The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

How to market a book in the age of TikTok

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Authors can now connect directly with their readers through platforms like Substack and TikTok, making it easier to build an audience.
  2. The book market is very competitive since there are more books published each year, but there are also new opportunities like podcasts for authors to promote their work.
  3. Key strategies for selling books include choosing the right cover, working with influencers, and using targeted advertising, especially on Amazon.

Mathematics of Machine Learning official release announcement!

The Palindrome • 8 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Mathematics Education Publishing Programming
  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.
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SITREP

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1139 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Writing Publishing Genres
  1. Upcoming MEET-UP in Chicago on 6/9/2023 may have changes; stay tuned for updates.
  2. Exciting developments in content creation with Season 2 of MINDPHASER podcast and 7HOMAS TV channel in progress.
  3. Dedicated time on book manuscripts, including the third installment of the STEELSTORM series and a book on international jurisprudence.

My 1500th Published Story - 10 Kickass Medium Writing and Monetization Tips

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 859 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Monetization Online Content Creative Process
  1. Online writing requires mastering the craft to improve your skills. Practice makes perfect, so writing regularly is important.
  2. Monetizing your writing can be achieved through different strategies. Finding the right approach will help turn your passion into income.
  3. Engagement with your audience is key to success. Building a strong connection can lead to more readers and better reach.

The Rotor

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Creativity Personal essays Art
  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.

What we publishing people can learn from that Cloudflare layoff TikTok brouhaha

How to Glow in the Dark • 359 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Publishing Media Workplace culture Social media Organizational Culture
  1. Lesson from Cloudflare layoff: There are useful lessons for everyone in handling layoffs and difficult conversations professionally.
  2. Lesson from Brittany's experience: Be prepared, question feedback that doesn't make sense, and stand up for yourself in professional settings.
  3. Lesson on organizational culture: Though industries may differ, there can be overlap in challenges like attracting talent and handling social media crises.

How writers and creators are using Notes to reach more subscribers

Substack • 516 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
💼 Business Publishing Marketing Content creation Social media Entrepreneurship
  1. Posting three or more thoughtful notes can lead to 50% more subscribers when launching your Substack. It's a powerful way to connect ideas and people.
  2. Notes can be used to experiment with content and get quick feedback from your audience. This helps you develop ideas that your subscribers will like.
  3. Sharing personal stories and engaging with your community through Notes helps build trust and a stronger relationship with your readers.

A Small Press Conundrum

Lit Mag News Roundup • 491 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📚 Literature Publishing Writers Books
  1. Dilemma of dealing with publishers exploiting writers while also publishing quality work.
  2. Questioning how to balance calling out unethical practices of publishers with supporting good literature.
  3. Uncertainty on how to address publishers that mistreat writers yet produce valuable content.

Rudeness has consequences

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Communication Publishing Community Standards
  1. Rudeness can lead to real consequences. It’s important to treat others with respect, or there may be penalties.
  2. The author has decided to limit communication to only paying subscribers due to rude comments from some free subscribers.
  3. Polite requests for help are always welcome, but persistent rudeness will result in being blocked from contacting.

Apologies for yet more radio silence/forthcoming book

Building a New Economics • 275 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🚌 Education Economics Research Publishing Finance
  1. The author has been busy working on a new book and various projects for BC4LS.
  2. The new book includes chapters on economics, pricing, energy, and the role of neoclassical economics in misleading about global warming.
  3. The author plans to release the manuscript to financial supporters only to avoid jeopardizing potential sales for the publisher.

One year of Substack Notes—now with video and external embeds

Substack • 702 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media Publishing Content creation Digital marketing Online Communities
  1. Substack Notes has grown significantly over the past year, attracting many new subscriptions for writers. This shows how important online conversations are for discovering and sharing content.
  2. Writers can now share their notes outside of Substack by embedding them on other websites. This helps their work reach a bigger audience and gain more recognition.
  3. Substack is focused on empowering creators by giving them control over their content and revenue. Unlike traditional social media, most money earned goes directly to the writers.

This is a time publishers ought to be investing and exploring new territory vs. laying people off and hunkering down. So why are so few of the big companies doing that?

How to Glow in the Dark • 559 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💼 Business Publishing Financials Management Earnings Investments
  1. This is a challenging time for publishers to invest and innovate, yet many big companies are not doing so.
  2. Major publishing companies are facing reduced earnings despite increased sales, leading to layoffs and cost-cutting measures.
  3. The industry's response to financial challenges has mainly involved squeezing employees and authors, rather than focusing on long-term growth and support.

Story: THE HANDOVER

So Here’s a Thing • 491 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Story Publishing Fiction
  1. The first story in the online collection is free for everyone, but subsequent ones are for paid subscribers only.
  2. Readers can download the story in various formats like Apple Books, generic ePub, Kindle, and PDF.
  3. Instructions on how to download and read the story on different devices are provided in the post.

How Nominators on Medium Evaluate Stories for Boost (With Killer Insider Interview)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 479 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
💼 Business Publishing Marketing Content creation Digital Strategy Media
  1. Medium's Boost Program helps writers get more views and earnings by promoting their stories to a wider audience.
  2. There are over 60 Boost Nominators on Medium who help select great stories to get a Boost.
  3. Nominators look for unique and insightful stories, not just those from popular writers, so having a small following doesn't stop you from being noticed.

Deleted scenes, essays, updates, and plans, or a lack thereof

The Lifeboat • 195 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Essays Publishing Reviews Artistic expression
  1. The author has written several essays addressing themes like Truth, Freedom, and the impacts of authoritarianism, influenced by their experiences in Russia. These essays aim to engage readers and connect with their book.
  2. Cultural commentary includes a notion of finding humor in others' reactions to opinions that challenge their beliefs, emphasizing a sense of detached amusement rather than vindictiveness.
  3. Positive reviews for the author's work from unfamiliar readers suggest that the book resonates widely, even beyond its original context, which boosts the author's confidence in their storytelling.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 11/11/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 194 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books History Culture Writing Publishing
  1. Horses have played a huge role in human history, helping with farming and trade. They allowed people to transport more goods and develop agriculture more efficiently.
  2. Dogs and cats have different roles in our lives. While dogs have been our working partners for thousands of years, cats are more companions that bring us joy.
  3. Many of today's educated elites don't understand the views of the majority. This disconnect can lead to problems in a democratic society, as it might affect how political systems work.

off to the printers!!

vrk loves paper • 139 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Illustration Publishing Marketing Stationery
  1. The first issue of Pouch magazine is ready for printing. It has 50 pages packed with content for stationery lovers and journalers.
  2. A new cover design was created to better represent what Pouch is about. It now clearly targets a specific audience and reflects the magazine's fun vibe.
  3. The creator is taking time to develop Pouch carefully, treating the first issue as a pilot study to gauge interest and improve their skills in print design.

Total Editor Death

The Carousel • 32 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Writing Creativity Publishing
  1. The role of editors is really important for great writing; many famous writers had editors who helped shape their work. Without skilled editors, quality in mainstream writing seems to be declining.
  2. Today's editors often don't believe in finding true talent and instead focus on what's already popular. This can limit the discovery of new, unique voices.
  3. Creative industries seem stuck in a loop, choosing familiar successes over new ideas because of decision fatigue. There's hope that this might change as more people explore DIY platforms for fresh talent.

Trust the Critic?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Criticism Publishing Fiction Cultural Commentary
  1. There is less honest criticism of books because many critics are now freelancers and also writers. This makes them less likely to be negative about new books that could affect their own careers.
  2. Critics used to challenge well-known authors more freely and offer varied opinions, but now they often just give praise without saying what's really bad about a book. This makes it hard for readers to know which novels are really worth their time.
  3. New platforms like Substack are giving space to honest voices in criticism. This shift could bring back more genuine discussions about literature instead of the bland, safe reviews we often see now.

Book publishing's sonic boom

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Audiobooks Publishing Authors Industry Sales
  1. Audiobooks continue to experience significant growth, representing a considerable portion of book sales.
  2. Audible, owned by Amazon, remains dominant in the audiobook market, with a large lead over competitors like Spotify and Apple.
  3. The audiobook industry is crowded, with various retail platforms and production houses vying for content and market share.

Building the next generation of media brands on Substack

Substack • 593 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Media Publishing Digital Customization Features Branding
  1. Substack has introduced new themes and search options to help creators customize their publications. This means writers can make their sites look different and more engaging.
  2. Improved search features allow readers to find specific content quickly. Now, they can easily search for topics or authors across all posts.
  3. The Bulwark, a successful Substack publication, moved its entire site to Substack to take advantage of these new features and saw a significant increase in subscribers and revenue.

Publishing Amid the AI Deluge

Risk Musings • 458 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction AI Publishing Writing Career
  1. During the pandemic, there was a surge in manuscript submissions to publishers.
  2. AI technology like ChatGPT is being used to generate online book content, affecting discoverability and quality.
  3. The future of novel-writing as a career is uncertain due to AI's impact on the industry, with potential polarization into superstars and hobbyists.

Jobs and Opps at HuffPost UK, Full Fact, Business Insider, NFU, and Many, Many More 🥂

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 277 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
💼 Business Employment Media Writing Mentoring Publishing
  1. A variety of journalism job opportunities are available in different locations with competitive salaries, such as in unscripted TV development, social content creation, and editorial roles.
  2. New Year's Resolutions may not always be practical or realistic for everyone, and setting smaller goals or guidelines can be just as beneficial in journalism work.
  3. Various organizations are offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and cash prizes for journalists, writers, and content creators to support their career growth and development.

Post stats in the app, video clipping, and a new masterclass for creators

Substack • 360 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
💼 Business Publishing Marketing Content creation Community Building
  1. The Substack app now has a feature to show important stats for posts, helping creators see where their new subscribers come from.
  2. There's a new video clipper tool to help users create short video clips easily from their content.
  3. Substack is offering a masterclass specifically for video creators, providing them with valuable insights and skills.

What's American Fiction Without the Short Story?

Counter Craft • 578 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Short Stories American Literature Authorship Publishing
  1. Short stories are integral to American literature and are considered a quintessential American literary form.
  2. The declining prestige of short stories is noted, despite the vibrant and alive nature of the form in American letters.
  3. Short stories face challenges due to lack of space in magazines, minimal big publisher support, and the popularity bias towards novels.

Read the world

Substack • 551 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Creativity Community Globalization Publishing
  1. Substack is helping writers globally connect and create a supportive community. It's important for creators to find others who understand their journey.
  2. A new world map on Substack makes it easier for people to discover popular writings from different countries. This tool helps writers reach a wider audience.
  3. Substack is introducing various payment methods and masterclasses to support writers in new regions, allowing them to earn in local currencies and learn how to succeed on the platform.

Why hasn’t the mainstream media embraced paid podcasts?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 573 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Media Subscription Publishing Marketing Startups
  1. Paid podcasts have seen success with small networks and creators, but traditional media outlets have been hesitant to embrace them.
  2. Platforms like Patreon and tools from Apple and Spotify have made subscribing to paid podcasts easier, yet major publishers are still not fully exploring this opportunity.
  3. Some media companies like Slate and The Economist are finding success with paid podcasts and hard paywalls, showing potential for revenue growth in these areas.