The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 13 Mar 24
  1. Facebook is shifting away from news content, with recent actions including shutting down its news tab and restricting news links on its platforms like Instagram and Threads.
  2. Publishers have seen a decline in Facebook traffic over the years, as the platform has deprioritized news pages since the aftermath of the 2016 election.
  3. Many publishers blame Meta for not compensating them adequately, leading to lobbying efforts by publishers globally to force Meta to the bargaining table.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jun 23
  1. Medium has a Boost Program where selected stories get more exposure. This is great for writers who want their work to be seen by more people.
  2. There are 62 Community Nominators who can suggest stories for Boosting. Joining the right publications can help writers get their stories nominated.
  3. Writers can reach out to specific Medium publications to get their stories reviewed and potentially Boosted. Each publication has its own focus, so it's important to match your story with the right one.
vrk loves paper β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
  1. The main goal is to create a magazine called Pouch, but the bigger dream is to develop software called Pouch Studio for paper lovers. This software will help people easily make both paper and digital crafts.
  2. Marketing Pouch is challenging, and the author is trying different methods like Instagram, featuring creators, and attending fairs to spread the word and build a community around paper crafting.
  3. The author wants to make a fun, engaging magazine to support paper enthusiasts while learning more about design and marketing. Feedback from readers is important to know if Pouch is succeeding.
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Singal-Minded β€’ 1168 implied HN points β€’ 10 May 23
  1. Americans are open to learning about racism, but dislike the way educated liberals discuss it.
  2. Authors facing censorship challenges can spark public outcry and bring attention to important issues.
  3. Culture wars and book banning in schools raise questions about offensive content and editorial processes.
Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet β€’ 466 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 24
  1. Data produced in just one minute in 2023 was 169,371 times more than produced in the entire 18th century.
  2. The analogy of
  3. pissing into the ocean
  4. implies the massive amount of data being generated daily being like a drop in the vast ocean.
  5. The role of a writer has evolved significantly from the 18th century, with the digital era signaling the end of traditional writing as we knew it.
The Fairest Writer β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 17 Sep 24
  1. Writing should be about improving your skills, not just getting published. Focusing on growth makes you a better writer.
  2. Publication is just an indicator of your writing ability, like a chess rating. It’s not the main goal; getting better is.
  3. It's important to write for yourself and learn, rather than stress about where you’ll get published. The right opportunities will come when you improve.
Nice Try β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 12 Apr 24
  1. There are two writing workshops coming up in New York City. One is a ten-week course for intermediate and advanced writers, and the other is a three-day intensive for novel writing.
  2. The ten-week workshop will help writers improve their skills from individual sentences to complete stories. It costs $550 and runs from May 7 to July 9.
  3. The three-day workshop focuses on editing and finalizing a complete manuscript. It costs $1800 and will take place on August 16-18.
ailogblog β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. Bureaucracy is essential for large organizations to manage data and control, but it can hinder community-building, and many share grievances about bureaucratic systems.
  2. Generative AI has the potential to transform bureaucratic processes in universities, leading to anxiety and excitement among bureaucrats, requiring a shift towards positive and pragmatic change.
  3. Educational bureaucracies can benefit from design thinking, incremental experiments, and a hybrid persona of intellectual-bureaucrat to create better structures that support teaching and learning.
Substack β€’ 392 implied HN points β€’ 28 Mar 24
  1. You can now watch videos on your About pages, making it easier to express your mission and connect with readers.
  2. Substack added a feature to find popular posts by country using a world map, helping you discover new content globally.
  3. You can upload your own transcripts for videos, and share specific moments in a video through timestamped links.
Substack β€’ 281 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 24
  1. Publishers can now share videos directly in their Chat space, which helps them connect with subscribers better.
  2. The Substack app has new features, like controlling video autoplay and the ability to embed YouTube and Spotify links in notes.
  3. Substack is hosting community events and encourages publishers to share their milestones and news.
Journo Resources - The Opportunities β€’ 297 implied HN points β€’ 19 Sep 23
  1. Various job opportunities in journalism are available, including roles at ITV, Notts TV, and The Conversation.
  2. Salaries for journalism roles range from Β£20,000 to Β£60,000 per year.
  3. There are also freelance opportunities and programs to support underrepresented groups in the journalism field.
Shades of Greaves β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 20 Oct 23
  1. Social media followings are crucial for authors as publishers consider the 'platform' when deciding on book deals.
  2. Self-publishing a book involves challenging odds, as most books sell fewer than 300 copies in their lifetime.
  3. Tracking and analyzing book sales data is essential for authors in understanding promotional tactics' effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Litverse β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 22
  1. Books have not necessarily gotten shorter as predicted due to digital influence. In fact, the average book length has increased.
  2. The envisioned innovative ways for writers to monetize books, such as through related content packages and modular literature, have not been widely implemented.
  3. The shift towards short stories as a marketing tool and the importance of visibility from magazines and e-zines over cash prizes did not become mainstream trends as predicted.
Notes from a Small Press β€’ 84 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 24
  1. Many people aren't reading books as much as they used to. This makes it tough for publishers to find audiences.
  2. Publishers need to think creatively to reach new readers. They might need to change their marketing strategies.
  3. Creating engaging and relevant content could help get more people interested in reading again. Finding fun ways to share stories may attract new fans.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club β€’ 459 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 23
  1. Substack allows anyone to create a newsletter quickly and easily, which can lead to significant earning potential. It's a great way for writers to share their work and connect with readers.
  2. Alicia Kennedy's story shows that even a simple mistake, like accidentally enabling the paid subscription option, can turn a hobby into a source of income. She built a successful newsletter with thousands of subscribers and made over $2,000 a month.
  3. Starting a newsletter can open up many opportunities, like connecting with publishers or getting recognized by major media outlets. Even a small following can lead to financial gain and personal growth in the writing field.
The Leftovers β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 23
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey in 2023, touching on the challenges and aspirations of writing for a living but not yet making enough income from it.
  2. The author shares their top ten favorite pieces written in 2023, discussing various topics from AI in art to the struggles of indie writers in the literary world.
  3. Predictions for 2024 include memoirs and Substacks created by AI, highlighting the evolving nature of technology's impact on self-expression and literature.
Musings on Markets β€’ 899 implied HN points β€’ 25 Mar 22
  1. The author started blogging in 2008 and has written over 600 posts on finance topics since then. This blogging experience has helped him rethink his views and develop new ideas.
  2. He is moving his blog from Google Blogger to Substack because it allows him to easily transfer his old posts and offers a better format for readers.
  3. Both platforms will continue to host his posts, and he encourages readers to choose between them while assuring that the experience will remain similar.
vrk loves paper β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 24
  1. Pouch is available for preorder, and it's an indie magazine for paper lovers. The first issue has 22 pages and is set to ship around April/May 2024.
  2. The author is excited yet curious about how people will receive Pouch. They've put a lot of love and effort into this project, and it's a big milestone for them.
  3. A new zine store called Pouch Cafe is also launching, selling their various zines. They feel more legit as a zine maker now that they have a store, even if they sell zero zines.
How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 28 Sep 23
  1. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the American publishing industry.
  2. During tough times, unconventional strategies and adapting to the audience's needs can lead to success.
  3. Observing consumer behavior and offering affordable options helped Crown Publishers thrive post-Depression.
Breaking Smart β€’ 45 implied HN points β€’ 28 Dec 24
  1. The focus is shifting away from annual summaries to a more thoughtful exploration of writing themes. This change aims to reflect a clearer narrative in the work.
  2. Serialized projects will be replaced by standalone posts, as the writer wants to stay focused and adapt better to the Substack format.
  3. The newsletter price will increase soon, but current subscribers can lock in their rates by subscribing before the change happens.
Shades of Greaves β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 20 Apr 23
  1. The author finished writing a book and is now preparing for proofreading and printing, with an option for pre-ordering.
  2. The author highlights the importance of supporting Black women athletes and shares recent writing on the topic of criticisms in sports.
  3. The newsletter includes a fun and humorous quiz comparing Thomas Pynchon novels to 90's R&B groups, showcasing light-hearted content.
The Reclamation Era β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
  1. The author finished writing a book after many months of hard work and revisions, organizing her thoughts and ideas like puzzle pieces.
  2. She felt a strong emotional connection to her late friend while writing, which motivated her to complete the book.
  3. The final manuscript turned out to be 191 pages long, which has special significance to her as it's her lucky number.
Journo Resources - The Opportunities β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 23
  1. The newsletter shares job opportunities at various organizations like ITV and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism.
  2. Encouragement to rest and recharge during the holiday season to improve job application quality.
  3. Updates on a magazine cover reveal and sales initiative for the upcoming yearbook.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 18 Mar 23
  1. Being consistent in your creative work helps you connect with your audience. When you show up regularly, it shows that your voice matters.
  2. Writing and publishing often helps you improve your skills and gain confidence. Each story you share is a step towards becoming a better writer.
  3. Your words can inspire and impact others in ways you may not realize. Publishing consistently can create a ripple effect that reaches many people.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter β€’ 224 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
  1. The media did not experience the usual election year audience boost due to low competition in the primaries, potentially affecting their revenue opportunities.
  2. Entrepreneurs in niche media areas like news sites, podcasts, and newsletters are being sought for coverage and interviews by the newsletter author.
  3. Empowering Cloud, a media company focused on Microsoft cloud products, was founded by Tom Arbuthnot to educate audiences and provide content within a community platform.
How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 18 Sep 23
  1. Developing characters in writing by giving them a want and a need makes them interesting and integral to the plot.
  2. Personal experiences and real-life inspirations can shape fictional character arcs and storylines.
  3. Having a clear vision and partnership can drive success, but challenges and expectations may not always align as planned.
Notes from a Small Press β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 25
  1. It’s important for writers to understand the role of agents in the publishing industry. Agents can help negotiate deals and represent a writer's best interests.
  2. Awards can play a big role in a writer's visibility and career. Winning an award can open doors and attract new readers.
  3. It's okay to have other jobs while pursuing writing. Many successful authors started out with a day job before making it big.
Slack Tide by Matt Labash β€’ 38 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
  1. There's a Christmas sale on subscriptions for 'Slack Tide', with 30 percent off until Christmas Day. It's a good deal for anyone looking for a new subscription.
  2. The annual subscription price drops to just $35 for the first year, which is cheaper than many fast food items. This makes it an affordable option for readers.
  3. Subscribers can expect honest and entertaining content from 'Slack Tide'. It's a place where readers can engage and participate in discussions, adding to the community feel.