The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Advice for Young Writers

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Writing for politics can be a specific career path if you're social and good at following trends. If you like engaging with popular ideas and have a good writing style, consider internships and networking.
  2. If you're more of a lone thinker and have unique interests, traditional paths might not suit you. Instead of chasing a flashy job, think about how to create your own space to learn and share ideas.
  3. It's important to recognize that gaining experience and refining your writing skills takes time. Focus on learning and growing rather than expecting immediate attention for your opinions.

Reading, Watching 11.03.24

Unpopular Front • 28 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The controversy around using the term 'fascism' to describe Trump shows differing views on political threats today. Some argue it doesn’t quite fit our current situation.
  2. There is a debate about how historical contexts of fascism apply today, especially concerning the role of the left in political upheaval.
  3. The left today feels both ignored and targeted, raising questions about its true influence and significance in current politics.

Your limited edition copy of Nearly Perfect is ready

subtract • 10 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. 'Nearly Perfect' is a limited edition book that aims to feel handcrafted and personal. It's designed to be special and unique.
  2. The book is short at 118 pages but contains deep and meaningful content. It’s meant to be thought-provoking and encourages readers to reflect on its ideas.
  3. It's written in a conversational style, making it accessible to founders, designers, and investors. The author wants you to engage deeply with the text and enjoy the journey.
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The Real Money in Books

Notes from a Small Press • 10 implied HN points • 27 May 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Some books become more valuable over time because they are written by popular authors and are often turned into movies or TV shows. This makes collectors eager to find early editions.
  2. The condition of a book greatly affects its value; collectors prefer books that look brand new. Signed copies are also worth more.
  3. Trends in book collecting can reflect cultural shifts, like how men’s books often sell for more than women’s. Knowing what's collectible can help you make smart purchases.

The Rotor

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Writing can be a source of freedom. Unlike sports, where failure can weigh you down, writing allows for exploration without fear of public judgment.
  2. Persistence is key to success in writing. It’s important to keep trying, even when faced with rejection, and to keep showing up to do the work.
  3. Minimize distractions to enhance your writing experience. Put away technology when you need to focus, and embrace the urge to write whenever it strikes.

Six Years!

Notes from a Small Press • 25 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The newsletter is celebrating six years of sharing content and engaging with readers. It's a big milestone that shows dedication and growth.
  2. Subscriber numbers are growing, but the number of paid subscribers has not changed much recently. This highlights a common challenge in converting free readers to paid ones.
  3. The anniversary post invites readers to suggest topics for future articles. This shows a commitment to community involvement and addressing reader interests.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 108 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Rejection in writing can lead to deeper honesty and self-discovery.
  2. The publishing world doesn't always equate good writing with being a good person.
  3. Success in writing is a mix of skill, ambition, and the ability to connect with the audience.

Changing retraction criteria for Science family

Science Forever • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
🔬 Science Publishing
  1. Extensive corrections in scientific papers may lead to a retraction if confidence is lacking
  2. Retracting a paper could be considered if there is an accumulation of errors, causing editors to lose confidence in the data integrity
  3. Transparently correcting errors in scientific research is crucial to maintain the integrity of the self-correcting process of science

hello I am not ready yet

vrk loves paper • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. The writer hasn't started their newsletter yet because they want to build an audience first.
  2. They have written an about page which gives more information about the newsletter.
  3. They encourage people to subscribe, promising that the first newsletter will be coming soon.

Finishing a book

Kyle Chayka Industries • 99 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Working on big projects can make you feel deeply involved but also detached at the same time.
  2. Consistency and persistence are key in tackling huge projects - small efforts daily can lead to significant progress.
  3. Every big project carries within it a personal narrative reflecting your experiences and influences.

Do You Own The Book You Wrote?

Notes from a Small Press • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Copyright is automatically yours when you create something, but if you sign a publishing contract, you might give up some of those rights. It's important to know what rights you're giving away.
  2. In the past, American publishers had a big advantage by selling cheap editions of British books without paying the authors, which helped make British authors more popular in America.
  3. Now, with tech like AI using books for training, it's being suggested that those rights should be included in publishing contracts too. This discussion around copyright is complex and impacts everyone in the publishing world.

Homewaters: One Year Anniversary

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The book 'Homewaters' has sold over 4,700 copies in its first year. This is considered a great success for a regional book.
  2. The author received positive feedback and kind words about both the book and his talks, emphasizing the importance of Puget Sound's history and stewardship.
  3. The endnotes of the book contain interesting facts and stories that didn’t make it into the main text, adding extra value for readers.

Questions about Questions

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Questions can lead to deeper thinking and understanding. It's important to ask the right questions to explore a topic thoroughly.
  2. External influences like a good book or song can inspire creativity. Sometimes, a simple change in our environment can spark new ideas.
  3. Writing can be a great way to reflect on thoughts and feelings. Putting ideas down on paper helps clarify and develop them further.

News and Notes

Notes from a Small Press • 18 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. A memoir called 'The Minotaur at Calle Lanza' by Zito Madu has been nominated for a prestigious award. It's being celebrated for its unique storytelling and depth.
  2. There's an ongoing discussion about the pressures around platforms like Substack. Writers should focus on their financial needs without feeling judged.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of new, smart nonfiction books available, especially about Japan. It’s important for readers to have access to well-researched overview materials.

First we read, then we write

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 28 May 21
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. To write well, it's important to read a lot first. Reading helps improve writing skills and creativity.
  2. Keeping track of your reading materials can boost your productivity. Good indexing and filing systems let you find and use your resources easily.
  3. Old books have timeless insights. They remind us that human experiences are often funny and relatable, even centuries later.

Sneak Peek: New Books, New Covers

Notes from a Small Press • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Belt's upcoming catalog features new book titles and covers that are not yet available online. It's exciting to see what new books are coming out soon!
  2. There's a course available on how to write a book proposal, and it's almost full. If you're interested in writing, it's a good idea to sign up quickly.
  3. The process of designing book covers is ongoing, and there's an emphasis on making them visually appealing. Good cover design can really attract readers!

12 Books, 12 Months

Notes from a Small Press • 16 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. In 2024, a publishing company released twelve diverse books, covering topics from memoirs to anthologies. They aim to fill gaps in the market with unique stories.
  2. The company became part of a larger publishing group, allowing them to distribute more books effectively. They value collaboration with authors who appreciate their mission.
  3. Their goal is to publish voices and stories that might be overlooked, particularly those related to the Rust Belt. They want to create a community that values different perspectives in literature.

All Hail the Model

House of Strauss • 67 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Implementing a structured model for work can lead to increased productivity and ease.
  2. Defining clear goals and benchmarks can help improve efficiency and performance.
  3. Balancing structure with flexibility can lead to sustainable progress and growth.

The Crack in the Sidewalk

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
⚔ Fiction Publishing
  1. A new fiction book is now available at major bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million. You might not find it immediately in all stores, but it should be there soon.
  2. You can also order the book online if you prefer shopping from home. Just check the provided link to get a copy.
  3. There’s an option to subscribe for a free trial to access more content related to the book and the author's work. It's a good way to explore other stories they have written.

Reflections on Exadelic

Gradient Ascendant • 11 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The author's science fiction novel, 'Exadelic', mixes many ideas and is designed to challenge readers, making it a unique read. It's exciting and chaotic, similar to a roller coaster.
  2. The book reflects the author's thoughts on humanity and the future, using various themes like tech culture and dark elements to explore serious questions about being human.
  3. Readers generally find 'Exadelic' polarizing, with both fans and critics agreeing on its fast pace and high idea density, making it a memorable but divisive story.

I have a book coming out!

Notes from a Small Press • 27 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The book 'Best of the Rust Belt' features personal essays from a region often labeled the Rust Belt, showcasing diverse perspectives and voices.
  2. The book aims to shift the narrative of the Rust Belt region, moving away from stereotypical coverage during election cycles to more nuanced, authentic storytelling.
  3. The creation of the book was a collaborative effort involving multiple editors, writers, and contributors, emphasizing the importance of community and collective storytelling.

Literature in the Age of Content Production

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 03 Sep 21
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Literature faces challenges in the age of content production, with authors struggling to make a living and facing difficulties in publishing and selling books.
  2. The traditional path to becoming a writer, such as pursuing expensive MFAs, may not guarantee success or recognition, highlighting the need for continuous writing and learning.
  3. Despite concerns about the state of Literature, it remains alive and thriving in the passion for words and storytelling, existing beyond the superficial debates and challenges of the modern age.

Mathematics of Machine Learning official release announcement!

The Palindrome • 8 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Publishing
  1. The book 'Mathematics of Machine Learning' is set to be published soon and will be available in a physical version. You can pre-order it at a discounted price now.
  2. It focuses on important math concepts needed for machine learning, including linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory. Understanding these areas is crucial for building effective models in machine learning.
  3. The author shares a personal journey of creating the book, which was inspired by his experiences in the field. The book aims to bridge the gap between theory and practical applications.

From Papyrus to Preprints

Reboot • 7 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🔬 Science Publishing
  1. Preprints are changing how research is shared. They allow scientists to share their findings quickly, before formal peer reviews, which helps speed up the conversation in the scientific community.
  2. The traditional peer review process can be slow and has limitations. Sometimes, important discoveries don’t get published because they don't fit the narrow criteria of journals.
  3. Platforms like arXiv have democratized access to research. They let everyone see new ideas and findings, but they also require us to be careful about the quality of information we trust.

What I've Been Reading

Notes from a Small Press • 25 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. The author is discussing the issue of missing aggregators in the publishing industry.
  2. There is a desire for a solution to improve curation and discovery of content in publishing.
  3. Social media used to be more effective for finding published pieces about publishing.

I'm Thankful For My Subscribers!

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
💼 Business Publishing
  1. The author values genuine engagement in conversations and believes that conflict and debate are essential for real relationships.
  2. The author expresses gratitude for the support of subscribers and the autonomy of working on their newsletter, Silent Lunch.
  3. The author plans to expand Silent Lunch with more investigative pieces, guest writers, and a podcast in the coming year.

Editing, or the lack thereof

Notes from a Small Press • 23 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Book editors have different styles and expectations based on the type of publishing they work in.
  2. Authors should not expect book editors to provide feedback as they write the book.
  3. Generalizing editors in the publishing industry is unwise; editors have varied roles and approaches.

The joys of collaborative writing

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 21
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Collaborative writing can be a joyful and rewarding process, especially when working with friends and editing teams.
  2. Co-authoring fiction books, although less common, can bring a unique and enjoyable dynamic to the creative process.
  3. Exploring collaborative projects and challenging traditional publishing structures can lead to new and exciting opportunities in the world of writing.