How to Glow in the Dark $6 / month

How to Glow in the Dark is a Substack focusing on nuanced advice for authors in fiction and nonfiction, exploring editorial relationships, publishing industry insights, communication strategies, and emotional intelligence. It features historical anecdotes from American publishing and practical tips for navigating the complex landscape of book publishing.

Book Publishing Advice Author-Editor Relationships Publishing Industry Insights Communication Strategies Emotional Intelligence in Writing Historical Insights into American Publishing

The hottest Substack posts of How to Glow in the Dark

And their main takeaways

15 Random Things That Will Probably Help Your Publishing Career Much More Than an MFA Ever Could (or Writers’ Conferences, or AWP)

825 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Success Career Commercial
  1. Success in book publishing is unique and can't be replicated by following the traditional path
  2. MFAs and writers' conferences have value, but they don't guarantee commercial success as an author
  3. Factors like platform, artistic skill, and personal artistic style are crucial for achieving a big book deal

What people like me mean when we tell you that sad book you're working on "needs to be more uplifting"

471 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Feedback Books Editors
  1. Feedback to make a sad book more uplifting is not about toxic positivity, but finding hope in the story.
  2. Readers of dark books seek recognition, catharsis, and guidance, not denial or toxic positivity.
  3. Editors advising to make a book 'more uplifting' aim for authors to find the hope in their story to satisfy readers' expectations.

What we publishing people can learn from that Cloudflare layoff TikTok brouhaha

353 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Publishing Media Workplace culture Social media Organizational Culture
  1. Lesson from Cloudflare layoff: There are useful lessons for everyone in handling layoffs and difficult conversations professionally.
  2. Lesson from Brittany's experience: Be prepared, question feedback that doesn't make sense, and stand up for yourself in professional settings.
  3. Lesson on organizational culture: Though industries may differ, there can be overlap in challenges like attracting talent and handling social media crises.
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This is a time publishers ought to be investing and exploring new territory vs. laying people off and hunkering down. So why are so few of the big companies doing that?

550 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💼 Business Publishing Financials Management Earnings Investments
  1. This is a challenging time for publishers to invest and innovate, yet many big companies are not doing so.
  2. Major publishing companies are facing reduced earnings despite increased sales, leading to layoffs and cost-cutting measures.
  3. The industry's response to financial challenges has mainly involved squeezing employees and authors, rather than focusing on long-term growth and support.

It's time for another Ask Me Anything post!

216 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post is an invitation for an Ask Me Anything session about book publishing and general life questions.
  2. The author sets ground rules for the AMA, emphasizing no book pitching and maintaining respect.
  3. The AMA session is available only for paid subscribers, where the author shares random but interesting facts about vultures.

An Unhinged History of American Publishing, episode 3.3: The Crown Publishing Group, or: Look At That Trash Panda Go 😭

196 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
📚 Literature Publishing Authors Reading Book Sales
  1. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the American publishing industry.
  2. During tough times, unconventional strategies and adapting to the audience's needs can lead to success.
  3. Observing consumer behavior and offering affordable options helped Crown Publishers thrive post-Depression.

An Unhinged History of American Publishing, Episode 3.2: The Knopf/Doubleday Publishing Group, or: Olympus Unbuttoned

176 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
📚 Literature History Publishing Authors Fiction
  1. Developing characters in writing by giving them a want and a need makes them interesting and integral to the plot.
  2. Personal experiences and real-life inspirations can shape fictional character arcs and storylines.
  3. Having a clear vision and partnership can drive success, but challenges and expectations may not always align as planned.

The most common red flags I see in nonfiction book proposals by otherwise qualified authors

353 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction Authors Emotional Intelligence Writing
  1. The most common red flags in nonfiction book proposals by qualified authors indicate focusing on personal needs over audience.
  2. Fixing editorial problems at a higher level requires deep introspection and addressing emotional barriers.
  3. Recognizing signs like lack of emotional connection in book proposals may signal the need for emotional growth and self-understanding.

"My editor [or agent] is taking FOREVER with my edits. They keep making and breaking promises about when they'll be done with their notes. What the f*ck?"

117 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
📚 Literature Authorship Editing Publishing Tips
  1. Delays in getting edits from editors or agents are frustratingly common in book publishing.
  2. ESBs involve delays in receiving feedback, which can lead to distress for authors.
  3. It's important for all parties to address ESBs by understanding the underlying reasons and collaborating for corrective action.