The hottest Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Flying Elephants

Story Club with George Saunders • 58 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Protect your art by honestly figuring out the hours, conditions, and habits you need to create, and design a life—including a steady job if necessary—that lets you write consistently.
  2. When the world feels surreal, move past disbelief and treat strange events as material to investigate; ask why they happened and note the small, telling details you can use in fiction.
  3. Accept that fiction often works on a long arc and may not directly argue a political point; aim to write stories that show care, complexity, and human qualities that quietly console and change readers.

On Substack (sigh)

Notes from a Small Press • 79 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Substack has faced criticism and controversies over its policies, leading many writers and readers to leave or stop using the platform. This has created a divide among newsletter creators regarding where to publish.
  2. Many writers rely on Substack for income, and leaving the platform could significantly hurt their earnings. This makes it tough for some to decide whether to stay or leave because the options out there might not be any better.
  3. The idea of creating a newsletter co-op, where writers could collaborate and bundle their subscriptions, was interesting but faced challenges in gaining interest. Without more options for writers, the future of independent newsletters seems uncertain.

SITREP

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1139 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  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.

Google throws publishers a bone

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Google's Discover feature is helping some publishers offset losses from search traffic. This shift shows that not all platforms are the same and offers a small boost to those adapting.
  2. Ghost, a publishing platform, has hit a milestone with over $100 million in subscription revenue. This highlights the growing importance of independent platforms for publishers.
  3. The growing popularity of IMAX theaters is great for premium experiences, but it could hurt traditional cinemas. It's a tricky balance between offering luxury options and keeping it affordable for everyone.
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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 Publishing
  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.

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
  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.

A Small Press Conundrum

Lit Mag News Roundup • 491 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  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.

I'm giving away 100 notebooks + all my digital versions with the hardcover

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 63 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Free physical notebooks are being given away for Black Friday — you just pay US shipping and a discount is applied at checkout.
  2. Buying the premium hardcover bundle includes all digital editions (PDF, EPUB, Kindle), audiobook codes or links, and other freebies if purchased before Christmas; email your receipt to get the files.
  3. This approach mixes price-tiered bundles and gift-giving as experiments in generosity and audience-building, and it comes with a curated list of recommended reads.

Rudeness has consequences

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  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.

The Neo-Romantic Literary Life

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 44 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Literary nightlife and independent magazines have surged, with new reading series and small print and online publications energizing cities like New York, London, Los Angeles, and Paris.
  2. A neo‑Romantic vitalism fuels this moment: people treat live readings, parties, and making art as acts of resistance to tech‑driven life and the urge to turn everything into online content.
  3. The movement operates largely outside legacy publishing and political binaries, lowering social barriers so more people can show up, participate, and prioritize community and the creative act over chasing fame.

I cannot defend this defense of slop

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Lowering the cost of making and sharing media didn’t produce a creative golden age; instead it concentrated attention on a few winners, made mainstream culture more repetitive, and harmed trust in institutions.
  2. Automating discovery with AI isn’t a guaranteed fix—replacing human gatekeepers with profit-driven algorithms can repeat the internet’s problems and worsen content quality and polarization.
  3. Funding models matter: historically profitable intermediaries underwrote risky, less-commercial art and journalism, so if AI generates large profits we should funnel some of that money to human curators and to projects that aren’t immediately profitable.

What Am I Doing Here?

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Creative work can become the main source of purpose in midlife, which feels stressful when big projects stall and you worry about what you’re actually accomplishing.
  2. Opinion and newsletter writing are often about persuasion: targeting persuadable readers, shaping how they think, and nudging them to act, even while competing in an attention economy that can turn reading into workplace distraction.
  3. Writing is also a way to think aloud and invite conversation — valuing understanding and deep engagement over pure influence — while still hoping for a larger, appreciative audience despite realistic limits.

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
  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 Publishing
  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
  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.

What I've Been Reading

Notes from a Small Press • 15 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. The content is behind a paywall and marked as paid, so full access requires a subscription.
  2. A 7-day free trial is offered to let readers access the full post archives before subscribing.
  3. There are clear links to start a trial or to sign in for existing paid subscribers.

Asking for Favors in Publishing? AITA-Edition

SBJournal • 275 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. In the publishing world, asking for favors is common but must be done carefully and thoughtfully.
  2. When seeking advice or assistance, it's important to be considerate, relevant, and professional in your approach.
  3. Do thorough research, provide necessary context, and be humble when asking for help or guidance.

Turning on Paid Subscriptions

By Reason Alone • 80 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Paid subscriptions are now available for the newsletter, and it's a way to support the creator if you appreciate their work. You can choose a monthly or annual subscription.
  2. Subscribers will get some benefits, like priority access to events and possibly the ability to provide feedback on drafts. It's a way to show you're really interested in what they do.
  3. The creator is open about using the income to help with other projects and improve the quality and speed of their content, making it more valuable for subscribers.

off to the printers!!

vrk loves paper • 139 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Publishing
  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.

How to judge a book by its cover

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Books can be seen as special kinds of zines, which makes them more relatable and less intimidating to create.
  2. Understanding how traditional publishing has evolved helps people realize there are many ways to share their stories.
  3. Making zines can be a fun way to learn about publishing and creativity, plus it's easy to do with kids.

Let me hand-write and mail you something. | #99

Castles in the Sky • 34 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. A writer is offering to handwrite and mail a custom, postcard-sized "100th issue" if you fill a short form with your name, email, mailing address, and something on your mind; submissions are free, confidential, and open for about two weeks.
  2. The project is meant to repay readers' attention, try a new medium, and build closer connections by writing personalized notes; the writer will also resurface favorite old issues while mailing and later share photos and lessons from the process.
  3. The effort is time-limited and sized to what the writer can manage (about 1,800 subscribers and a ~30% open rate), so if too many people respond they may need to pick who to reply to; there is no cost or catch, and postage and cards are already provided.

Our community round has opened—let's fund this book!

The Novelleist • 282 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. The community funding round for the book 'We Should Own The Economy' has opened, allowing readers to invest and share in potential profits.
  2. They have already raised almost $60,000 and invite everyone to confirm their investments through a provided link.
  3. There's an open call tonight where participants can ask questions about the book and contribute ideas on how to shape the future of capitalism.

Atrophy of the Writing Muscle

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 593 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Taking a break from writing can feel refreshing and necessary, even for dedicated writers. It's okay to step back and focus on other things for a while.
  2. Writers can experience burnout, which can make it harder to get back into writing. It's important to recover and find a sustainable way to write again.
  3. Creativity may ebb and flow, and it's common for artists to pause after completing big projects. Slow and steady practice can help rebuild writing skills.

Apologies for Nihar Malaviya

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 216 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💼 Business Publishing
  1. Penguin Random House introduced a new CEO, Nihar Malaviya, following a detailed PR strategy.
  2. CEO transitions in big companies involve carefully managed public introductions and media appearances.
  3. Nihar Malaviya's atypical appearance and background challenged typical CEO stereotypes within Penguin Random House.

Book publishing's sonic boom

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  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.

How I Write So Much as an Overthinker

The Algorithmic Bridge • 244 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Sticking to a writing routine can help you publish more often. Even if you start slow, increasing your output over time can make a big difference.
  2. Having a niche helps focus your writing and connect with a specific audience. It makes it easier to create content that resonates with readers.
  3. Finding time to write can be easier without other big commitments like kids or a full-time job. But it's still possible to write regularly while balancing other responsibilities.

Update: I've moved from Substack to beehiiv

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 23 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
💼 Business Publishing
  1. The newsletter has moved from Substack to beehiiv, and all past and future issues are now hosted on the new site.
  2. Subscribers who signed up on or before December 31, 2025 were automatically migrated, and the newsletter URL did not change.
  3. The Substack archives will remain available for now but won’t get new posts, and you should reach out via email or LinkedIn if you run into any issues.

A Luminous, Brave, and Unputdownable Article about Blurbs

Counter Craft • 470 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing
  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.

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 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.

5000 Musical Terms

Dada Drummer Almanach • 9 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Turning thousands of musical terms into a text treats vocabulary itself as a formal experiment, where word lists become poetic material.
  2. Found texts and playful repetition are used to show how repeated statements can start to feel true.
  3. Careful letterpress design and small‑press production frame the project as a crafted art object and connect it to experimental literary circles.

YouTube's last white whale

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💼 Business Publishing
  1. YouTube is growing stronger as more creators make high-quality scripted shows, competing with Hollywood. This shift shows that digital platforms can produce professional-level content and attract large audiences.
  2. Moving companies are now partnering with influencers to promote their services, which is a clever way to save money for both sides. It highlights the power of social media in marketing, even for unexpected industries.
  3. Local news organizations are debating whether to keep paywalls. One paper is trying to be open about its finances, showing that transparency might help them connect better with their audience.