The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Deleted scenes, essays, updates, and plans, or a lack thereof

The Lifeboat • 195 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The author has written several essays addressing themes like Truth, Freedom, and the impacts of authoritarianism, influenced by their experiences in Russia. These essays aim to engage readers and connect with their book.
  2. Cultural commentary includes a notion of finding humor in others' reactions to opinions that challenge their beliefs, emphasizing a sense of detached amusement rather than vindictiveness.
  3. Positive reviews for the author's work from unfamiliar readers suggest that the book resonates widely, even beyond its original context, which boosts the author's confidence in their storytelling.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 11/11/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 194 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Horses have played a huge role in human history, helping with farming and trade. They allowed people to transport more goods and develop agriculture more efficiently.
  2. Dogs and cats have different roles in our lives. While dogs have been our working partners for thousands of years, cats are more companions that bring us joy.
  3. Many of today's educated elites don't understand the views of the majority. This disconnect can lead to problems in a democratic society, as it might affect how political systems work.

The kind of author you *don't* want to be

How to Glow in the Dark • 259 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Commercial book editors and readers expect authors to adopt a specific persona on the page.
  2. Avoid coming off as annoying in your writing to connect better with commercial audiences.
  3. Authors who are too focused on their trauma or too self-absorbed may struggle to engage readers and may not be ready to write a commercial book.

The 2026 Belt Publishing Catalog

Notes from a Small Press • 12 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Belt Publishing is releasing more reissues of overlooked books in 2026, focusing on titles with connections to the Midwest. This includes notable works by authors like Susan Glaspell and Frank Norris.
  2. The 50 Maps series is also expanding, with new titles showcasing cities like Boston and Minneapolis-St. Paul. These books aim to offer unique perspectives on these locations.
  3. They are continuing their Notches series of short nonfiction books, with upcoming titles covering topics from work stories to estate sales. This series has been popular and recognized with awards, highlighting its value.

*Tell Us a Childhood Story*, Part 1

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Memories from childhood can be really fun to share, especially the funny or mischievous stories from when we were kids. It's great to connect with our own kids by telling them about our past adventures.
  2. Writing about my childhood was a breeze because I have so many vivid memories. It felt exciting to dive into those stories and create something new like a book.
  3. I'm open to exploring new opportunities in writing, even if it's a challenge. I believe that persistence pays off, and I'm excited about the possibility of sharing my childhood stories with a wider audience.
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Asking the hard questions

My Home Office Hacks • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  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.

Erika Update #1: Getting projects started is hard

Erika’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🔬 Science Publishing
  1. Starting projects can be challenging, but perseverance and a supportive environment are key to making progress.
  2. Mistakes are common in research, but being able to identify and correct them is crucial for success.
  3. Regular updates and reflections on the progress of a project can provide valuable insights and contribute to overall success.

#7: How to Price Your Self-Published Book

Shades of Greaves • 78 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Setting the price for a self-published book involves considering market factors and personal ethics.
  2. Authors often make more royalties selling books online, like Amazon, compared to through bookstores.
  3. Charging more for books might increase royalty percentages but could also impact potential buyers' willingness to pay.

A Statistical Saga at a "Top" Journal

The Good Science Project • 122 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🔬 Science Publishing
  1. Top scientific journals sometimes have trouble understanding basic statistics. This can lead to confusion and errors that affect research outcomes.
  2. A recent case showed that reviewing a paper could involve contradictory requests, like asking for a post-hoc power analysis, which is generally not helpful after results are already obtained.
  3. Researchers should not rely solely on journal editors for correct statistical advice. The system needs to improve how it addresses statistical issues in published studies.

Jobs and Opps at KMTV, FullFact, The Post, GamesRadar, and Many, Many More 🌦️

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 119 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
💼 Business Publishing
  1. There are various job opportunities in journalism available, ranging from editorial assistants to staff writers to senior editors.
  2. Organizations like Journo Resources provide support and resources for those from marginalized backgrounds interested in journalism.
  3. It's essential to check different platforms for job listings, as there are many opportunities available across various sectors within journalism.

On Literary Careerism

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Careerism in writing means that many authors focus more on their professional image than on genuine creativity. This leads to writing that feels bland and lacks boldness.
  2. To be a true writer, you need to express your honest self and not get caught up in how you are perceived. Writing should be an extension of who you are, not just a job.
  3. Many contemporary authors, influenced by a careerist mindset, often miss the chance to speak out on important issues, unlike past writers who felt compelled to share their truths actively.

It's My Birthday!

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. It's someone's birthday and they are using it as an opportunity to support Electric Literature. They believe literature is important and can help people during tough times.
  2. Electric Literature needs small donations to keep going, especially as many literary venues are closing. These donations help nurture new talent and make writing accessible.
  3. The writer is proud of their work with Electric Literature and emphasizes that grassroots support from the community is essential for continuing to promote literature.

🌽🌽Kernel for the Holidays🌽🌽

Reboot • 8 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Publishing
  1. There’s a one-week holiday flash sale: Kernel issues 3, 4, and 5 are 33% off, and you should order by December 13 to guarantee holiday delivery.
  2. All of Kernel 5 has been unlocked online, featuring pieces on web accessibility, the Gale–Shapley algorithm, poetry, and experimental fiction.
  3. The microdoses section highlights new projects and tools, including the launch of Diffuse AI for reporting on AI diffusion, a new resonant computing microsite, and Papertrail for tracking academic papers.

What's in store for me in 2024

Silver Bulletin • 347 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💼 Business Publishing
  1. 2023 was a successful year for the author, focusing on a new book and newsletter.
  2. The author values independence and plans to work on multiple projects in 2024.
  3. The author's plans for 2024 include continuing the newsletter, finishing their book, launching a podcast, and resolving election modeling.

Want to make millions with AI? These books probably won't help.

Conspirador Norteño • 40 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Publishing
  1. Many books claiming to help you make money with AI are low-quality and repetitive. They often promise a lot but deliver very little useful information.
  2. The authors of these books are frequently not real people, using AI-generated names and faces. This makes it hard to trust their expertise.
  3. Some of the content in these books is incorrect or misleading, showing a lack of genuine knowledge about AI.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #2

Trantor Publishing • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Author has been busy in January with multiple chapters published and an exclusive short story for paying subscribers.
  2. Author is planning a raffle for paying subscribers to win signed paperback copies of their book as a thank you gesture.
  3. Author is seeking input from subscribers on potentially re-working the ending of one of their works and is open to suggestions for future content.

Men, Substack, Novels

Notes from a Small Press • 45 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The decision to publish a novel is not based on the author's gender, but on the quality of their work and insights about literature.
  2. Substack offers a new way to serialize and share stories, making literary works different from traditional novels.
  3. Many independent presses support good literature, but they can't compete with big publishers in terms of money and marketing, focusing instead on quality over quantity.

The Abyss and The Gulp

Austin Kleon • 399 implied HN points • 14 Dec 21
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. There is a big gap between doing research and actually writing. Many people find it easier to keep researching instead of starting the writing process.
  2. Once you finish writing, there is another challenge in getting it published or shared. The transition from writing to publishing can feel overwhelming.
  3. Creativity often involves facing these gaps and challenges. Understanding them can help people overcome obstacles in their creative work.

For-Profit Academic Publishers Love LLM Garbage

Never Met a Science • 116 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science Publishing
  1. For-profit academic publishers are more focused on making money than helping science. They charge high fees for publishing papers, leading to a system that doesn't prioritize true academic progress.
  2. The move to Open Access journals has created financial burdens, especially in social sciences and humanities. Many academics end up paying significant fees just to publish their research.
  3. There's growing concern that using AI tools to write academic papers can dilute the quality of research. Scholars need to ensure that the focus remains on meaningful work rather than just producing more papers.

The media isn't getting its election bump

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Publishing
  1. The media did not experience the usual election year audience boost due to low competition in the primaries, potentially affecting their revenue opportunities.
  2. Entrepreneurs in niche media areas like news sites, podcasts, and newsletters are being sought for coverage and interviews by the newsletter author.
  3. Empowering Cloud, a media company focused on Microsoft cloud products, was founded by Tom Arbuthnot to educate audiences and provide content within a community platform.

A Long and Winding Road

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 30 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Self-promotion is important for writers. If you don’t talk about your work, it might go unnoticed.
  2. Substack can help authors reach a wider audience. It's a modern platform where novels can gain traction that traditional methods may not provide.
  3. Writing a novel is a personal journey. Protect your work like a child and be proud of what you've created, even if others don’t always see its value.

How I Self-Published My Book In 4 Months

The Uncommon Executive • 19 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
💼 Business Publishing
  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.

The Top 10 Active Medium Publications To Submit Your Story To

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 139 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Getting featured in popular Medium publications can greatly boost your writing success. It opens doors for more visibility and engagement with readers.
  2. Experiencing rejection is a normal part of the writing process, but persistence can lead to success. Don't be discouraged by setbacks; they can lead to future victories.
  3. Being part of a successful publication can help your content rank well in search engines. This means more people can discover and enjoy your work.

Book Offer

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 65 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. There are physical copies of the book 'No Apologies' on sale for half off. It's a good chance to grab a deal!
  2. The book discusses how people face silencing and punishment for their opinions. It encourages everyone to find their voice and speak up.
  3. Silence can have serious downsides. Speaking out helps build real connections and allows for open discussions, which can change minds.

Start the week #104

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Getting a flu jab can make you feel pretty bad for a bit, like having the flu. It's important to know that the side effects are temporary and usually worth it.
  2. Meeting friends can be a great way to lift your spirits. Sharing laughs and stories over coffee can brighten your day.
  3. Changing prices or currencies for a service can affect how appealing it is to customers. It's good to be aware of how pricing might work for different audiences.

Should You Publish?

David Friedman’s Substack • 224 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Publishing
  1. Consider the ethical implications of publishing research with potential real-world effects.
  2. Publishing evidence against popular beliefs can be challenging but contributes to the marketplace of ideas.
  3. The decision to publish should prioritize the pursuit of truth over personal biases or potential consequences.

Bestseller or Prestige? Willa Cather, cont

Notes from a Small Press • 29 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Willa Cather found success and fame during her lifetime, but the books that made her money are not the ones people read today. Her most famous works, like 'My Antonia,' didn't make her rich at the time.
  2. After switching publishers to Knopf, Cather gained financial stability and popularity, allowing her to write without worrying about money. However, this success came with mixed reviews and debates about the quality of her later work.
  3. Despite her fame, Cather disliked the attention and became more private as she grew older. She even took steps to keep her life away from the public eye and was critical of newer literary trends.

Open Thread Because Book

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 62 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The author is working on a German translation of their book about pandemicism, which is overdue. They are trying to balance writing and keeping up with posting but have found it challenging.
  2. Maintaining a regular posting schedule while managing the translation work has proven to be too ambitious. The author recognizes this struggle and is aiming to finish the project soon.
  3. The text highlights the importance of managing expectations and deadlines when juggling multiple writing projects. It's okay to seek help or adjust plans when things get overwhelming.

My Friends Aren't Reading

Notes from a Small Press • 84 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Many people aren't reading books as much as they used to. This makes it tough for publishers to find audiences.
  2. Publishers need to think creatively to reach new readers. They might need to change their marketing strategies.
  3. Creating engaging and relevant content could help get more people interested in reading again. Finding fun ways to share stories may attract new fans.

This Is What It's Like to Record an Audiobook

The Analog Family • 99 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  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.

The book is out!

The Permanent Problem • 5 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The Permanent Problem is available now on Amazon in both hardcover and Kindle, even though the official publication date is January 5.
  2. Pre-orders should ship soon, and the book will also appear on other online retailers and in fine bookstores.
  3. A festive aside notes you can buy a live Christmas tree in Thailand, and the site promises lots of new content in 2026 with an invitation to subscribe for updates.

AI Slop and the end of all things

The Author Is Dumb • 3 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Generative AI is basically a next-word predictor that prefers the safest, most probable choices. As more AI output becomes training data, models can collapse toward sameness and erase edge-case creativity.
  2. Audience habits and market economics push creators to favor quick, predictable content, so indie authors are incentivized to use AI to churn out books fast. This demand for shortcuts, not the technology itself, drives the flood of middling art.
  3. The bigger worry isn't an AI takeover but that culture will stop valuing weird, risky, or ambitious work, making true innovation rare. AI enables the problem but the responsibility lies with what audiences, publishers, and the market reward.