The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

The new media, powered by Substack

Substack • 1523 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Publishing Media Subscriptions Marketing Technology
  1. Substack is partnering with The Free Press to create better tools for media organizations. This will help them build advanced websites and support larger teams.
  2. The Free Press has a strong audience, with over 1 million subscribers, including many who pay. Substack aims to support similar publishers in the future.
  3. These new tools will make it easier for publishers to grow and connect with readers. Substack's app is already driving a lot of subscriptions for various publications.

Why ChatGPT Is a Balloon and the Book Is a Bicycle

Counter Craft • 819 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Literary theory Writing Publishing Reading Culture
  1. Tech discussions often compare AI to past innovations. Some see it as the next big thing, while others think it might just be an overhyped trend.
  2. AI tools have made writing easier but aren't necessarily changing literature in a revolutionary way. Many writers still question what true innovation they bring.
  3. Books remain a sturdy format that people enjoy, just like riding a bike. Even with new tech, many people still prefer traditional reading over flashy interactive options.

My Book, Get Funded!, Is 50% Off This Weekend!

Startup Strategies • 14 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Fundraising Marketing Publishing Success
  1. The book 'Get Funded!' offers essential tips on how to successfully secure funding for your startup or project. It's a helpful resource for anyone looking to raise money.
  2. Right now, the book is available at a 50% discount, making it a great time to buy if you're interested in learning about fundraising.
  3. Despite being published in 2020, the book has continued to be popular and relevant, showing that good advice lasts over time.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 27

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Storytelling Publishing
  1. Reading stories in parts, or serials, is a fun and old tradition. It keeps people coming back for more every week.
  2. Working at big companies can feel familiar, but it often involves juggling different cultures and opinions, especially when many companies team up.
  3. People in tech often have strong opinions about new products, and convincing them can be tough, but it's important to stay confident and informed.
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The American Eschaton is Almost Here

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1787 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Crowdfunding Publishing Marketing Game design Self-promotion
  1. The author has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new RPG sourcebook filled with over 1,000 magic items. They believe it's important to launch it now while things are still stable.
  2. They encourage people who love Dungeons & Dragons, or want to share it with family, to support the book. The author thinks it could bring back good, classic gaming values.
  3. There's an upcoming livestream where the author will discuss gaming and pop culture, and interact with viewers. It's an opportunity for fans to ask questions and learn more.

Write a Newsletter 52 Weeks in a Row and Watch It Change Your Life

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 2118 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🚌 Education Writing Publishing Content creation Skill development Online Courses
  1. Writing a newsletter weekly for a year can build consistency and discipline. It's about showing up even when things aren't perfect.
  2. Doing this helps improve your writing skills. After a year, you'll have a lot of content and feel more confident in your writing.
  3. You might discover new interests by writing regularly. It allows you to explore what topics truly excite you as you go.

“Merit-Based Science Is Effective and Fair”: How Such a Banal Idea Has Become Controversial

Heterodox STEM • 213 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🔬 Science STEM Meritocracy Publishing Education Ideology
  1. Merit-based science has significantly improved our lives by leading to important inventions and medical advancements. It relies on rewarding talent and hard work, enabling people from various backgrounds to succeed.
  2. There is a growing concern about the influence of ideology on science, especially with movements pushing for diversity and equity. Some believe these changes hinder the scientific process and meritocracy.
  3. Despite claims of bias in science, studies suggest that many of these allegations lack strong evidence. Some researchers argue that society has made progress in creating equal opportunities in STEM fields.

What Is Substack For?

Castalia • 3017 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Community Publishing Art Expression
  1. Substack can help writers make money from their work, encouraging them to think like entrepreneurs and market their writing effectively.
  2. Some argue that Substack is more about building a community of writers, emphasizing creativity and support over money.
  3. Another view is to see Substack as a base for writing, where authors can share their voice while also engaging with wider audiences through different platforms.

6 Things You Need to Know About Medium’s Latest Changes

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 979 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Publishing AI Ethics Content creation User Experience
  1. Medium has banned AI-generated content, meaning all writing must be done by humans. If you use AI to write, you can lose access to their Partner Program.
  2. The platform routinely removes fake accounts, which might cause some users to lose followers. This is part of Medium's effort to maintain a genuine and quality community for writers.
  3. Medium is encouraging authentic engagement and discouraging any schemes that generate artificial traffic. It’s best to treat Medium like a magazine by reading and responding to what interests you.

Why Your Medium Articles Fail to Get Boosted | Interview with Walter Rhein

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 779 implied HN points • 06 May 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Content creation Online Platforms Storytelling
  1. Medium values original stories and human writing, making it a great platform for new writers.
  2. Getting Boosted can improve your article's reach, but you can still earn well without it.
  3. Writers need to stay positive and adapt since Boost nominations are based on human opinions and can change frequently.

The Questioning Substack Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1387 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Media Publishing Creativity Trends
  1. Substack has become popular, but not all new writers bring valuable content. Some just add noise instead of fresh ideas.
  2. Substack is shifting from being a platform for written words to focusing on creators and video content, which may dilute its original purpose.
  3. There's a need for better writing and opinions in newsletters that are not just about making money or following trends; writing should matter more than affiliate links.

Searching for insight

benn.substack • 1099 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Analytics Media Marketing Publishing Data
  1. Many jobs in areas like think tanks or journalism are more about creating a background or illusion rather than producing real change or value. They serve as props for the more influential figures.
  2. There's a concern that as AI becomes capable of producing content, it might not be because it’s better, but because the original jobs might not have mattered as much as once thought.
  3. In analytics, there's a question of whether the insights businesses claim to offer are real or just part of the narrative they tell to appear competent and important.

Spitballing

Chuck Palahniuk's Plot Spoiler • 3085 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Publishing Media Art
  1. Consider focusing on a very small customer base that will pay high prices for your service or product.
  2. Creating a high-status-signaling commodity can attract a niche market of wealthy individuals.
  3. Emphasizing exclusivity and luxury in your offerings can drive demand and high price points.

Do You Own The Book You Wrote?

Notes from a Small Press • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Copyright Publishing Authors History Books
  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.

Are Books Worth Writing?

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Writing Publishing Reading
  1. Writing a book can help spread ideas more effectively than blog posts. Books allow for a more organized presentation of related thoughts.
  2. Converting blog posts into a book can save time since it involves editing rather than starting from scratch. It builds on existing content, which can be easier.
  3. There's a possibility to create short books or combine related topics into one longer book. Exploring these options might benefit both the writer and the readers.

A Luminous, Brave, and Unputdownable Article about Blurbs

Counter Craft • 470 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing Books Writing Authors Criticism
  1. Blurbs, or quotes of praise on book covers, are often seen as necessary but can be annoying to writers and readers alike. They take up a lot of time and often sound overly exaggerated.
  2. While blurbs can be helpful in promoting books, especially for authors who are just starting out, there's a growing conversation about their relevance. Some believe they may not be needed at all as readers can judge books on their own.
  3. To make blurbing better, suggestions include limiting the number of blurbs per book, avoiding requests for manuscripts that haven't sold yet, and stopping requests from already successful authors, letting newer voices shine instead.

Hitting Reset Part 2

CRAFT TALK • 2358 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Authors Rejection Career
  1. Rejection is a common part of a writer's career, but it's important to bounce back and find the right fit.
  2. Finding the right publisher/editor is crucial for an author's success and growth.
  3. Building a supportive community and staying focused on writing are key to navigating the ups and downs of the publishing world.

Reflections on Exadelic

Gradient Ascendant • 11 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Science fiction Writing Book Reviews 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.

The Bluestocking, vol 304: Cowardice and AI crime fiction

The Bluestocking • 1120 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theatre Publishing Politics Art Literature
  1. The cost of theater tickets in different countries can impact the accessibility of culture and art, affecting the sustainability of artistic communities.
  2. AI is being used to generate fiction at a rapid pace, showcasing the pressure some authors feel to produce content quickly.
  3. Concerns about age and capabilities arise in politics, like with President Biden's age being a cause for debate.

We've Come a Long Way

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3655 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Publishing Book Sales Writing
  1. The author shares their journey from financial struggle to success, highlighting how generosity from readers helped him transition to writing full-time.
  2. Pre-ordering a book can significantly impact its success by influencing bookstore orders, placement, and potential to become a bestseller.
  3. The book "Troubled" contains personal narratives about foster care, social class, and challenging societal norms, aiming to promote important conversations in the culture.

Introducing a new way to publish from the Substack app

Substack • 1669 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Apps Publishing Software Mobile Digital Tools
  1. The Substack app now has a new mobile editor that lets you write and publish posts directly from your phone. This makes it easier to reach your audience anytime and anywhere.
  2. You can create simple text and image posts, which is perfect for quick updates or sharing casual moments. The app saves your drafts automatically too.
  3. Currently, there are still some limitations, like not being able to edit published posts in the app. More features, like video posts and scheduling, are planned for the future.

A Note on Literacy from Brother Martin XoPo

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading Writing Publishing Culture Criticism
  1. Literacy is changing in our fast-paced world. It's important to keep up with how people read and share information.
  2. New publications, like The Metropolitan Review, are trying to bring fresh ideas to the boring literary scene. They aim to shake things up and inspire new conversations.
  3. Engaging with technology and machine evolution is crucial for the future of reading. We need to blend the old ways with new innovations to thrive.

The end of the live streamer mega deals

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Streaming Marketing Content creation Publishing
  1. Many livestreamers who signed huge contracts with platforms like YouTube and Mixer are now returning to Twitch as their contracts end. It shows a shift back to where they started, highlighting the unpredictable nature of streaming deals.
  2. Podcasts, especially video podcasts, are growing in value and popularity. They offer creators a chance to reach more people and compete better with big media, but they still aren't fully recognized by traditional media companies.
  3. Apple TV+ is cleverly marketing its shows by giving away earlier seasons for free on platforms like Roku. This approach can attract new subscribers and create buzz for upcoming seasons, but not all streaming services are doing this.

Why are famous writers suddenly terrible when they write on Substack?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7343 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing Authors Publishing Substack
  1. When famous writers switch to Substack, their writing often changes in quality and style.
  2. Traditional publishing involves a pipeline of manuscript workshops, agent and editor contributions that can shape a writer's work.
  3. Writing online on platforms like Substack demands more frequent and authentic output compared to industry standards.

New Year's Wishes for Substack

Castalia • 979 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Creative Expression Community Innovation
  1. Substack should focus on great writing. The platform needs more individual voices and unique styles, rather than just advice and shortcuts among writers.
  2. People need to realize that publishing isn't the only measure of quality. A lot of interesting writing is happening outside traditional outlets, and more folks should engage with that.
  3. It's important for Substack to keep supporting free speech. This allows for a more open and creative environment where writers can express themselves freely without unnecessary moderation.

15 Random Things That Will Probably Help Your Publishing Career Much More Than an MFA Ever Could (or Writers’ Conferences, or AWP)

How to Glow in the Dark • 839 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Success Career Commercial
  1. Success in book publishing is unique and can't be replicated by following the traditional path
  2. MFAs and writers' conferences have value, but they don't guarantee commercial success as an author
  3. Factors like platform, artistic skill, and personal artistic style are crucial for achieving a big book deal