The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

New Book Releases from the STSC Members

Soaring Twenties • 162 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Tulubaikaporia follows a vanishing village and the narrator’s longing, using that place as an impossible, mythic object to explore memory, time, and the difficulty of returning.
  2. The book frames its project as a ritual, mixing magical, absurd, and cosmic elements—mirages, hallucinations, and impossible objects—to create an experimental, myth‑making narrative.
  3. Early reviews are positive and the Soaring Twenties Social Club is featuring the title among several new member releases, showing strong community interest and support.

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 356 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. There are a lot of writing opportunities available right now, including contests and themed calls. Writers should look for these chances to get published.
  2. Submission deadlines can come up quickly, so it's important to stay organized and keep track of dates. Missing a deadline means missing out on a chance to share your work.
  3. Community support through submission accountability events can help writers stay motivated. Attending casual 'submit parties' can make the process feel less daunting.

Sophie from Romania - Publication Day!

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1230 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Publication day is a big deal for authors, filled with emotions and hard work. It's exciting to finally share your story after so much time spent writing and editing.
  2. The journey of adopting a rescue dog can be challenging, but it often comes with rewarding moments. The author learned a lot about their dog, Sophie, and shared her growth from being scared to becoming more confident.
  3. Community support is crucial for both authors and pet owners. People love to share their own rescue stories, and this connection makes the experience even more special.

Has the internet stopped producing mega stars?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Major social platforms have tweaked their algorithms to spread attention across more creators, so it’s now much harder for a single person to become a blockbuster star with tens of millions of followers.
  2. AI-generated search answers have gutted organic traffic to many tech publications, forcing outlets to rely on deeper audience relationships, paywalls, and original longform reporting to survive.
  3. The creator economy is shifting toward niche, subscription-driven projects and more journalists launching indie publications, but live niche shows may not scale easily and launching a new mass-media giant feels much harder today.

"Something is terribly broken in publishing right now"

How to Glow in the Dark • 979 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. The publishing industry is very frustrating for authors and agents, with many feeling lost in the process. It can feel like nothing is ever certain and that impact on mental health is significant.
  2. Finding an agent and getting a traditional book deal is becoming increasingly difficult. Many authors hope for clarity, but it often feels elusive.
  3. There is a call for more kindness and empathy within the industry. Everyone struggles with their own challenges, and a supportive community can make a big difference.
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Is fiction too female-coded?

Jeff Giesea • 2814 implied HN points • 22 Sep 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Fiction seems to be more associated with women, which might keep men from engaging in reading and writing it. It's important for men to feel welcome in this space too.
  2. Statistics show that many more women read fiction compared to men, creating a gap that might negatively impact how stories are told and understood in society.
  3. The publishing world tends to favor female voices now, which can push male writers away and lead to fewer stories that explore male perspectives, hurting cultural conversations.

9 Associate and Junior Agents That Are Actively Building Their Lists (and Why You Should Query Them)

The Sub Club Newsletter • 535 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Using QueryTracker can help you organize your agent search effectively. It provides data on how many submissions agents are handling, which can guide you to the more active ones.
  2. Publishers Marketplace is a great tool to check agents' sales history and the types of books they handle. This helps you understand which agents might be a good fit for your work.
  3. Don't overlook new and junior agents. They are often very eager to build their lists and can offer personalized support as they look for new authors to represent.

On Turning Rejection into Motivation and Mastering the Art of the Pitch with Courtney Kocak

The Sub Club Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Rejection can be a powerful motivator. It helps writers keep going and improves their pitching skills.
  2. Building good relationships with editors makes the publishing process easier and more successful.
  3. Having excitement and belief in your writing is key. If you love your work, others are more likely to get on board with it too.

How Naomi Kanakia read the Great Books

The Common Reader • 2161 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Anyone can read the Great Books — they aren’t just for snobs or scholars.
  2. If you spend enough time with these books, they’ll probably change you in some way; the fear of slogging through them and getting nothing is usually unfounded.
  3. Practical, down-to-earth reading habits make the Great Books doable even with a busy life, and reading widely and persistently is how people actually get the most out of them.

Why Literature Needs a Punk Rock Mindset

Counter Craft • 2555 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Mainstream institutions and newspapers are cutting books coverage and funding, so they can’t be counted on to support serious literature.
  2. Adopt a DIY, punk mindset: build independent networks like small presses, magazines, reading series, and community-driven channels, and use institutional resources opportunistically while being ready to move on when platforms stop working.
  3. Individuals can make a difference by ignoring algorithmic hype and instead finding, sharing, reviewing, and financially supporting the books and artists they love; small acts like buying zines, hosting readings, or writing reviews help sustain the literary ecosystem.

Substack Has Changed in the Last 30 Days

The Honest Broker • 84146 implied HN points • 30 May 25
đź•ą Technology Publishing
  1. Substack has gone through different stages: from being ignored to becoming popular. It's now a respected platform among writers and readers.
  2. Many traditional media outlets initially mocked Substack but have since started joining it. This shows how quickly opinions can change in the media world.
  3. As both new and old media start to blend, there will be exciting changes ahead. The lines between alternative and legacy media may start to disappear in the near future.

10 Agents Seeking Upmarket Fiction

The Sub Club Newsletter • 812 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Choosing the right genre and comparative titles for your book is really important when querying agents. Make sure your comps support the genre you want to pitch.
  2. Upmarket fiction is a blend of literary and commercial styles, focusing on good writing while still being accessible to a wide audience. It's crucial to know where your book fits in this spectrum.
  3. Don't stress too much about pitching your book perfectly. The right agent will understand the essence of your work, even if your initial genre label isn't spot on.

Should media outlets vet their advertisers?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Media outlets can’t realistically audit every advertiser because that would be too expensive, so clear sponsorship disclosures and letting advertisers police their own claims are the practical safeguards.
  2. Smart dealmaking can create value even when leadership is weak on creativity; sometimes walking away or playing rivals off each other improves a company’s long-term position.
  3. Marketing and content skills can be turned into media ownership — building an online presence and audience can be a direct path to monetizing and growing niche publications.

David Ellison gets his pyrrhic victory

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Netflix stepping out of the bidding war cleared the way for David Ellison’s Paramount to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that likely burdens the buyer with heavy debt and weakens a major competitor over time.
  2. Publishers lose time and money to fragmented publishing stacks, so unified platforms that combine editorial workflows, live publishing, and analytics can reduce operational complexity and let teams focus on content and monetization.
  3. FAST streaming faces long‑term risks because many services are filling catalogs with overlapping, lower‑quality content, creating signal‑to‑noise for viewers, while YouTube’s broad reach and attractive revenue split could lure away content suppliers.

Writers Against AI

The Abbey of Misrule • 1013 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. AI is becoming able to write novels, poems, and scripts that may be indistinguishable from human work, threatening to devalue and replace human storytelling. This risks saturating culture with machine-made stories and eroding what it means to create and understand real human narratives.
  2. Writers and readers can choose to resist by refusing to use AI, refusing to support AI-produced work, and actively backing creators whose work is entirely human-made. A grassroots pledge and visible symbols let people signal that commitment and build mutual support.
  3. The rise of AI brings wider social and security dangers — from mass copyright theft to outsourcing intellectual labor and the prospect of systems that outpace human control. These stakes mean individuals and communities must deliberately set limits and protect spaces where human culture and agency can survive.

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 416 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  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.

Surf's Up in Slop City

Counter Craft • 1320 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Traditional book coverage and cultural institutions are shrinking, so it’s getting much harder for authors to earn reviews and be discovered through the old channels.
  2. A flood of cheap, AI-generated low-quality books is pouring into marketplaces and submission pipelines, which can drown discovery and overwhelm editors, agents, and readers.
  3. Authors need to adapt by building their own platforms and communities and by emphasizing human authorship, distinctive voice, and craft to stand out from the slop.

Zombie news sites are taking over the internet

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 174 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Marketing firms are buying or hijacking gaming and news sites and filling them with AI-written content and gambling ads to exploit existing SEO and expired domains for easy revenue.
  2. Relying on platform referrals like Google Discover is risky because traffic can drop suddenly. Publishers shouldn’t build their operations around audiences they don’t own.
  3. Media businesses are shifting toward direct monetization and platform-native distribution. Newsletters, specialized ad platforms, and multiplatform streaming personalities are becoming more reliable than chasing programmatic or referral traffic.

Sub Club Weekly Digest #3

The Sub Club Newsletter • 456 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  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.

The Monday Media Diet with Anu Lingala

Why is this interesting? • 3680 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. A trend strategist converts cultural signals into practical plans for product, marketing, and company strategy. They build workflows that track trends and translate them for different teams and timelines.
  2. An intentional, categorized media diet prevents overload and improves signal capture by grouping core, fashion, macro, and category sources, auto-labeling newsletters, and saving deep reads for focused time. Specific trend items are logged into a single database for later synthesis.
  3. Deep, creative research practices fuel original thinking: long rabbit holes into history and culture, focused reading, moodboarding from magazines, and visiting immersive art generate the insights that become essays, briefs, and product ideas. Personal curation and rituals turn scattered inputs into distinctive narratives.

Agents of Counter-Spoliation

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1402 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. A grassroots, author-driven book sale discounts and cross-promotes indie titles so readers can discover non‑mainstream books without going through mainstream publishing gatekeepers.
  2. 'Based' books are defined by a coherent view of human nature, clear moral truths, and attention to beauty and craft, often reaffirming traditional values rather than following woke trends.
  3. The strategy against cultural spoliation is to make and promote non‑woke art, repurpose public‑domain elements, and build direct fan support and neo‑patronage so creators can thrive outside mainstream channels.

Editing is Only Good If the Editing is Good and a Lot of Editing is Not Good

Freddie deBoer • 5631 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Editing isn’t inherently good — it only helps when it’s done well, and bad or excessive editing can deaden a writer’s voice.
  2. Saying “this needs an editor” is often a vague, condescending put‑down that functions as gatekeeping rather than offering concrete, helpful critique.
  3. The collapse of traditional newsrooms and precarious career incentives produce inexperienced, performative editing; we need the right kind of editing and better professional conditions to cultivate real editorial skill.

Acknowledgements for *Unbeatable*

Bet On It • 286 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Economics can transform a life by giving clear mental tools to solve puzzles and by providing deep intellectual enjoyment and a rewarding career.
  2. Decades of study produce distilled, hard‑earned insights that embrace difficult truths and make a candid, robust case for free markets.
  3. Close colleagues, candid critics, and family support are essential for shaping, improving, and finishing major intellectual projects.

Meet 6 Rising Indie Presses that Signal the Future of Publishing

The Sub Club Newsletter • 237 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Indie presses are growing in popularity as traditional publishers face challenges. These smaller companies can adapt better to changes in the market and reader preferences.
  2. Many indie presses focus on unique styles and strong connections within the writing community. They prioritize quality and creativity over profitability, allowing them to stand out.
  3. The rise of indie publishers signifies a shift in the literary landscape. These new voices are paving the way for innovation and diversity in book publishing.

A Daily Show Appearance

Story Club with George Saunders • 61 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Appeared on The Daily Show and shared the full interview with host Jordan Klepper, noting the TV version was slightly edited.
  2. Traveling home and thanking the show’s team, and plans to release the video from a recent marathon live event soon.
  3. Will write more about “The House with the Mezzanine” on Sunday and appreciates the lively discussion in the comments.

18 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Editors are looking for timely pitches, especially relating to current news like climate change or elections. It's a good idea to tie your story to something happening right now.
  2. Evergreen pitches may take longer to get responses since editors are focused on urgent topics. Follow up on these pitches and consider adding a current news angle to make them more appealing.
  3. There are many paid writing opportunities available from respected publications like the BBC and Huffington Post. It's a great time to share your ideas and seek those writing gigs.

A Quick Update and a Request

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Publishing
  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.

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 475 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. There are 28 new places for writers to submit their work. This is great news for anyone looking to share their writing.
  2. Some calls for submissions have deadlines coming up soon, so it's important to act quickly if you're interested.
  3. There are also contests and theme calls available this week, offering more chances for recognition and publication.

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  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.

The Biography Bots are Back

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 615 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Authors often check their names online to manage their reputation and prevent other products from hijacking their name. It's important for them to stay aware, especially around book release dates.
  2. AI-created biographies often contain inaccuracies and may read like generic content. Many times, they lack the personal touch and detail that a real biography should have.
  3. Despite the rise of AI, there's still a significant difference in quality between AI and human-written works. Original and creative writers can still stand out and have value that AI can't replicate.

What the markets are saying

Substack Blog • 654 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Publishing
  1. Substack now lets creators embed live Polymarket prediction market data directly in both Notes and full posts, so odds update automatically while you write or comment.
  2. You can search for Polymarket markets from the editor and insert them without leaving Substack, and embeds automatically change their visuals to match yes/no questions, multi-outcome rankings, or percentages.
  3. Polymarket has joined a creator sponsorship pilot to support writers who use these tools, and many top publications already use prediction market embeds to inform reporting and spark discussion.

9 Agents Seeking Memoirs

The Sub Club Newsletter • 594 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. There are nine agents currently looking for memoirs, which is a great opportunity for writers in that genre.
  2. Upcoming changes to the newsletter will include more insights and tips about the querying process from experienced writers and agents.
  3. Writers can use the Query Hotline and new chat features to ask questions and share experiences about getting published.

Meta keeps finding new ways to not pay its creators

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Meta pays creators almost nothing compared with how much Reels and Instagram earn, so monetization is dominated by creators in low-cost countries and that encourages lots of low-effort, AI-driven content.
  2. Shifting from ad-based models to subscriptions and creator-owned projects can sustain independent journalism and niche media, and podcasts or blogs can successfully spin out from companies to build paying audiences.
  3. A purely data-driven playbook that cuts niche or lower-traffic coverage can alienate loyal, information-hungry subscribers, risking long-term subscription value and reader loyalty.

Sub Club Weekly Digest #2 (ish)

The Sub Club Newsletter • 495 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. There are new features on Chill Subs that show popular and competitive literary magazines. This helps writers find where to submit their work.
  2. The Submitter's Club offers help in getting work submitted to magazines. Members can submit their pieces and receive personalized recommendations.
  3. A new column called Story Doctors will answer craft questions about writing. Writers can submit their work for feedback and tips on improving their pieces.

Being a Writer in the Age of the Influencer

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 5284 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Writers today need to build a personal brand on social media to reach their audience effectively. Simply writing isn't enough; they must engage and connect with people online.
  2. Content creation is key for writers, but it shouldn't be just ads. Sharing interesting and entertaining posts helps build a loyal following and creates interest in their actual work.
  3. The landscape for writers has changed, with many preferring video and audio over reading. To succeed, writers have to adapt and become more versatile by using different media.

Tulubaikaporia's First Ever Book Club (Tomorrow! on Long Island!!)

The Lifeboat • 321 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. A grassroots book‑club offered a formal "Author Spotlight" that promises curated discussion and visibility but expects a standard support contribution and author materials.
  2. Payment and coordination became complicated and suspicious, with wires routed through multiple intermediaries, long delays, and a beneficiary name that matched a criminal record—raising clear red flags.
  3. The exchange mixes earnest logistics with surreal, performative moments, making it hard to tell whether the whole thing is a sincere arrangement, a prank, or an attempted scam.

Science, Medicine, Values, and Politics

Heterodox STEM • 78 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🔬 Science Publishing
  1. Science and medicine are not value-free — they are shaped by epistemic goals (truth and rigor), community norms (openness and skepticism), and broader societal values that influence research priorities and ethics.
  2. Ideological and political pressures from both the left and the right can politicize research, erode expert credibility, and slow innovation, producing polarization, cancel culture, and counter-movements that harm honest scientific debate.
  3. Protecting scientific integrity requires independence, transparency, responsibility, and a clear separation between political aims and epistemic methods, with nonpartisan vigilance to preserve public trust and sound decision-making.

Q & A edition: on volatility in publishing (and candles)

How to Glow in the Dark • 439 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. When querying agents about a new book, it's fine to directly email them if they previously showed interest. Just make sure to update the subject line and include your new manuscript.
  2. Publishing is a partnership, so approach agents with respect and mutual understanding. Both sides need to feel heard and valued for a successful collaboration.
  3. If you get a book deal, don't stress about tight deadlines for sequels. It's more likely that your publisher will not pursue a sequel if your first book doesn't sell well.

Curator

Castalia • 1758 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Literary writing should introduce new ideas, provide honest experiences, or unleash creativity. Unfortunately, much of what's out there feels repetitive and lacks depth.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between writers and publishers, as publishers often prioritize profits over the integrity of literary work. This leads to a system that might not serve those truly passionate about literature.
  3. The publishing industry is shifting, and some men feel left out of the conversation. It's essential to remember that literature should be about artistic expression, not just political representation.

The Troll School of Literature

Castalia • 2238 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Some writers gain fame not for their talent, but for the buzz around them. This can help their books sell, even if the writing isn't good.
  2. Reviews can sometimes fail to criticize bad books, making it harder for readers to know what's worthwhile. Honest reviews are important to point out what really matters.
  3. The idea of just getting attention, regardless of quality, can overshadow real literary talent. It’s easy for readers to get caught up in the hype instead of seeking out good literature.