contains the best wisdom distilled from our experience working with hundreds of writers, as well as data-informed insights about what tactics work best, and inspiration from successful writers.

In the first three sessions, we will build the foundation of any successful publication: setting goals for your Substack, developing your publication strategy, and building a home for your publication. 

In the latter three sessions, we’ll dig deep on some of writers’ most frequently asked questions. We will cover growing your readership, preparing for a successful paid launch, and growing a paid readership.

Published Learnings

After each live Substack Grow session, we will post lessons with session recordings and summarized insights at on.substack.com for the broader Substack writer community. Join the mailing list here to be notified. 

Writer Community

Being independent doesn't have to mean being alone. Because promoting your writing and going paid can be intimidating, Substack Grow is designed to be a collaborative experience. Participants will have the opportunity to continue conversations together in an online community. 

Can’t make the live sessions but want to participate in the online community?

Frequent Questions 

Can anyone request a seat?

Due to limited capacity, we are prioritizing committed Substack writers who intend to build an independent publication. This includes:

• Committed writers who have been publishing consistently on Substack and seeing promising signals that they could turn on paid subscriptions (e.g. list sizes in the hundreds or thousands, open rates of 25% or higher).

• Writers eager to set the foundation for striking out on their own—looking to start an independent publication that is financially viable, earn money by writing about their passions or expertise, or cover a topic not well served in existing media.

I’m not planning to turn on paid subscriptions. Can I still participate?

Substack Grow is designed to support and supercharge writers who are pursuing paid subscriptions on Substack. If you do not intend to go paid in the next year, we recommend the following resources.

• Substack Blog: Absorb the lessons from Substack Grow on your own time. 

• Substack’s Writer Resources: A directory of inside tips and expert advice for writers. 

• Substack’s Events: Substack events connect writers to help one another develop and celebrate milestones. Events like Writer Office Hours are open to all writers.

How will I know if I have a seat?

We will let you know over email if you have a reserved seat at Substack Grow. 

I have a question about Substack Grow. How can I get in touch?

You can email us at community@substackinc.com. Due to volume, we may not be able to reply right away, but we’ll try to get to your inquiry as soon as possible. Please only use this email for questions, not to request a seat. Only seat requests submitted through this form will be reviewed.

Will you do more programs like this in the future?

Yes. We’re always looking for new ways to support writers. Subscribe to the Substack Blog to stay up to date.