The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Reflecting on 2025 + Reader Survey | #318

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 115 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Prioritized family and creative projects over chasing business growth; spending lots of time with a young child was the year's highlight and brought real joy.
  2. Betting on a premium hardcover and direct-to-reader sales paid off—about 325 copies sold and the launch covered much of the upfront cost, making future sales mostly cash flow positive; expanding store bundles and collectibles looks promising.
  3. The business kept operating but felt like treading water with lower income year-over-year, so the plan is to simplify, experiment with formats and the community, and take a mini-sabbatical to regain focus and momentum in 2026.

The Plagiarism Plague

Lit Mag News Roundup • 884 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Plagiarism in writing is deceitful and can harm an author's reputation.
  2. Being honest and true to your own words is crucial as a writer.
  3. Confronting plagiarism issues can be challenging but necessary for maintaining integrity in the writing community.

Why don't media outlets personalize their homepages?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Most major news outlets haven't personalized their homepages like social media has, which feels surprising given the tech advancements. Publishers often think their audiences prefer a curated experience instead of individualized content.
  2. Patreon is focusing on content discovery outside big tech companies, promoting quality over sensationalism. This could help creators earn more money without relying on engagement-driven algorithms.
  3. The Guardian has gained a strong membership base in the U.S. by directly confronting right-wing extremism, which sets it apart from many American news outlets that shy away from such stances.

Art in the Age of Slop

Counter Craft • 2332 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. There's a rise in formulaic and generic content in art, like books and social media, as creators chase trends instead of focusing on originality. This 'slop' culture is influenced by algorithms that favor imitation over creativity.
  2. Even popular novels can suffer from issues like plagiarism, especially in fast-paced publishing environments where multiple people contribute to the writing. This raises questions about the integrity and originality of the work produced.
  3. Despite the challenges, creating original work is still worthwhile. Unique and thoughtful art can resonate with audiences looking for something different, and it allows creators to express their true selves rather than just following the crowd.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Another Exercise

Story Club with George Saunders • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. A book-promotion tour for Vigil is starting in New York, with many book signings planned and an irregular schedule over the next few weeks, but updates will be provided.
  2. An exercise is shared that focuses on choosing and preference as they relate to editing, and it was learned from artist Lou Stovall.
  3. The post is behind a paywall and intended for paid subscribers.

Office Hours—join our January sessions!

The Novelleist • 76 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Office Hours are moving to Zoom on Fridays from 1–2pm Mountain Time as an experimental change.
  2. Drop in anytime during that hour to talk about projects, research, or whatever’s on your mind.
  3. There’s an in-person option in Salt Lake City if you message to arrange it, and registration/access to the session links is for paid subscribers.

The media industry is bigger than you think it is

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. The media industry is growing, not dying. It's evolving with many new platforms and business models that combine media with other industries.
  2. Self-published authors are using TikTok Shop to sell their books, which can be great but comes with challenges in handling orders and fulfillment.
  3. Streaming services are raising prices significantly, but people continue to subscribe. Many are now canceling services after watching specific shows instead of keeping subscriptions active.

Why Boredom Can Be Good (At Least for Writers)

Counter Craft • 723 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Boredom can actually be good for creativity. Taking time to think without distractions helps ideas grow and develop better.
  2. Substack is helping fill the gap left by traditional media when it comes to book reviews and author interviews, providing a valuable space for deeper engagement with literature.
  3. To be more creative, it’s important to find moments of quiet where you can think freely, like during a walk or while waiting, instead of always being glued to screens.

New Year's Wishes for Substack

Castalia • 979 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  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.

A chance to share writing

Philosophy bear • 92 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. An offer to help writers promote their work by sharing notes, adding them to recommended lists, or reposting excerpts, while making no promises about results.
  2. A candid admission of sometimes feeling overlooked mixed with gratitude for past breaks and a commitment to pay those chances forward by giving others opportunities.
  3. A clear invitation for writers to post their work in the comments so it can get extra visibility and help make the talent market feel less lonely.

Why Heresy Press? Why Now?

Lit Mag News Roundup • 786 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Identity politics is influencing the publishing world, leading to exclusion and censorship.
  2. Writers appreciate editorial guidance and value strong editing for their work.
  3. Quality of work submitted directly by authors can be as high as, or even higher than, work submitted by agents to publishers.

Brooks, Books, and the Imagined Realties of Publishing

Counter Craft • 711 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Literary fiction is a relatively new term, created in the 1980s to describe certain types of books that didn't fit into genre categories. This makes it tricky to discuss if literary fiction has ever truly declined, as it only became a defined category after the '70s.
  2. Today, the influence of traditional gatekeepers like critics and publishers is much weaker. Many popular books find success through social media and grassroots marketing rather than through established media channels.
  3. Even if some people think current bestsellers are not good literature, it’s important to recognize that a lot of readers enjoy what’s popular today. There are many books being published in different styles, and it's possible to find great literature if you look for it.

Why a former New York Times editor launched her own women-focused magazine

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Francesca Donner felt there weren't enough female voices in mainstream media, so she decided to create her own space.
  2. She launched an online magazine called the Persistent, which is all about women writers and perspectives.
  3. Francesca wants to build a strong community through her magazine and is thinking carefully about putting content behind a paywall.

Thanks to subscribers

Thinking about... • 97 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📰 News Publishing
  1. Subscribers are thanked for their support and for following the newsletter through the year.
  2. Paid subscriptions deliver all written and video posts as they are published.
  3. Paid members also get on-demand access to a five-year archive with hundreds of posts, plus special audio and other subscriber-only extras.

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
  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

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 69 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. A new UK edition of the book is available and there are a few upcoming UK events with limited tickets and signed copies for preorder.
  2. A pet recovered from a urinary infection, reminding us not to presume outcomes and to persist calmly through problems, and showing how community support can really help.
  3. Writing advice: you don’t have to surrender to the subconscious to make good work; try different versions, choose the ones that please you, and remember craft tips are just suggestions you can accept or ignore.

The Quietest Paperback Release Ever

Ladyparts • 1278 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The paperback release of Ladyparts by Deborah Copaken had a quiet launch due to a publishing mistake.
  2. Bookstores and readers were not properly informed about the paperback release until last minute.
  3. The author is seeking help to get the paperback into bookstores and into readers' hands after the publishing mishap.

About That Exercise

Story Club with George Saunders • 62 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. A book tour starts in a week with lots of interviews and in-person events that will include book signings, and there’s real excitement about meeting readers.
  2. The U.S. edition of the novel Vigil has arrived, and a special Los Angeles event will feature a conversation plus performances by actors who also read for the audiobook.
  3. Someone compiled a big list of readers’ favorite books from the year and was thanked for the effort, and the post’s content is presented for paid subscribers.

Why BroBible's staff bought the website back from the media company that had acquired it

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 124 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. BroBible's team bought the site back from a media company because they felt it was being neglected and they wanted to regain their creative freedom. They believed they could adapt better to the media landscape as an independent business.
  2. Since becoming independent, BroBible has grown in staff and diversified its revenue through programmatic advertising, events, and social media content. This has allowed them to reconnect with their audience and produce engaging content.
  3. The focus now is on fast and impactful cultural reporting, with plans for more on-the-ground coverage. BroBible aims to capture immediate moments and trends, keeping their brand relevant and connected to their readers.

Revenge of the Dilettantes

Breaking Smart • 98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Publishing
  1. AI makes bespoke, one-off publishing and media workflows cheap and practical, so creators can publish essays, books, and artworks in custom formats instead of forcing them into standard platforms.
  2. AI tools empower dilettantes to be full‑stack creators, letting casual generalists produce art, code, and even robotics projects without needing deep craft mastery.
  3. AI transforms reading and learning by supercharging book clubs and study groups, enabling faster, deeper exploration, translation, and research that turns casual reading into sustained study.

"Oh, You're a Writer?"

Agents and Books • 1297 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. When asked to read someone's book, be kind but firm if it's not your genre
  2. If you have to read a book that's not your taste, be polite but honest in your feedback
  3. If you notice big issues in a book, provide constructive criticism tactfully

Q&A Thursday

Agents and Books • 668 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Focus on finishing your book before worrying about your query letter.
  2. You may change the beginning of your book several times during the drafting process.
  3. Don't stress about revealing too much in your query letter; keep an eye on publishing news instead.

Do You Need to Hire a Marketing Person?

Agents and Books • 1159 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Authors may need help from outside marketing teams if they lack time or marketing expertise.
  2. Search-optimizing author platforms and book pages can help boost book promotion.
  3. Authors should not solely rely on social media for book marketing; there are other effective strategies.

Interview: Editor Sean deLone on How Modern Publishing Actually Works

Counter Craft • 681 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Editors juggle multiple books at different stages, which means they often have less time for in-depth editing. They focus more on larger structural edits instead of fine line editing.
  2. The idea of genres is changing; editors and readers are now more open to books that blend different styles, making it easier for unique stories to get published.
  3. Despite the challenges in publishing, there are positive trends like the rise of independent bookstores and book clubs, which help build community around reading.

Grow: How Mikala Jamison turned her newsletter into a book deal

Substack • 1395 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. It's important to stay consistent with your writing. Keep putting out content regularly and connect with your audience.
  2. Don't stress about how many readers you have at first. Focus on writing what you love, even if it feels like no one is listening.
  3. As your audience grows, you can start charging for your content. Adjust your paywall based on the quality and value you provide over time.

Medium's New Earnings Calculation For Writers: Engage More to Earn More!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1119 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Medium has changed how it calculates earnings for writers. Now, writers can earn more by increasing engagement with their readers.
  2. The new update is designed to encourage writers to produce more compelling content and connect better with their audience.
  3. Overall, these changes are beneficial for passionate online writers looking to grow their earnings and readership.

Should publishers trust Google Discover?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Many news publishers are becoming too reliant on Google Discover for traffic, which can be unpredictable and not as valuable as it seems. This can lead to a cycle of chasing trends without producing meaningful content.
  2. Writing and selling books can be tough for authors because the financial rewards are often not worth the effort put in. Many writers find that they make much less from book sales compared to what they earn in their regular jobs.
  3. For publishers to succeed today, focusing on building a loyal audience and diversifying their income streams is crucial. This can include prioritizing paid subscriptions, newsletters, and community engagement.

Under-the-hood of writing on Substack

Sustainability by numbers • 658 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Building an audience takes time, and almost no one starts with one. Consistently publishing interesting content helps attract more readers over time.
  2. You can potentially make money on platforms like Substack, but it often depends on how engaged your audience is. Even a small, dedicated group can lead to a good income.
  3. Long-form writing is valuable because it allows for deeper exploration of topics. There's always room for new voices, and sharing your insights helps improve public discussions.

The new media, powered by Substack

Substack • 1523 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Publishing
  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.

The American Eschaton is Almost Here

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1787 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Publishing
  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.

Processing: Why Benjamin Percy Is Writing a Novel as a Newspaper with Stephen King

Counter Craft • 427 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Writing a novel as a newspaper is a unique and fun approach that mixes storytelling with a physical format. This idea helps the author connect with readers in a new way.
  2. The author values physical media because it creates a connection to memories and experiences. In today’s digital age, people may start to appreciate real, tangible things more.
  3. Collaborating with famous authors like Stephen King can be exciting and rewarding. Sharing ideas and creativity with established writers can inspire and enrich a project.

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

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7343 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  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.