The Sub Club Newsletter

The Sub Club Newsletter, by Chill Subs, is a weekly resource consolidating submission opportunities for writers, featuring insights on literary magazines, writing strategies, and market trends. It includes lists of literary magazines favored by the community, submission calls, advice on obtaining agents, and guidance for developing newsletters and personal essays.

Submission Opportunities Literary Magazines Writing Strategies Market Trends Writer Income and Career Editorial Insights Literary Community Publishing Advice

The hottest Substack posts of The Sub Club Newsletter

And their main takeaways

Sub Club Weekly Digest # 6

118 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🚌 Education Writing Publishing Workshops Career Advice
  1. There is a new column called 'Jobs for Writers' for finding jobs in the writing industry. It's a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience.
  2. The newsletter features some cool competitions where people can win money or subscriptions for sharing their writing stories or job listings. It's a fun way to get involved!
  3. They are offering workshops and events for writers to come together and submit their work while getting support and guidance. It's a good chance to learn and improve your writing skills.

14 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

257 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Essays Publishing Stories Personal
  1. There are 14 pitch opportunities from various paying publications this week. Writers can find specific calls for stories in areas like lifestyle, food, and niche topics.
  2. When pitching personal stories, it's helpful to start with a specific moment that highlights larger themes. This gives editors a better sense of your writing style and story arc.
  3. Sharing your journey or unique experiences can lead to deeper connections in your writing. Make sure to convey how situations change over time in your pitches.

36 Writing Jobs, Internships, Volunteer Opps, Fellowships, and More

594 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Editing Fiction Non-fiction
  1. There are many job opportunities available for writers, including full-time positions, internships, and volunteer roles. This can help you start or develop your career in writing and publishing.
  2. The newsletter aims to provide solid job listings, focusing on roles beyond just freelance writing to support career building in the writing field.
  3. If you already work in writing, your personal stories about breaking into the field can be valuable and are welcome to be shared, helping others learn from your experience.

10 Agents Currently Looking for Thrillers

277 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Publishing Feedback
  1. When you get feedback from agents, remember not all feedback is good or useful. Some comments might just reflect personal taste, so don't take it too personally.
  2. It can help to look for patterns in the feedback you're getting from different agents. If many agents suggest the same changes, it might be worth considering those edits.
  3. Don't rush to change your work just because an agent suggested it. Take your time to think about the feedback and decide what's best for your book.

139 Recently Opened Submission Calls, Upcoming Deadlines, Contests, Theme Calls and more

555 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Submissions Magazines Writing Contests Opportunities
  1. There are many new opportunities for writers to submit their work, including 18 recently opened submission calls and contests. It's a great time to get your writing out there!
  2. Keep an eye on deadlines, as some contests and submission calls are closing soon. Make sure to submit your work on time to maximize your chances of getting published.
  3. Theme calls can spark creativity, so consider writing for specific themes. They can guide you to produce focused and relevant pieces that fit what magazines or journals are looking for.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

On What Makes a Good Writer with Kevin Wilson

1110 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Publishing Community Education
  1. Finding a supportive community can really help a writer feel like their work matters. Connecting with others can make the writing journey feel a lot less lonely.
  2. Writing is both a personal and technical craft. It's important to enjoy the process and be open to learning, rather than getting too caught up in formal success markers.
  3. Art should be valued beyond just monetary success. Writers can thrive by focusing on what they love to create, regardless of whether they achieve fame or fortune.

Sub Club Weekly Digest # 5

515 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Submissions Events
  1. There were over 150 suggestions for a new column name, showing strong community engagement. People can win $50 and a free year of Sub Club by submitting a name.
  2. A new interview series called 'On Something with Somebody' is launching, featuring insights from writers and industry experts. This will help readers learn more about writing and publishing.
  3. Sub Club is offering resources and events like submission parties to help writers find job opportunities and improve their pitching skills. These gatherings are a supportive space for writers to submit their work together.

15 Agents Seeking Literary Fiction

773 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Writing Publishing Agents
  1. Querying agents can be a long process, often taking many months and requiring lots of patience. It's normal to feel ups and downs as you wait for responses.
  2. It's important to tailor your query letter to highlight your book's qualities and how it fits within its genre. Good comps can help agents understand what readers might enjoy about your story.
  3. Don't get discouraged by rejections or silence. Keep querying different agents, and remember that perseverance is key to eventually finding the right match!

5 super popular magazines (and where else to submit)

257 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📚 Literature Magazines Poetry Fiction Nonfiction Submissions
  1. Popular magazines can give good exposure, but they're very competitive. It might help to find magazines that are well-known but not too hard to get into.
  2. Many of the best magazine options offer fast response times and pay their writers. This can keep writers motivated and eager to try submitting their work.
  3. When looking for magazines, consider different styles and genres. The vibe of a magazine can be just as important as its readership.

Sub Club Weekly Digest # 4

495 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Editing Submissions Authors
  1. They are looking for a new name for a column called 'Story Doctors' and want public input to find a better title. People can suggest lots of names and even win a prize if theirs is chosen.
  2. This week, they shared several articles about literary agents, submission calls, and indie presses that are gaining attention. These articles can help writers connect with new opportunities in publishing.
  3. They are hosting casual online events called 'Fuck it, Submit!' where people can ask questions about submitting their work. It's a fun way to get support while trying to publish your writing.

104 Recently Opened Submission Calls, Upcoming Deadlines, Contests, Theme Calls and more

356 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Contests Submissions
  1. There are a lot of writing opportunities available right now, including contests and themed calls. Writers should look for these chances to get published.
  2. Submission deadlines can come up quickly, so it's important to stay organized and keep track of dates. Missing a deadline means missing out on a chance to share your work.
  3. Community support through submission accountability events can help writers stay motivated. Attending casual 'submit parties' can make the process feel less daunting.

18 Paying Pitch Calls & a Chance to Write About Budget Travel

158 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Writing Arts Lifestyle Entertainment
  1. Editors are looking for fresh New Year's stories and pitches, especially in January. You can share unique takes on resolutions or fun ways to celebrate the holiday.
  2. Now is a good time to pitch 'Best Of' lists for 2024. If you have creative ideas that aren't typical, editors would be interested in those topics.
  3. There are 18 new paid writing opportunities available from various publications. Writers can explore topics in travel, culture, and more for potential income.

9 Associate and Junior Agents That Are Actively Building Their Lists (and Why You Should Query Them)

535 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Agents Books
  1. Using QueryTracker can help you organize your agent search effectively. It provides data on how many submissions agents are handling, which can guide you to the more active ones.
  2. Publishers Marketplace is a great tool to check agents' sales history and the types of books they handle. This helps you understand which agents might be a good fit for your work.
  3. Don't overlook new and junior agents. They are often very eager to build their lists and can offer personalized support as they look for new authors to represent.

On Turning Rejection into Motivation and Mastering the Art of the Pitch with Courtney Kocak

59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Essays Creativity Inspiration
  1. Rejection can be a powerful motivator. It helps writers keep going and improves their pitching skills.
  2. Building good relationships with editors makes the publishing process easier and more successful.
  3. Having excitement and belief in your writing is key. If you love your work, others are more likely to get on board with it too.

10 Agents Seeking Upmarket Fiction

812 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Publishing Writing Querying
  1. Choosing the right genre and comparative titles for your book is really important when querying agents. Make sure your comps support the genre you want to pitch.
  2. Upmarket fiction is a blend of literary and commercial styles, focusing on good writing while still being accessible to a wide audience. It's crucial to know where your book fits in this spectrum.
  3. Don't stress too much about pitching your book perfectly. The right agent will understand the essence of your work, even if your initial genre label isn't spot on.

18 Paying Pitch Calls and a Chance to Write About Chilly Movies

317 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Movies History Media Parenting
  1. There are 18 different pitch calls available this week for writers looking to get paid. It's a great chance for anyone to get their stories published.
  2. Writers should focus on making their stories feel timely and relevant. Adding a current angle to historical topics can help attract interest.
  3. There's a free workshop available to learn how to write effective pitches. It can help improve your chances of getting published by teaching you what editors want.

197 Recently Opened Submission Calls, Upcoming Deadlines, Contests, Theme Calls and more

416 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
📚 Literature Submissions Magazines Writing Publishing Contests
  1. There are 197 new opportunities for writers to submit their work, including calls for submissions, contests, and themed projects. It's a great time for writers looking for places to share their stories.
  2. This week has a variety of submission deadlines, including 105 newly opened calls and 38 last chance submissions. Keeping track of these can help writers stay organized and ensure their work gets seen.
  3. Writers can also participate in upcoming submission accountability sessions, which provide casual support and feedback while submitting work. These sessions can be motivating and helpful for overcoming submission anxiety.

Sub Club Weekly Digest #3

456 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Submissions Workshops Magazines
  1. Check the media kit of magazines to find their readership numbers. This helps you know their audience when thinking about submitting your work.
  2. There's a 20% discount on a horror writing workshop. It's a good chance to learn more about writing in that genre.
  3. Weekly submission accountability hours are available for support. Join to ask questions about submitting your work.

Meet 6 Rising Indie Presses that Signal the Future of Publishing

237 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Literary Trends
  1. Indie presses are growing in popularity as traditional publishers face challenges. These smaller companies can adapt better to changes in the market and reader preferences.
  2. Many indie presses focus on unique styles and strong connections within the writing community. They prioritize quality and creativity over profitability, allowing them to stand out.
  3. The rise of indie publishers signifies a shift in the literary landscape. These new voices are paving the way for innovation and diversity in book publishing.

18 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

376 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Editing Publishing Opportunities
  1. Editors are looking for timely pitches, especially relating to current news like climate change or elections. It's a good idea to tie your story to something happening right now.
  2. Evergreen pitches may take longer to get responses since editors are focused on urgent topics. Follow up on these pitches and consider adding a current news angle to make them more appealing.
  3. There are many paid writing opportunities available from respected publications like the BBC and Huffington Post. It's a great time to share your ideas and seek those writing gigs.

28 Recently Opened Submission Calls, Upcoming Deadlines, Contests, Theme Calls and more

475 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Contests Submissions Poetry
  1. There are 28 new places for writers to submit their work. This is great news for anyone looking to share their writing.
  2. Some calls for submissions have deadlines coming up soon, so it's important to act quickly if you're interested.
  3. There are also contests and theme calls available this week, offering more chances for recognition and publication.

7 New Magazines I Believe In (+ 8 promising first issue calls!)

376 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📚 Literature Magazines Poetry Fiction Publishing
  1. New literary magazines are popping up all the time, and they can be a great opportunity for fresh voices. Writers shouldn't ignore these newcomers, even if they don't have a long history.
  2. Magazines that opened in 2023 and 2024 are often more accessible to submit to than well-known ones. Many are actively seeking submissions and have a vision that stands out.
  3. Keeping an eye on new and unique magazines is exciting, as they may become important in the literary scene. Plus, some magazines are currently open for submissions to their first issues, which can be a fun gamble for writers.

9 Agents Seeking Memoirs

594 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Querying Memoirs Submissions Writing
  1. There are nine agents currently looking for memoirs, which is a great opportunity for writers in that genre.
  2. Upcoming changes to the newsletter will include more insights and tips about the querying process from experienced writers and agents.
  3. Writers can use the Query Hotline and new chat features to ask questions and share experiences about getting published.

Sub Club Weekly Digest #2 (ish)

495 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Editing Creative Process
  1. There are new features on Chill Subs that show popular and competitive literary magazines. This helps writers find where to submit their work.
  2. The Submitter's Club offers help in getting work submitted to magazines. Members can submit their pieces and receive personalized recommendations.
  3. A new column called Story Doctors will answer craft questions about writing. Writers can submit their work for feedback and tips on improving their pieces.

21 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

396 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Publishing Media Storytelling Lifestyle
  1. Editors are really busy right now and getting lots of pitches, so don't take it personally if you don't hear back right away.
  2. If you're unsure if a story idea will be popular, don't hesitate to pitch it. Your unique experience could resonate with many readers.
  3. There are many opportunities to pitch stories on various topics like lifestyle, politics, and ageism, so keep looking for the right fit for your ideas.

We’re Living in the Newsletter Era (who else is on the bandwagon?)

812 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. 2024 is the newsletter era, offering writers income, audience building, and career advancement.
  2. Newsletters provide writers with owned media channels and potential financial success.
  3. Having a newsletter can help brand yourself as an author and create a body of work on specific topics.

18 Magazines That Will Make Agents Notice You

753 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Not every writer wants or needs an agent for their work.
  2. Having an agent can help with selling your work, building networks, and achieving the writer's dream.
  3. There are various literary magazines where agents look for writers, and this list is a starting point based on confirmed information.

Our New Format for Lit Mag Lists on Sub Club

733 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Lit Mag Lists on Sub Club will now include more qualitative information and deep insights
  2. A spreadsheet with over 3000 magazines and various tags is being used to enhance the quality of information provided
  3. New template and data-driven approach to structuring information on magazines for future list sharing

83 Recently Opened Submission Calls (25 That Pay)

654 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. A list of 83 recently opened submission calls, with 25 that pay.
  2. Submission details include deadlines, genres, fees, and payment info.
  3. Various literary magazines opening up for submissions with different themes, fees, and payment amounts.

Best Lit Mags of 2023: Chill Subs Community Favorites # 11-25

912 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. Nominations for the Best Lit Mags of 2023 are based on community feedback.
  2. The Top 25 list is being released gradually, with sets of magazines revealed on different days.
  3. The focus is on offering a platform for writers' interactions and feedback rather than just prestige or funding.

50+ Recently Opened Submission Calls (15 That Pay)

793 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
  1. The Sub Club Newsletter lists over 50 open submission calls, with 15 of them offering payment.
  2. Highlighted opportunities include well-regarded journals like The Threepenny Review and Black Warrior Review.
  3. Various genres are accepted, with different fees and payment structures, so writers have a range of options.

100 Best Literary Magazines From a Totally Bullshit Ranking System We Tried To Make

674 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Creating a comprehensive ranking system for literary magazines was challenging due to the diverse factors and varied data sources.
  2. The attempt to focus on multiple genres led to some magazines being unfairly favored over others.
  3. Qualitative data is more valuable than quantitative data for evaluating literary magazines.

58 Lit Mags Closing For Submissions Soon (24 That Pay)

634 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
  1. 58 literary magazines are closing for submissions soon, with 24 that pay
  2. The list includes a variety of literary magazines with different themes and submission guidelines
  3. Readers can explore different literary magazines for potential submission opportunities

Introductions & Accountability Partners Thread

832 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
  1. Introduce yourself and connect with others submitting to literary magazines.
  2. Consider finding an accountability partner to help with your writing process.
  3. Participate in Submitters Accountability Hours and Support Group sessions for motivation and feedback.

Top 5 Best Lit Mags of 2023 from Chill Subs

693 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
  1. The Top 5 Best Lit Mags of 2023 focus on kind editors and supportive communities.
  2. Stanchion, Roi Fainéant Press, The Hooghly Review, SmokeLong Quarterly, and Taco Bell Quarterly were highlighted in the top 5 list.
  3. The Lit Mags offer diverse genres, pay writers, and are involved in social media.

15 Excellent Flash CNF (Nonfiction) Literary Magazines & Journals

535 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Writing personal essays about grief and loss involves delving into memories and emotions.
  2. When writing about past experiences, it's important to question and carefully consider the accuracy of your memory.
  3. Approaching personal essays about heartbreak and loss requires being observant of your emotions and giving yourself time to fully feel the grief.

Best Lit Mags of 2023: Chill Subs Community Favorites # 6-10

634 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. Readers love transparency, quick responses, and easy vibes in lit mags.
  2. Recognize the dedication of editors and diverse voices in literary magazines.
  3. Support independent literary magazines that strive for inclusivity and innovation.

10 M.F.A. Programs with Absolutely Everything You Need to Know to Apply (Holy Shit)

614 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
  1. The MFA programs detailed offer various concentrations and approaches to creative writing.
  2. Financial aid and assistantship opportunities are available in many of the MFA programs.
  3. Each MFA program has a unique faculty lineup and a vibrant writing and cultural scene associated with its location.

Invitation To My Course On Submitting To Literary Magazines

475 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. Course on submitting to literary magazines is free for everyone.
  2. Write or Die 101 offers monthly workshops by different instructors.
  3. Course structure includes free initial weeks for all, then paid access for later weeks.

15 Lit Mags That Are Like That Quiet But Deeply Cool Kid At The Party

594 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
  1. Some literary magazines fly under the radar despite not being big and flashy with contests and social media presence.
  2. Discovering underrated magazines often requires time and exploration outside of mainstream marketing channels.
  3. Personal experiences and preferences shape recommendations for lesser-known, consistently solid literary magazines.