The hottest Feedback Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

10 Agents Currently Looking for Thrillers

The Sub Club Newsletter • 277 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature 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.

How Do You Know If You’re a Good Leader?

Fish Food for Thought • 42 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Doubt and introspection are part of good leadership, not proof you're failing. Managing uncertainty and reflecting privately helps you make clearer public decisions.
  2. You're judged differently by your boss, peers, and team, so evaluate yourself from all those angles. Combine those perspectives to get a more accurate picture of your leadership.
  3. Seek real feedback and take ownership of perceptions by doing a 360-style review and looking for patterns. If feedback is valid, acknowledge it and make a plan; if you disagree, still address the impact rather than arguing intent.

If You Do This, Your Emails Might Be Rude

Granted • 16931 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Don't require acknowledgment that an email was received. It can come off as needy or paranoid.
  2. Instead of directly asking someone to share your content, explain why it might interest them. They're more likely to share it out of genuine interest.
  3. When seeking feedback, focus on asking for advice on a specific issue rather than expecting a detailed critique.

Freedom to write, freedom to research, to do something together: An interview with Ruth Ben-Ghiat 

read • 10220 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🚌 Education Feedback
  1. Scholars on Substack are reaching new audiences and earning income for their research and writing.
  2. Substack provides academics like Ruth Ben-Ghiat with financial freedom to pursue public-interfacing research.
  3. Academic writers use Substack for engaging with readers, testing new ideas, and shaping their research through feedback.

Top 5 Communication Frameworks for Engineers You Must Remember

High Growth Engineer • 1108 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🚌 Education Feedback
  1. Use the PREP framework to make strong arguments. Start with your main point, explain why it matters, give an example, and restate your point to make it memorable.
  2. The GROW framework helps you set clear goals and create action plans. It breaks down where you are now and what steps you need to take to reach your goal.
  3. Use BLUF to communicate effectively by starting with your key message first. This helps busy people get to the important part right away and stay focused.
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When the Musicians Spoke

CRAFT TALK • 1886 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Feedback
  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.

The First Feedback Filter

Software Design: Tidy First? • 883 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Feedback
  1. Ask yourself what feedback is about you and what is about the person giving it. This helps you handle feedback without letting it control your feelings.
  2. Be cautious with feedback from people who only critique or compliment you. If they never provide a balanced view, their comments might not be that useful.
  3. Take your time when responding to feedback. Walking or resting can help you process your feelings, so you can respond more thoughtfully.

Weekend thoughts: improving the podcast

Yet Another Value Blog • 1316 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🎙 Podcasts Feedback
  1. Consider getting help with administrative tasks to free up time for key activities like research and content creation.
  2. Collaborate with others to improve and take your podcast to the next level.
  3. Engage with your audience for feedback and suggestions on how to enhance the podcast experience.

How To Get Internet Feedback Without Going Insane

The Bottom Feeder • 484 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Feedback
  1. Too much online feedback can be overwhelming and confusing. It's important to filter out negative comments to protect your mental health.
  2. Building a private community of trusted beta testers can help you get useful feedback without the noise of public opinions. These testers should be honest but respectful.
  3. Make sure your testers understand and appreciate the kind of work you do. Feedback is most helpful when it comes from people who are genuinely interested in your specific type of creation.

Culture of Criticism

thestoa • 471 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Feedback
  1. Creating publicly online may lead to facing criticism, insults, and negative judgments.
  2. Having protocols to handle online criticism is important for emotional well-being and response strategies.
  3. Engaging with constructive criticism and developing a taxonomy of judgmental feedback can aid in intellectual and moral growth.

How to be an unsuccessful thinker

Bits of Wonder • 766 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🚌 Education Feedback
  1. Reading too much can be counterproductive, limit your focused reading hours.
  2. Reading too little of substance hinders intellectual growth, prioritize quality input.
  3. Balance is key in intellectual pursuit, alternate between reading, thinking, and seeking feedback in moderation.

how to walk away from a book

astrology for writers • 687 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
📚 Literature Feedback
  1. Walking away from a book can be difficult, leading to ego death and humility.
  2. It's important to listen to feedback from trusted individuals in the writing process.
  3. Letting go of a plan or timeline can lead to new, more fulfilling creative paths.

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

How to Glow in the Dark • 479 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📚 Literature Feedback
  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.

How I write...

Development Hell • 612 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Feedback
  1. The author received feedback from readers about their content and what topics they want to see covered.
  2. There are many resources available on Substack for growing subscriber numbers and improving content quality.
  3. Readers can access the full content and post archives with a 7-day free trial and subscription.

Modern Meditations: Claire Hughes Johnson

The Generalist • 3322 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Claire Hughes Johnson values direct constructive criticism for personal and professional growth.
  2. Claire emphasizes the importance of reading literature to be a well-rounded individual.
  3. Claire discusses the need to adapt and embrace the rapid technological changes facing society.

Dire Les Choses

Venture Prose • 738 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Investors in venture capital should not shy away from addressing sensitive topics with the founders they support, to avoid miscommunication and potential issues.
  2. Communication is key in maintaining productive relationships between investors and entrepreneurs. Creating an environment where feedback is welcomed and honest conversations can take place is crucial.
  3. Investors need to share observations directly with entrepreneurs, rather than gossiping or keeping concerns to themselves. Open dialogue and constructive conflict can lead to better outcomes for all parties involved.

Improving Retention with Audience Surveys

Growth Croissant • 452 implied HN points • 12 May 23
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Improving retention by solving the customer's problem in a deeper way can have a noticeable impact on retention.
  2. Focus on your core audience for a 10x improvement in solving their problem, even if it means neglecting parts of your audience for better problem-solving.
  3. Running surveys, especially cancel surveys, can provide valuable feedback to enhance your product, understand audience needs, and improve retention.

Hyper Complacent

Venture Prose • 359 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Being hyper-complacent can harm relationships and erode trust, despite initial short-term benefits of being pleasing.
  2. Seek tough love and honest feedback rather than blind support, especially in entrepreneurial ventures.
  3. To succeed, surround yourself with believers, cultivate a driving force, and courageously face challenges and risks.

Attitude: The Secret Ingredient in Software Engineering and Beyond

Mindful Matrix • 219 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Feedback
  1. Having a growth mindset is essential in software engineering and life. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth helps in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
  2. Failure should be seen as a learning experience. Embracing mistakes, analyzing them, and using them as lessons leads to resilience and growth.
  3. Receiving feedback with an open mind and using it as a tool for improvement contributes to rapid skill development and fosters a collaborative work environment.

Be My Mirror

Bet On It • 176 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Feedback
  1. The author has been blogging for 20 years and wants feedback from long-time readers. Readers can share their thoughts on the best and worst posts they’ve read.
  2. The author is interested in how their writing has changed over time, both in content and quality. They hope readers will point out any highlights or low points.
  3. They encourage honesty and openness in the comments, asking readers to be candid about their experiences and opinions on the writing.

My First McSweeney’s Submission

Shades of Greaves • 393 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
📚 Literature Feedback
  1. The author reflects on their five-year writing journey, from initial rejections to significant career milestones, showing that progress in writing takes time and perseverance.
  2. They compare their first and most recent submissions to McSweeney's, highlighting improvements in storytelling and satire techniques over the years.
  3. Through self-critique and analysis, the author demonstrates the importance of continuously learning and evolving as a writer, emphasizing that growth and skill development in writing occur over years and decades.

the feedback fallacy of writing on the internet

Both Are True • 152 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Feedback
  1. There are three types of feedback: appreciation, coaching, and evaluation. Knowing the difference helps you understand how to use feedback effectively.
  2. Many people confuse appreciation for evaluation, especially when they lack clear evaluations of their work. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety about others' opinions.
  3. Creating a list of personal guidelines for evaluating work can help you focus on what matters and improve your writing process.

Management Rituals: Quarterly Check-ins

QUALITY BOSS • 79 implied HN points • 04 May 24
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Quarterly check-ins help managers stay updated on their team's accomplishments and goals. They create space for important conversations about progress and development.
  2. The check-in process includes asking six questions that focus on both past achievements and future aspirations. This backward and forward approach ensures a comprehensive view of performance.
  3. These meetings do not replace regular feedback but complement it by providing a dedicated time for discussing growth and performance over a longer timeline.

Cheer and Loathing in the Comments Section

The Chase • 196 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Feedback
  1. Two different personal essays received contrasting reactions in the comments section.
  2. Feedback can vary greatly depending on the platform and the topic being discussed.
  3. It's important to be mindful of the impact of our comments when engaging with others' vulnerable work online.

Introducing Type.ai ✨

Stew's Letter • 314 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Feedback
  1. Type.ai is a new AI-first document editor that helps you write faster
  2. Type generates high-quality text that you can refine easily to fit your voice and intention
  3. Join the waitlist for Type.ai to experience the AI writing experience and provide feedback

Your feedback

Asian Century Stocks • 314 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Subscribers prefer deep-dive reports and portfolio discussions over other content types.
  2. Among deep dives, stocks from Hong Kong, the US, Australia, and Japan are preferred over Southeast Asian stocks.
  3. Thematic reports on 'Hidden Champions' and other industry-related topics are well-received by readers.

Reshaping a Book

Mindful Modeler • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🚌 Education Feedback
  1. Accepting feedback is crucial for improving your work. It can lead to significant changes and enhancements in your projects.
  2. Collaborating with beta readers and working with an editor can provide valuable insights and help spot issues that may be overlooked.
  3. Separating theory, implementation, and application in writing can improve the flow and clarity of your content. Using smaller building blocks and setting learning goals for each unit can lead to a more coherent narrative.

Q&A, Feedback and a Degen Farm

DeFi Education • 1278 implied HN points • 05 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Feedback
  1. The authors are reaching out for feedback and want to hear from their readers. They value the comments and discussions happening online.
  2. They've been active in the DeFi space since June 2021 and have enjoyed analyzing and writing about it over the past months.
  3. Current market conditions are tough, and there has been a slowdown in new project launches.

THE WORLD OF NATURAL WINE Turns One

Not Drinking Poison • 235 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Feedback
  1. The World of Natural Wine book turned one year old, celebrating with heartfelt thanks to supporters and a reflection on the journey.
  2. Book distribution in Europe for The World of Natural Wine has faced challenges mainly due to distributor issues and lack of awareness about natural wine.
  3. The author is working on more projects, including a new book pitch, podcast series, and reports from various regions, despite becoming a new parent.

The Human Use of Human Beings

Life in the 21st Century • 137 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🔬 Science Feedback
  1. Norbert Wiener emphasized the importance of feedback for learning in technology and society.
  2. Wiener warned against the negative impacts of allowing militarism to lead technological development.
  3. Wiener's critique highlights the need to value technology based on its benefit to human beings, not just for its own sake.

TBM 223: Why Aren't They Saying Anything?

The Beautiful Mess • 1335 implied HN points • 27 May 23
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Many people notice issues but don't speak up, especially in dysfunctional environments.
  2. People may not raise problems due to lack of confidence, fear of job loss, or not knowing how to bring up the issue.
  3. Leaders need to actively encourage feedback and address barriers to speaking up.

The Problem with Performance Reviews

The Weasel Speaks • 98 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Performance reviews done poorly can leave employees anxious and demotivated
  2. Regular, constructive feedback is crucial for employee growth and engagement
  3. Performance reviews should be collaborative discussions focused on reflection and mutual expectations

All Feedback is Projection

The Leadership Lab • 196 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🚌 Education Feedback
  1. Feedback is projection: Feedback you give others reflects aspects of yourself. What you judge in others can reveal your own traits.
  2. New paradigm of feedback: Move away from the old feedback model based on objective truth. Embrace the idea that feedback is a story and an opinion.
  3. Learning from feedback: By asking how feedback is true about yourself, you open up growth opportunities and deepen connections with others.

Founder DNA

The Leadership Lab • 196 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💼 Business Feedback
  1. Every aspect of your team's culture reflects your strengths, blind spots, and dysfunctional behaviors as a leader.
  2. Founder DNA influences how teams adopt a leader's habits and behavioral patterns, leading to organizational dysfunction.
  3. Team culture stems directly from a leader's psychological and relational patterns, affecting how employees interact and behave within the organization.