The hottest Editing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 594 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📚 Literature Editing
  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.

The modern formatting addiction in writing

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1484 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Formatting helps readers skim and helps you think, but when it dominates a piece it hides weak ideas and makes sustained reading painful.
  2. Writers and AIs favor heavy formatting because it makes content quick to judge and thus gets rewarded, which encourages more format-heavy but often shallow work.
  3. A useful workflow is to draft with lots of formatting to explore ideas, then force yourself to write clear paragraphs to synthesize and reveal problems, and only then add formatting back for skimming.

Sub Club Weekly Digest # 4

The Sub Club Newsletter • 495 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Editing
  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.

Editing is Only Good If the Editing is Good and a Lot of Editing is Not Good

Freddie deBoer • 5631 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Editing isn’t inherently good — it only helps when it’s done well, and bad or excessive editing can deaden a writer’s voice.
  2. Saying “this needs an editor” is often a vague, condescending put‑down that functions as gatekeeping rather than offering concrete, helpful critique.
  3. The collapse of traditional newsrooms and precarious career incentives produce inexperienced, performative editing; we need the right kind of editing and better professional conditions to cultivate real editorial skill.

18 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📚 Literature Editing
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Sub Club Weekly Digest #2 (ish)

The Sub Club Newsletter • 495 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
📚 Literature Editing
  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.

On Writing #2

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2464 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Using AI tools for writing can be tricky. Sometimes, they're not very helpful in improving the writing itself, but they can be good for checking grammar and spotting errors.
  2. It's easier to write longer posts since people expect less from them. However, writing a shorter piece can actually require more effort to make every word count.
  3. Most people hear about a piece of writing from others instead of reading it themselves. So, how a message spreads can be just as important as the content itself.

“You could use an editor”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1261 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
📚 Literature Editing
  1. An editor can polish writing, but choosing not to be heavily edited keeps a writer's unique, live-edge voice intact. Editorial demands for SEO-friendly, bullet-point prose flatten variety and aren't the only valid standard.
  2. Typos and rough edges are part of a piece's personality and let readers glimpse the writer's singular stamp. Those imperfections help make writing feel human and resistant to lifeless, formulaic imitation.
  3. Writing preserves the small, singular traits of people—like a loved one's jokes—and helps keep them alive beyond death. The urge to record those details is selfish but also a way to honor and memorialize other people's uniqueness.

What I Learned From Editing Substack Reads

Castalia • 2378 implied HN points • 20 May 24
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Substack is packed with all kinds of content, making it hard to find what matters to you. It's better to think about how to reach a wider audience rather than just focusing on your own style.
  2. The platform seems to have more older writers than younger ones. Younger writers might not realize how useful Substack can be for launching their careers.
  3. Substack shows the power of democratic expression with lots of voices and ideas. However, the vast amount of content can make it feel overwhelming and make each writer feel less unique.

The work of art

Austin Kleon • 2417 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Editing
  1. Not being concerned about being liked can free up your creativity. It allows you to express yourself more freely without the pressure of pleasing others.
  2. Having a clear sense of taste is important in creative work. Knowing what you like helps you to articulate your preferences and make better choices.
  3. Editing is more than just correcting mistakes; it's about improving and refining your work. Great editors help you see what's missing and guide you to enhance your creation.

How I Write Posts

Construction Physics • 21087 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Editing
  1. The author's writing process involves mainly two types of posts: explanation-driven and exploratory. They often write to understand complex topics themselves and then share their findings.
  2. Extensive research is a crucial part of the author's writing process. They gather information from a variety of sources like books, dissertations, and online resources.
  3. The author follows a structured approach starting from research, reading, and thinking, then moves on to compressing and structuring content, before finally drafting, editing, and posting their work.

Protocolized Writing Workshop

Breaking Smart • 49 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
📚 Literature Editing
  1. The workshop is a free, AI-positive program that teaches magazine-style longform writing and the emerging "protocol" genre, combining broad coverage with deep, genre-specific training.
  2. It runs four online sessions across Friday and Saturday, led by experienced editors and writers; Saturday sessions have limited capacity and attendees who complete the workshop and submit a strong pitch can get an anthology copy.
  3. Organizers are building a self-publishing "factory" around AI, using tools as research, administrative, and writing collaborators to accelerate turning archival and new material into many books, with the main bottleneck now being human follow-through.

The Answer to Editing

Agents and Books • 2712 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Write a reverse outline after finishing the first draft of your book to help with editing.
  2. What works for one book may not work for another, so be open to trying different techniques.
  3. Continuously learn and adapt your writing process to find what works best for each project.

How Does This Idea Sound To You?

Agents and Books • 2240 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Editing
  1. When pitching a book idea, it's more than just a quick question or statement. Take the time to fully develop and flesh out your idea.
  2. Don't solely rely on others for validation or success of your idea. Invest time and effort to explore its potential on your own.
  3. Excitement and personal investment in an idea matter more than getting a quick answer or guarantee from someone else.

The Mysterious Case of the Adverbs

CRAFT TALK • 1788 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Editing a novel involves multiple rounds of edits to catch mistakes and make improvements.
  2. Debating the use of adverbs in writing can be both challenging and enjoyable.
  3. Seeking feedback on writing choices can help ensure clarity and impact in the final piece.

Breaking Up with Your Words

CRAFT TALK • 3144 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Editing ruthlessly is important in creating a concise and impactful story.
  2. Letting go of words during the editing process is necessary for the evolution of the story.
  3. Receiving praise for your work brings relief and joy, validating the effort put into crafting your story.

When the Musicians Spoke

CRAFT TALK • 1886 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Remaining open to feedback is important at all stages of your work.
  2. Recognize what you don't know and seek help from more knowledgeable individuals.
  3. Knowing when to ask the right questions is key to completing your creative project.

Editing and Penis Size

Notes from a Small Press • 50 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Essay collections are a tough market, but a compelling proposal can feel instantly recognizable when it combines the right topic, voice, and timing.
  2. Plain, precise honesty in personal writing usually lands better than trying to shock; straightforward, factual details often read as funnier and truer.
  3. The essays move between obsessive attention to tiny, technical minutiae and big existential questions. They will appeal to readers who care about syntax, editing, and nuanced portrayals of rural life.

Rescuing the dash from large language models (short post)

Philosophy bear • 143 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature Editing
  1. The dash is a useful tool in modern writing because it lets authors shape syntax more freely and highlight meaning.
  2. Large language models tend to overuse the em dash, which can make that punctuation act as a tell for AI-written text.
  3. Deliberately using a hyphen (-) instead of an em dash (—) is a simple human counter-signal, since it is technically incorrect and less likely to be produced by default by LLMs.

Another Exercise

Story Club with George Saunders • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
📚 Literature Editing
  1. A book-promotion tour for Vigil is starting in New York, with many book signings planned and an irregular schedule over the next few weeks, but updates will be provided.
  2. An exercise is shared that focuses on choosing and preference as they relate to editing, and it was learned from artist Lou Stovall.
  3. The post is behind a paywall and intended for paid subscribers.

Interview: Editor Sean deLone on How Modern Publishing Actually Works

Counter Craft • 681 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Editors juggle multiple books at different stages, which means they often have less time for in-depth editing. They focus more on larger structural edits instead of fine line editing.
  2. The idea of genres is changing; editors and readers are now more open to books that blend different styles, making it easier for unique stories to get published.
  3. Despite the challenges in publishing, there are positive trends like the rise of independent bookstores and book clubs, which help build community around reading.

How to Edit Your Own Work

In the Flash • 579 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Editing
  1. Editing in photography involves choosing images, while processing is post-work.
  2. Photography doesn't end after the shoot; editing is a crucial step that requires different skills.
  3. Editing requires focus and intent, contrasting with the more instinctive act of taking photos.

A Revision Exercise...

Story Club with George Saunders • 61 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
📚 Literature Editing
  1. An editing and revision exercise is being offered to help readers practice concrete editing approaches.
  2. The exercise is presented as an experiment previously used with students, so it’s practical and classroom-tested.
  3. The full post is behind a paywall and requires a paid subscription or sign-in to access.

Heading into 2024

Fragmentary • 412 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Nick Harkaway has a busy year ahead with writing projects and personal commitments.
  2. He plans to sort out his website, considering switching from Substack due to ethical concerns.
  3. Despite the workload, Nick expresses positivity and excitement for the year ahead.

The State and Art of Storytelling

The Octavian Report • 216 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Short stories in magazines like The New Yorker play a vital role in showcasing American literature over the decades. They highlight different writing styles and evolving themes from the past hundred years.
  2. Even with concerns about the short story's relevance, it is thriving today due to more writing workshops and the rise of authors who produce both stories and novels. People still enjoy reading short fiction.
  3. There is no strict formula for writing a good short story. The key is to ensure there's change or development, so the reader feels they've experienced a complete narrative.

The Vanishing Craft of Journalism in China

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
📰 News Editing
  1. Journalism in China is struggling because many reporters don't leave their desks anymore. They rely on copying content instead of doing real investigation and writing clearly.
  2. Headlines and news stories have become sensational and confusing, focusing more on attracting viewers than on delivering accurate information. This lack of professionalism is making journalism less trustworthy.
  3. The push for digital transformation is causing media outlets to forget the basics of journalism. They focus too much on traffic numbers instead of producing quality reporting that matters to the public.

This Text Doesn't Exist

The Algorithmic Bridge • 233 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Collaborative writing can bring fresh ideas and perspectives, allowing multiple voices to create a richer story. It's like a group effort where everyone contributes their unique touch.
  2. Using AI in writing can be seen as a helpful tool rather than a threat. AI can assist in overcoming writer’s block and filling gaps in thought processes, making writing more fluid.
  3. All writing is somewhat collaborative since writers are influenced by past works and the ideas of others. No one writes in a vacuum; we all build on what has come before.

Will AI-Written Books Destroy Publishing?

Notes from a Small Press • 23 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
📚 Literature Editing
  1. It's hard to find reliable ebook editions of classic books online, with many low-quality versions flooding sites like Amazon. This long-standing issue shows that poor quality content has always existed, even before AI.
  2. AI can't replace human authors because you can't copyright a book without a human behind it. Reputable publishers will still focus on quality and likely avoid purely AI-generated work.
  3. While some authors might use AI as a tool for writing and editing, it's not a new problem for publishing. There's always been a mix of good and bad quality books, and AI doesn't change that.

Notes on Writing

Splitting Infinity • 138 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Writing every day is crucial to improve and establish a habit.
  2. Write about topics that genuinely interest you, not what you think others want to read.
  3. Simplify your writing by omitting unnecessary words and continuously refine your work.

How can I help with your writing?

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🚌 Education Editing
  1. Joshua Dolezal is launching a coaching and editing business for writers
  2. Services offered include coaching by the hour and developmental editing
  3. He has current clients working on projects like a literary memoir and an op-ed for _The Chronicle of Higher Education_

Book Editing

Software Design: Tidy First? • 950 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Editing a book can have emotional impacts like disrupting sleep and causing stress.
  2. Author seeks PR submissions for examples in their book and requests opinion on preferred book layout.
  3. Fear of losing control over how words are interpreted and used is a major concern for the author.

Lost at sea

One bag many places • 39 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Editing
  1. The author uses photography to tell a story, aiming to capture emotions and convey specific messages in their images.
  2. The importance of considering composition and editing techniques to enhance the intended story and emotions in a photograph.
  3. Reflecting on personal experiences and emotions to create more meaningful and impactful photographic work.

Spring Master Publishing Classes with Susie

SBJournal • 78 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🚌 Education Editing
  1. Classes by Susie Bright are for authors and editors aiming to be read.
  2. Students will learn how to make an impact and establish a livelihood in publishing.
  3. The classes cover essential topics like asking for favors, writing pitch letters, understanding contracts, and marketing strategies.

Every writer should edit a magazine (at least for a year)

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Editing a literary magazine can provide a valuable understanding of the literary world and help writers avoid self-absorbed behavior.
  2. The novel 'Scamp' by Roland Camberton offers a glimpse into bohemian late-1940s London and the struggles of launching a literary magazine.
  3. Starting and maintaining a literary magazine can be a rewarding experience, offering a platform for writers and fostering a sense of community.

Asking the hard questions

My Home Office Hacks • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Editing
  1. The goal is to make My HOH a noticeably better read in the very near future, ideally by the next issue.
  2. The piece poses a few final questions to prompt feedback and sharpen what should change next.
  3. The mood is a blue Monday vibe, giving the conversation a reflective, slightly downbeat tone.

How I Self-Published My Book In 4 Months

The Uncommon Executive • 19 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
💼 Business Editing
  1. Decide why you are writing a book - legacy, knowledge sharing, or business marketing are common reasons, not making money.
  2. When considering how to publish, options include traditional publishers, smaller publishing services, or self-publishing on platforms like Amazon Kindle.
  3. From writing to publishing a book, budget for costs like editing, proofreading, design, and consider the timeline - it took the author 4.5 months.

This Is What It's Like to Record an Audiobook

The Analog Family • 99 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
📚 Literature Editing
  1. Recording an audiobook requires a lot of focus and patience. You have to read the book line by line and sometimes redo parts if you make mistakes.
  2. Unexpected distractions like stomach noises can be a real problem in the studio. It's important to stay hydrated, and applesauce can actually help soothe your throat!
  3. After finishing the reading, the feedback can be really positive, which is great motivation. It's exciting to think about how your voice can bring your book to a wider audience.

"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?"

How to Glow in the Dark • 119 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
📚 Literature Editing
  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.