The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Problem with 'American Fiction'

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 14 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The film 'American Fiction' critiques corporate publishing and shallow identity politics of 2010s.
  2. Contemporary elite literary fiction focuses on professional class struggles over traumas from marginalized communities.
  3. The movie 'American Fiction' highlights issues of representation and commodification in the literary industry.

First Draft

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jul 21
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The author describes attending a literary event and feeling resentful towards writers and the written word, reflecting on his own writing and feelings of obscurity.
  2. The encounter with another writer at the event reveals the protagonist's insecurities and envy towards the seemingly successful and confident writer.
  3. The story takes a fictional turn towards a chance encounter that sparks a moment of clarity and connection, hinting at the possibility of finding inspiration and closure.

Letter to a Friend: Why Write Online

Juan David’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Writing should be a daily habit, even if it's just for a few minutes. Treat it like brushing your teeth—make it a regular part of your day.
  2. Having an audience can help you stay motivated to write and improve your skills. Sharing your work adds a little pressure to keep your ideas sharp.
  3. Editing is best done with others. Getting feedback from friends or readers can make your writing stronger and help you connect with interesting people.

#43: A new market of ideas

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 26 Aug 20
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Publishing needs to focus on the uncertain aspects like finding authors and creating new types of content. This can help produce unique and diverse books that appeal to different audiences.
  2. Instead of concentrating just on the final book, authors should think about making money from the process of getting there. This means finding ways to earn from workshops, articles, or other interim work.
  3. The publishing industry should consider breaking down its functions, like finding authors and marketing books, instead of trying to do everything at once. This could lead to fresh ideas and better results.
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#40: Trials and tribulations

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 20
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Change employee roles to be flexible, so they can adapt to new tasks. This helps workers stay engaged and ready for whatever comes next.
  2. Encourage employees to have goals that are open-ended, not just specific tasks. This allows for creativity and helps them find new ways to succeed.
  3. Provide concrete work experiences for training instead of only theory. This hands-on approach helps employees learn better and feel more prepared.

the ancient book of magic secrets

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 17 Apr 21
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The author sent their book manuscript to a publisher they admire, Milkweed Editions, after 6 years of work.
  2. Milkweed Editions is known for taking risks on debut and experimental writers.
  3. The publisher invests significant time and care in the editorial process.

The Palindrome is Growing

The Palindrome • 1 implied HN point • 02 Aug 25
🚌 Education Publishing
  1. The Palindrome is expanding its team, starting with Alberto Gonzalez, who will help improve the publication's overall quality. He aims to make math and machine learning more accessible to everyone.
  2. The founder is looking to add more content creators to the team, focusing on educational content in math and engineering. This is a great chance for aspiring writers to showcase their skills.
  3. The goal is to double the value provided to readers and strengthen the community around The Palindrome, making it a more organized and valuable resource.

The Chloroquine Wars Book Project

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The author is re-organizing 'The Chloroquine Wars' book project after three-and-a-half years of work.
  2. The author plans to publish chapter drafts, possibly behind a paywall, to receive valuable input from readers.
  3. The author intends to balance writing for the book project with relaxing to maintain creativity and focus.

#42: Room for discovery

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 20
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. A book can be interesting to many types of readers, not just one specific audience. It can appeal to people who enjoy high-end cuisine or want to know more about restaurant culture.
  2. People often wonder why traditional ways of running businesses don't work well anymore. Understanding new hiring and goal-setting methods can help create better workplaces.
  3. Publishing is tricky because books often have to fit into one category. This can make it hard for unique books to reach the right readers.

Critical or Commercial Success

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 5 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Artists often face a dilemma between choosing to be a critical success or a commercial success. It's usually difficult to achieve both.
  2. Popular mainstream art is often considered lowbrow compared to more niche, highbrow art. Taste of the masses isn't always sophisticated.
  3. The dynamics of the book industry have changed, with authors now needing to actively create buzz for their work, unlike the older days when browsing in bookstores was more common.

From Blog to Breakdown to Book

As If We Were Staying • 1 implied HN point • 13 Sep 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The journey to writing a book can be tough, filled with challenges that test your determination. It's important to embrace these struggles as part of the learning process.
  2. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help shape your writing and connect with readers. Authentically blending life lessons with broader themes can create a compelling narrative.
  3. Consistency is key in writing. Setting deadlines and regularly producing work helps improve your craft and keeps your creative energy flowing.

MOOCs and Books: Spanning the Digital Divide

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 30 Aug 13
🚌 Education Publishing
  1. Technology has changed some ways teachers can present information, like using webcasts for more detailed explanations. This helps students learn better, even if the classroom itself looks quite similar to the past.
  2. Online learning has become widely accessible, allowing anyone with the right tools to join in and learn from classes. This means people who couldn't attend in person now have a chance to gain knowledge.
  3. The publishing and education fields are facing significant changes, making learning materials more affordable. This can help students who struggle with high tuition and textbook costs.

Printernet

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 06 May 22
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Printernet combines print and internet, making reading physical and convenient. It's a way to help people get through their digital reading lists more easily.
  2. The project sends curated reading materials in print format, offering a break from screens. This can be a refreshing change for many readers.
  3. It aims to help people enjoy reading again by removing the distractions of digital devices. Printernet is designed to connect readers with content in a tangible way.

Big day today!

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 0 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The book is now available globally in different formats like e-book, hardcover, and softcover.
  2. An audiobook version will be released soon.
  3. If people enjoy the newsletter and podcast content, they are encouraged to buy a copy of the book.

On the Impulse to Write

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 22
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Writing is a mix of art and business, and it can be challenging. It's important to remember why you started writing in the first place and stay true to that passion.
  2. Early writers often worry too much about fitting into the market. What makes your writing unique is your personal voice and experiences, not just what's popular.
  3. When writing, try to focus less on the outside world and more on your own inspirations. This can help you create more authentic and powerful work.

Why Publishing Is Like Dating

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 21
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Focusing on yourself can help in both dating and publishing. When you stop obsessing over finding the perfect match or publication, you might find what you're looking for more easily.
  2. Distractions can slow down your progress. Checking for updates all the time can be similar to waiting for a text from a crush, and it doesn't help you move forward.
  3. Finding happiness within yourself is key. When you feel satisfied with your own work or life, good things often come your way without you having to chase them.

When 'How to Start?' Is the Hardest Question

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Starting to pitch your ideas can be really scary, but it's a necessary step for getting published. Don't let fear hold you back from sharing your work with editors.
  2. Rejections are part of the process, and it's important not to take them personally. Every pitch you send is a chance to learn and improve.
  3. The more you pitch, the better you'll get at it. Set small goals and keep trying to generate new ideas to increase your chances of success.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #1

Trantor Publishing • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Publishing
  1. The author has only two paying subscribers for Trantor Publishing so far, despite hoping for more.
  2. The author is committed to delivering on promises for those who have generously funded Trantor Publishing.
  3. There's a 7-day free trial available for readers who want to access the full post archives at Trantor Publishing.

A Single Painting

The False Consensus Effect • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Publishing
  1. The author discusses their experience with selling paintings and books, highlighting the challenges they faced in pricing and selling their work.
  2. The author shares their unique writing style and the variety of books they have published, showcasing their dedication to their craft despite financial struggles.
  3. The post emphasizes the author's unconventional approach to networking on LinkedIn and their willingness to create meaningful connections through humor and authenticity.

End of the Line

The False Consensus Effect • 0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 20
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The post includes a free download link for the book 'End of the Line'
  2. The free download is a special extra for paid subscribers this week
  3. The post is specifically for paid subscribers, prompting them to sign in if they are already subscribers

Scholarly Publishing and its Discontents

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 02 Feb 17
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Scholarly publishing faces challenges with market power despite attempts like boycotts and open access to change the status quo.
  2. The book discusses economic theories related to scholarly publishing and suggests untried options like reverse price discrimination and unlocking knowledge inside journals.
  3. The aim of the book is to be a valuable read on the economics of scholarly publishing, focusing on roots of market power and proposing alternative solutions.

Reading and the Demand for Books

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 16
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Books are often purchased as gifts, adding to the display collection, rather than just to be read.
  2. Large physical bookstores are increasingly turning into gift stores, emphasizing the importance of books as gifts.
  3. Understanding the relationship between eBook prices and physical book sales as gifts is crucial for big publishers to succeed in the market.

Et tu SSRN?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 16
💼 Business Publishing
  1. SSRN, a social science paper repository, is being acquired by Elsevier, a legacy publisher, which may cause concerns about potential changes to SSRN's open-access policies.
  2. Academic platforms like SSRN provide valuable services, but they also need financial support to sustain their operations, often leading to acquisitions by larger entities.
  3. The acquisition of SSRN by Elsevier reflects the balance between providing accessible research platforms and the necessity for financial sustainability in the academic publishing ecosystem.

The next thing...

One Thing at a Time • 0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Dave Cross reflects on business ideas and the importance of focusing on one project at a time to build a profitable business.
  2. He shares a list of potential projects he has in mind, discussing criteria for prioritization like revenue potential and speed of implementation.
  3. One of the projects he is considering is a mentorship book for people in software development, covering various aspects beyond coding.

Better without AI: now in paperback and Kindle!

Meaningness • 0 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Publishing
  1. The book 'Better without AI' explores moderate apocalypses that could result from current and near-future AI technology, providing insights into realistically likely disasters and actions to prevent them.
  2. Despite the rapid pace of progress in AI during 2022, the substance of the book mostly remained relevant in 2023, indicating that the field may be nearing its limit in terms of significant advancements.
  3. The author's decision to publish the book in paperback and Kindle serves as an experiment to gauge the audience's interest in such editions, with the outcome influencing future decisions on book publishing.

Leisure Reading

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 18 Aug 10
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Leisure reading is important for relaxation and enjoyment. It helps to escape from daily stress and immerse oneself in different worlds.
  2. Reading can also improve literacy skills and expand vocabulary. Engaging with various texts can enhance understanding and communication.
  3. Downloading a novel prologue indicates the author's desire to share their work. It invites readers to explore new stories and support the writing community.

The Dance of the Disrupted: Observations from the front lines

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 15
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Businesses with a lot of money involved and that are inefficient are more likely to face disruption. This means that fields like finance and education are prime targets for new, better solutions.
  2. Disruption usually goes through stages, starting with denial. Companies often take a long time to accept that change is happening, and they may imitate instead of truly innovate.
  3. Even when disruption is painful, it can lead to positive changes in the long run. Some businesses may struggle or shrink, but eventually, those that adapt and offer better value will survive and thrive.