The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

2025 was a very good year for literary writing on Substack

The Common Reader • 3508 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Substack is becoming an important platform for literary criticism, showcasing many talented writers. More people are noticing and engaging with their work.
  2. Writers like Naomi Kanakia, BDM, and Joel J Miller are producing exciting content and gaining larger audiences. Their contributions are important to the literary community.
  3. Overall, there's a revival of deep literary discussion and analysis, which is beneficial for both writers and readers. This trend seems likely to continue and grow.

21 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 396 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Editors are really busy right now and getting lots of pitches, so don't take it personally if you don't hear back right away.
  2. If you're unsure if a story idea will be popular, don't hesitate to pitch it. Your unique experience could resonate with many readers.
  3. There are many opportunities to pitch stories on various topics like lifestyle, politics, and ageism, so keep looking for the right fit for your ideas.

An Illustrated Guide for Unhinged Times

OK Doomer • 216 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Publishing
  1. An illustrated survival guide is now available as a printed beta and downloadable PDF, released under a Creative Commons license so anyone can print or adapt it.
  2. Small independent publishers are invited to access the source files to create internationalized versions, with the simple request that they give due credit.
  3. The project is sustained by reader support and grants, and ongoing development relies on donations, subscriptions, and community backing.

Open Thread 416

Astral Codex Ten • 1995 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. There’s a new subscriber-only post called “Sell Me This Pen” that collects ultrashort stories based on the classic sales interview prompt.
  2. Some ex-Triplebyte employees are trying to revive the original Triplebyte idea as Otherbranch; they’re hiring (technical sourcer) and inviting engineers and employers to connect.
  3. There’s an ACX Grants meetup in San Francisco this Saturday — grantees should check their email and contact [email protected] if they didn’t get details, and judges, funders, VCs, and other potential supporters are welcome to attend.

Why I'll be putting out more paid content

Philosophy bear • 50 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. I used to keep everything free because charging felt tawdry and I wanted my writing to reach as many people as possible.
  2. I learned Substack's algorithm rewards having paid subscribers, so I'll put some articles behind a paywall to boost visibility even though that means excluding non-paying readers.
  3. If someone is truly broke they can ask and I'll give them a free subscription so they won't be shut out by the paywall.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

My book is published in the US today, and I'm shortlisted for the Unwin Award

Sustainability by numbers • 454 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Publishing
  1. An energy comparison tool got lots of user feedback and will be updated; a change log will be added and a carbon-emissions-equivalent feature is planned.
  2. Clearing the Air has been published in North America and is now available from major book retailers.
  3. Shortlisted for the Unwin Award, a recognition that highlights early-career non-fiction authors whose work makes a significant contribution.

How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Short-Term Results in My Career

The Honest Broker • 11735 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. It's important to focus on the long-term in your career instead of stressing over short-term results. Worrying too much about immediate success can hold you back.
  2. Building connections and finding support in your field can be crucial. Even without a network, persistence in reaching out can lead to opportunities.
  3. When faced with setbacks or rejections, don't give up. Many successful people have faced challenges before achieving their goals.

All the Good Stuff You're Missing on Culture Study

Culture Study • 807 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Culture Study has moved its main home to Patreon, where you can join as a free or paid subscriber and get help if you need to transfer comp access.
  2. There’s a lot of new Patreon content right now—book club picks, personal essays, podcast and reading recommendations, threads, and a subscriber-only chat—so it’s worth checking out if you’ve been missing the newsletter.
  3. They’re also running weekly fundraisers to help families targeted by ICE, directing donations to rent, meals, and utilities and committing to keep doing that work while the need continues.

Tulubaikaporia

The Lifeboat • 447 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
âš” Fiction Publishing
  1. A new immersive book called Tulubaikaporia will be released on March 1 and spans about 400 pages across 23 varied chapters set in a fading Russian village.
  2. The book is presented as a ritual-like, participatory experience that asks readers to wander, feel, and inhabit Tulubaika rather than just read about it.
  3. You can get early access by signing up for an ARC or, if you’re a paid subscriber, by downloading it from the Digital Library, with full release and pre-order details coming soon.

A Day in the Life of a Publisher, Conference Interlude

Notes from a Small Press • 21 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Conferences are physically exhausting and require juggling regular work with long days at the table. They’re crucial for showcasing titles and reconnecting with booksellers and fellow publishers.
  2. Panels and off-site events are valuable for sharing realistic perspectives on publishing and for hosting authors and readers. Still, deep one-on-one conversations with colleagues often prove more rewarding than bumping into people in crowded conference halls.
  3. Publishing activity continued between conferences, with new titles announced and an ARC made available for reviewers and booksellers. A short mini book-proposal course is starting soon and has only a few spots left.

The New Cultural Criticism

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 41 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. A new wave of cultural critics mixes novelistic storytelling with serious criticism, producing long, narrative-driven essays that feel more like stories than short reviews.
  2. They favor deep, first-person, character-focused reporting and welcome moral ambiguity instead of quick condemnations, often writing 5,000–17,000 word pieces that let the reporting shape the conclusion.
  3. Publishing on platforms without strict print limits lets this work escape short-form social media, offering a possible antidote to ephemerality and creating criticism that can be read and argued over for years.

Dangerous! This Is the Reason Most Writers Quit (Before They Can Be Successful)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1558 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Writers often struggle due to negative mindsets that hold them back. It's important to change how you think before seeking more skills or knowledge.
  2. Taking risks can lead to significant growth. Stepping out of comfort zones can help overcome insecurities and open new opportunities.
  3. Most writers give up when they face challenges, thinking their work is not good enough. It's crucial to push through these feelings to achieve success.

Substack Anniversary

Castalia • 2018 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Starting a Substack can be a great decision for writers. It offers a chance to connect with a community and share their work without the typical constraints of traditional publishing.
  2. The challenges of internet writing include keeping readers engaged and dealing with financial uncertainties. Writers should focus on expressing their true thoughts rather than just chasing popularity.
  3. Substack represents a shift in how content can be shared, allowing more freedom for writers. It's seen as a positive alternative to other social media platforms, encouraging meaningful and longer-form writing.

Why Is the Washington Post Talking to Substack?

The Honest Broker • 10273 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. The Washington Post is considering working with Substack to feature some of its writers. This shows a change in how traditional media views newer platforms.
  2. There is a trend where gamblers are now betting on music hits, similar to how sports betting works. People analyze song trends mathematically to make predictions.
  3. Beauty in art is a controversial topic, and the author challenges common views. There’s a suggestion that we should appreciate beauty beyond just its monetary value.

Working titles

Austin Kleon • 1718 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Finding the right title for your work can be a tough job. It often involves trying different combinations of words until something feels right.
  2. There are different styles of titles, like poetic or descriptive, and each has its own appeal. Sometimes, getting the opinion of others can help you figure out what works best.
  3. Even great titles can face skepticism from others. Just because someone isn’t confident in a title doesn't mean it won't be successful.

In Defense of Fanfic

David Friedman’s Substack • 233 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Most fanfiction is low quality, but that’s true of most fiction, so readers should focus on finding the fan authors they like.
  2. Using someone else’s world or characters isn’t automatically less creative, because many respected works build on earlier worlds and fan authors often must invent missing details themselves.
  3. Fanfiction raises legal and moral questions when it uses characters against their creator’s wishes, but it also helps new writers get started and lets readers continue enjoying beloved stories.

Who's spending $80 a month on microdramas?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. TikTok-like microdramas are making lots of money by using game-like, addictive monetization where viewers buy tokens or pay monthly to unlock short, low-budget episodes.
  2. The Washington Post’s relevance dropped sharply after its current publisher took control, and the data suggest much of that decline is self-inflicted.
  3. Paramount+ plans to add short-form video and user-generated content to its platform, but it’s unclear if it will share revenue with creators or rely on exposure to attract them.

Jeff Bezos has given up on the Washington Post

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
đź“° News Publishing
  1. The Washington Post’s recent moves, like cancelling planned Olympic coverage, suggest ownership is prioritizing cost cuts and managing decline rather than investing to grow the business.
  2. YouTube’s push toward Shorts is reducing reach for longform videos, making discovery more algorithm-dependent and forcing creators to rethink formats and monetization.
  3. Newsrooms are using citizen-shot video as raw material but adding reporting and context—names, dates, and follow-up—to correct narratives and provide the fuller story.

A Note Of Gratitude And Appreciation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1816 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Packing and sending physical books was a joyful, hands-on way to connect with readers, and even the stressful mistakes felt meaningful.
  2. There is deep gratitude for the supporters whose financial and emotional backing made this crowdfunded creative life possible, and personal touches like handwritten notes made the relationship feel real.
  3. Creating and sharing tangible art with family felt vital in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, showing how physical, human rituals help preserve connection and humanity.

Unbelievable! How She Secured Her Dream Book Deal (and Went From Unemployed to Published by Penguin)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1498 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Veronica Llorca-Smith, who started writing seriously just two years ago, became a published author with Penguin Random House after self-publishing her first book.
  2. She published four books in one year, including bestsellers, by focusing on consistent writing and utilizing different platforms for marketing.
  3. Veronica cleverly pitched her book idea to Penguin after researching their needs, showing that taking initiative and being strategic can lead to success.

Norman Podhoretz: The Longest Journey in the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1154 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  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.

What I Learned From Editing Substack Reads

Castalia • 2378 implied HN points • 20 May 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Substack is packed with all kinds of content, making it hard to find what matters to you. It's better to think about how to reach a wider audience rather than just focusing on your own style.
  2. The platform seems to have more older writers than younger ones. Younger writers might not realize how useful Substack can be for launching their careers.
  3. Substack shows the power of democratic expression with lots of voices and ideas. However, the vast amount of content can make it feel overwhelming and make each writer feel less unique.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 939 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Honor Levy's book, 'My First Book', received harsh criticism for not living up to the hype. It's seen as lacking depth and is heavily marketed despite its flaws.
  2. Alexandre Lefebvre's 'Liberalism as a Way of Life' presents liberalism as an ethical way to live. He explores its historical roots and addresses modern challenges to liberal values.
  3. Lefebvre emphasizes the need for strong institutions to support liberalism. He believes that simply promoting good behavior isn't enough without collective action.

14 Poems

Tao Lin • 1079 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. A chapbook called '14 Poems' was published in June 2023 and quickly sold out. This shows that there is interest in the poems.
  2. The author has made changes to the poems and now has 13 instead of 14. This suggests that they are really committed to perfecting their work.
  3. They are currently writing a full-length poetry book, which will include these poems. This indicates ongoing creativity and growth in their writing.

"Wait, What Did You Just Say to Me?"

Story Club with George Saunders • 90 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Watch out for fake social accounts; official communication will only come from the Story Club email and never from Instagram.
  2. The tour is over and, despite recent family and health scares, things turned out well; audience support helped counter the loneliness and fragility the road can bring.
  3. A blunt "change your life" admonition from a music teacher was a lightly shaming moment that prompted deep self-knowledge and shaped the approach to writing and teaching.

Things Worth Remembering: The Dirty Little Secret of Ambition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 922 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Ambition is often a private, shameful secret people hide, and many feel embarrassed to talk about their success or lack of it.
  2. A frank, candid portrayal of naked ambition can strongly resonate with readers and make them recognize their own desires and drives.
  3. For many, ambition replaces other powerful urges as the main motivating force, quietly shaping choices and behavior.

Why sports leagues are going all in on the Creator Economy

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 124 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Sports leagues are using social creators as low‑risk content partners, giving VIP access so creators produce lots of promotional material without threatening broadcast rights or big ad spends.
  2. The creator economy is maturing into real business power: creators are launching companies, attracting investment, and being funneled into TV, retail, and sponsorship deals that turn audiences into revenue streams.
  3. Journalism faces a new credibility risk from AI‑generated fake experts and quotes, so newsrooms must adopt fast vetting practices and trusted expert networks to protect accuracy and trust.

Why I Need Your Help with My Novel

Freddie deBoer • 4362 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. The author wants their novel to be understood based on its own story and themes, rather than influenced by outside opinions or biases. They believe the book addresses the real struggles of mental illness in a genuine way.
  2. There has been some dishonesty and misrepresentation regarding the author's work in media discussions. The author feels it's important to correct these misunderstandings rather than ignore them.
  3. The author urges readers to support their book by engaging with it honestly, leaving reviews, and sharing their thoughts. They believe this engagement is essential, especially given the challenges faced in getting proper media attention.

The Collected Commonplace Newsletters

The Commonplace • 575 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. A free ebook collects 119 essays (over 200,000 words) on a wide range of everyday and cultural topics and is available for offline download.
  2. The essays helped sustain mental wellbeing during difficult years and attracted enough paying subscribers to support full-time writing for a while, but there is now a planned shift from nonfiction to fiction despite the likely loss of audience and income.
  3. All published pieces remain free with thanks to readers, and there is an optional donation link for anyone who wants to support the work.

Thoughts on Publishing a Novel in 2025

Counter Craft • 735 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. Traditional book coverage in newspapers and glossy magazines is shrinking, making it much harder for many books to get reviews in legacy media. At the same time, those old reviews are less central to selling books than they used to be.
  2. Newsletters, podcasts, and platforms like Substack are increasingly filling the gap left by legacy outlets and can drive attention in ways that matter for authors, though platforms can change unpredictably.
  3. Publishing is more fragmented across formats and platforms—audio, subscription boxes, BookTok, self-publishing, and more—so authors can succeed in different ways and should be nimble about charting their own paths.

All Hail the Paperback of 'John & Paul'!

The Ruffian • 491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. A new UK paperback edition of John & Paul features a striking design, review quotes on the cover, and a short Q&A, and it’s available for pre-order and sale later this month.
  2. The cover photos were taken in Liverpool in 1965 for a Granada TV special and give the book a tender, boyish feel.
  3. The book has picked up positive press, including a Times recommendation, and there is a London event where it will be discussed with Helen Lewis.

Netflix is done zigging and is ready to zag

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Netflix is moving away from its strict "zig where others zag" stance and is now embracing traditional models like theatrical releases and potentially ad-based monetization to grow beyond subscriptions.
  2. Major media outlets are integrating prediction markets and betting-style odds into coverage, which risks turning news consumption into gambling and creating ethical and public-harm concerns.
  3. The industry is experimenting with varied distribution and revenue strategies — from BBC making shows for YouTube and creators landing streamer deals to newsletters building ad networks — as publishers try to stabilize and find new growth paths.

Hitting pause for a month!

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
đź“° News Publishing
  1. The paid newsletter is being paused for exactly one month so the creator can finish another work project and avoid overcommitment.
  2. Existing paid subscribers won’t lose time — subscriptions will be automatically extended by one month and no action is needed.
  3. The podcast will continue (with a new name), occasional urgent or guest posts may appear, and full newsletter publishing will resume in February.

The Monthly Salon: January

The Abbey of Misrule • 270 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
đź“š Literature Publishing
  1. All articles are now free to read, with voluntary paid subscriptions encouraged so those who can afford it can support readers who cannot; occasional donations are also accepted via a simple payment page.
  2. The book Against The Machine has seen strong sales and multiple reprints internationally, and it has sparked creative reader engagement such as musical readings and family gift exchanges.
  3. Recent talks and a highlighted Wendell Berry lecture are available online, a writers' workshop is accepting applications, and the monthly salon invites readers to set the agenda and start conversations.

Read Something Wonderful (about Biology)

Asimov Press • 1250 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🔬 Science Publishing
  1. Curation of essays is valuable because it leads readers to new ideas they might not discover on their own. It's like finding hidden gems on the internet.
  2. The curated list of biology essays is meant for leisurely reading and focuses on timeless insights instead of quick news, helping readers take their time to enjoy and understand the content.
  3. Exploring essays by different authors can expand your knowledge and perspective on biology, making it a rewarding experience to find writers whose work you love.

2.3% chance an asteroid hits Earth, book blurbs finally die, and the new AI Deep Research can't find me a mattress

The Intrinsic Perspective • 10063 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🔬 Science Publishing
  1. There’s a small but growing chance that an asteroid could hit Earth, currently about 2.3%. This could lead to serious problems if it hits a populated area.
  2. Book publishers like Simon & Schuster are dropping the requirement for authors to get book blurbs, which is a relief for new writers who struggle with this.
  3. The NIH is reducing the indirect costs that universities take from research grants. This means more money will go directly to scientists rather than the universities.

Late night TV has never been more popular

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. Late-night TV is losing viewers on traditional TV but its clips are going mega-viral online, creating huge audiences that networks still haven’t properly monetized.
  2. TikTok’s inconsistent moderation and algorithm shifts are pushing news creators off the platform, so many are prioritizing moving followers to email lists they control.
  3. Media business models are shifting: publishers are leaning on reader revenue, newsletter sponsorships, creator partnerships, and low-cost content strategies to replace declining ad income.

Full Saturation

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 542 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Published far fewer but steadier pieces in 2025—about twenty posts—and plans to keep that pace in 2026, including one paywalled piece and at least one short story.
  2. Had several big creative wins: a standout viral article, the Historical Tech Tree project, fellowship pieces that led to print, and a short story that won 2nd place and a cash prize.
  3. Went through a major personal season—an end to a long relationship, then a new, intense romance—and came away feeling like life is more vivid, with deeper friendships, more travel, and new professional opportunities.

Are VCs investing in media companies again?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
đź’Ľ Business Publishing
  1. VCs are still funding media startups, but high valuations for ad‑dependent outlets are hard to justify because ad models rarely scale the way investors expect.
  2. Google stumbled early in chatbots but leveraged its massive reach and deep pockets to catch up and regain an edge over OpenAI.
  3. Spotify is paying creators more than YouTube for video podcasts in some markets and is aggressively competing on video, though CPM claims can be misleading about total revenue.