The hottest Magazines Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Do more people write poetry than read it?

The Common Reader • 2374 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
📚 Literature Magazines
  1. More people read poetry than write it; surveys put poetry readers at roughly 9–12% of American adults (tens of millions) and poetry book sales remain substantial in places like the UK.
  2. Editors’ anecdotes are skewed by a prolific minority who submit a lot, so their inboxes make it seem like more people write than read; many readers are “silent” and don’t submit, attend readings, or subscribe to magazines.
  3. Poetry consumption and publishing have diversified—readers often use books, archives, and online platforms, and many poets publish directly online—so traditional magazines act as a winnowing filter and don’t necessarily reflect most readers’ tastes.

The Monday Media Diet with Tom Junod

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
📚 Literature Magazines
  1. Writing comes first: a steady daily writing and journaling practice shapes reading habits, with reading and listening used mainly to support and inspire work.
  2. A deep love of books and local bookstores: physical books, poetry, and specific recommended titles (like Frank O’Hara’s Lunch Poems and Joe Brainard’s I Remember) are central, and there’s active support for independent bookshops.
  3. A careful blend of old and new media: strong preference for magazines and print routines (even reading back-to-front), modest social media use for promotion, and a skeptical but curious attitude toward generative apps and AI (for example, enjoying Brian Eno’s Bloom).

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 555 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Magazines
  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.

5 super popular magazines (and where else to submit)

The Sub Club Newsletter • 257 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📚 Literature Magazines
  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.

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 416 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
📚 Literature Magazines
  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.
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Sub Club Weekly Digest #3

The Sub Club Newsletter • 456 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature 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.

Lots to Be Thankful For

Freddie deBoer • 8972 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Magazines
  1. A creative work reaching readers and earning recognition can be a powerful consolation when professional opportunities are limited. That success matters even amid negative reviews and lingering reputation problems.
  2. Small pleasures — apps, podcasts, books, online classes, cozy content, and an easygoing session beer — bring steady joy, mental stimulation, and comfort in everyday life. They help offset stress and keep curiosity alive.
  3. Family and supportive readers or subscribers are central sources of gratitude and meaning, providing perspective and practical support that outlasts career ups and downs.

A Quick Update and a Request

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Magazines
  1. A planned Plus poll was missed this month due to a scheduling oversight, and it will return next month.
  2. Eight issues of a Japanese computer magazine are available from 1990–1998, and help is needed to find the December 1990 and January 1991 issues.
  3. The publication is reader-supported and asks readers to consider subscribing to support the work.

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📚 Literature Magazines
  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.

Norman Podhoretz: The Longest Journey in the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1154 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Magazines
  1. He was a major influence on American public life, serving for decades as the editor of a leading magazine and a central figure in neoconservative thought.
  2. His life was a dramatic climb from humble Brownsville roots to Manhattan’s intellectual elite, symbolizing social and cultural ascent.
  3. He valued loyalty, patriotism, and family, took pride in his career and honors, and described his life as rich and well lived despite the effects of aging.

Vote for the December 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Magazines
  1. Readers are invited to vote on the December 2025 + post topic from several options.
  2. The choices are magazine images and ads spanning decades (1977, 1986, 1992, 1995), showing a wide range of retro computing products.
  3. The post will be published before the end of the year, supporters are thanked, and readers can claim the free post or subscribe to access paid content.

A 2024 style report on Gardencore

sprezza • 550 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Magazines
  1. Gardening trend is more than just fashion, it's about connecting with nature and finding therapy.
  2. Luxury fashion brands are tapping into gardening aesthetics for their collections.
  3. Clogs are becoming a popular choice of footwear, signaling a shift in style from sneakers.

Vote for the November 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Magazines
  1. Vote on the topic for this month’s paid post; the poll is open for one week so act soon.
  2. The newsletter is running behind schedule, and last month’s paid post is expected to be published in a few days.
  3. The topic options are illustrated with vintage magazine images, and readers can continue reading for free or subscribe for paid access.

I'm Leaving on a Lit Mag Plane!

Lit Mag News Roundup • 786 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Magazines
  1. C & R Press, Catapult, Bear Creek Gazette, and Ambit faced unexpected closures, raising questions about funding sources and job losses in the literary magazine industry.
  2. Literary magazines like Catapult closing underscores the importance of supporting such platforms to cultivate young writers and promote diverse works.
  3. Despite closures, opportunities exist in the literary magazine world with job openings and submission opportunities for writers.

Models Crying

SBJournal • 452 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Magazines
  1. The 80s Lesbian Revolution in Photography challenged traditional beauty standards and stereotypes through provocative and empowering imagery.
  2. On Our Backs magazine broke barriers by featuring women photographers capturing diverse, sexual, and honest portrayals of women, disrupting the male-dominated photography industry.
  3. The models in On Our Backs were diverse and unapologetic, embracing their sexuality and challenging societal norms, sparking controversy and discussion surrounding women's desires and identities.

Genre Grapevine on F&SF

Genre Grapevine • 196 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
📚 Literature Magazines
  1. British author's association with a fascist party raises questions in the F&SF community.
  2. Editorial and management issues at F&SF magazine are brought to light.
  3. Calls for accountability and transparency from the publisher of F&SF in handling the situation.

Genre Grapevine for September 2023

Genre Grapevine • 137 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Magazines
  1. Good news in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres, such as a well-received live action adaptation and the Writers Guild of America strike victory.
  2. Concerns surrounding X-Twitter and the shift towards the Bluesky platform due to recent changes implemented by Elon Musk.
  3. Debates on artificial intelligence and the legal implications of using copyrighted works to train AI systems, as well as the impact on genre magazines and book ban controversies.

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

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📚 Literature Magazines
  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.