The hottest Self-Publishing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Have you ugly cried this week? I hope so. (Plus: my thoughts on Taylor Swift's book.)

How to Glow in the Dark • 679 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
📚 Literature Self-Publishing
  1. It's okay to feel your emotions deeply; sometimes crying is part of processing those feelings.
  2. Taylor Swift's upcoming self-published book is shaking up the publishing industry by bypassing traditional methods.
  3. This move could encourage traditional publishers to rethink their strategies and invest in diverse authors instead of focusing only on mega-celebrities.

Unbelievable! How She Secured Her Dream Book Deal (and Went From Unemployed to Published by Penguin)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1498 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
📚 Literature Self-Publishing
  1. Veronica Llorca-Smith, who started writing seriously just two years ago, became a published author with Penguin Random House after self-publishing her first book.
  2. She published four books in one year, including bestsellers, by focusing on consistent writing and utilizing different platforms for marketing.
  3. Veronica cleverly pitched her book idea to Penguin after researching their needs, showing that taking initiative and being strategic can lead to success.

Re-Launch: Secretary Of Perpetual War E-Book

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 642 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📚 Literature Self-Publishing
  1. The e-book Secretary Of Perpetual War has been re-launched and is available as a pay-what-you-want digital download, with a paperback still sold on Amazon.
  2. A Gumroad account suspension blocked downloads and resolving it required a long fight with an AI chatbot before reaching a human, underscoring frustration with automated customer support.
  3. The work is reader-supported and freely shareable, with multiple ways to support or access it including subscriptions, donations (even Bitcoin), and direct download or purchase links.

#8: How to Blow $250 on Ads For Your Self-Published Book

Shades of Greaves • 412 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Self-Publishing
  1. The author tried investing $250 in ads for their self-published book but didn't see good returns, highlighting the challenges of advertising for self-published authors.
  2. Despite spending on ads, the author sold very few copies through Facebook and Amazon, underscoring the risk of not getting desired results from advertising efforts.
  3. Data from the failed ad campaigns is seen by the author as a way to learn and refine future advertising strategies, showing the importance of using past experiences to improve future marketing efforts.
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The Doc Web

escape the algorithm • 718 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎭️ Culture Self-Publishing
  1. A doc created can easily transition from a private space to a public domain with a simple click of a share button.
  2. Google Docs is more than just a word processor; it forms a unique, vast network known as the 'Doc Web' with subtle yet powerful publishing capabilities.
  3. The widespread accessibility and simplicity of Google Docs as a publishing tool can challenge traditional power dynamics and lead to unconventional forms of expression and shared knowledge.

Asking for Favors in Publishing? AITA-Edition

SBJournal • 275 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📚 Literature Self-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.

How to judge a book by its cover

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
📚 Literature Self-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.

Make self-publishing great again

The Leftovers • 219 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
📚 Literature Self-Publishing
  1. The preconception that traditionally-published books are inherently better than self-published ones is flawed; both avenues have their own strengths and weaknesses.
  2. Gatekeeping in the literary world may not always be based on merit, leading to snobbish attitudes towards self-published works.
  3. The way a book is released does not determine its greatness; classic works like those of Proust and Dickens were self-published and have stood the test of time.

Diary Entry #1: Early Numbers

Shades of Greaves • 216 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
💼 Business Self-Publishing
  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.

The Yakverse Chronicles

Breaking Smart • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Self-Publishing
  1. Volume 3 of the Art of Gig series, titled The Yakverse Chronicles, is now available for free online. You can read it at the Art of Gig website.
  2. The Yak Collective, inspired by these stories, has been running for five years and is a rewarding community project. If you're interested in contributing, you can join and show your interest.
  3. AI tools, like ChatGPT, were used to simplify the self-publishing process for the new volume. This makes it easier for authors to publish their work without complicated setups.

I Wrote a Book!

Shades of Greaves • 157 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
📚 Literature Self-Publishing
  1. The author has published a book called 'Spoilers: Essays That Might Ruin Your Favorite Hollywood Movies', which has had an exciting reception.
  2. The author is actively promoting the book through events like book launches, signings, and readings.
  3. The author plans to share insights and data on the self-publishing process in a series called 'The Numbers', aiming to help other self-published authors.

Diary Entry #5: Correlated Numbers

Shades of Greaves • 137 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📚 Literature Self-Publishing
  1. Correlation does not equal causation, a lesson learned through analyzing book sales data.
  2. Promotional efforts like interviews, podcasts, and social media posts contribute to book sales, showcasing the importance of multiple strategies.
  3. Self-publishing involves hard work and dedication to drive sales; creative approaches are needed to boost book sales further.

Creator Interview: Javi Martinez

Pizza Party • 56 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💥 Comics Self-Publishing
  1. Javi thinks that every comic script is unique and his writing process adapts with each project. He used to write prose first but now enjoys storyboarding more.
  2. Having conversations about tough topics, like the connection between religion and politics, is really important. Javi believes we should listen and understand each other instead of just arguing.
  3. Art can be fun and doesn't always need a deep message. Sometimes, it's just about telling a silly story and enjoying creativity, like his parody on Evil Dead.

How To Become a Top Writer on Medium in 2023

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 219 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🚌 Education Self-Publishing
  1. To become a Top Writer on Medium, use the right tags that can actually earn you that status. Avoid tags that are too general or not popular.
  2. I've created a free list of Top Writer tags and a YouTube video explaining my step-by-step process to help you succeed.
  3. When writing, you can use multiple tags to specify your content, but make sure to include some Top Writer tags for better chances.

#7: How to Price Your Self-Published Book

Shades of Greaves • 78 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
💼 Business Self-Publishing
  1. Setting the price for a self-published book involves considering market factors and personal ethics.
  2. Authors often make more royalties selling books online, like Amazon, compared to through bookstores.
  3. Charging more for books might increase royalty percentages but could also impact potential buyers' willingness to pay.

How I Self-Published My Book In 4 Months

The Uncommon Executive • 19 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
💼 Business Self-Publishing
  1. Decide why you are writing a book - legacy, knowledge sharing, or business marketing are common reasons, not making money.
  2. When considering how to publish, options include traditional publishers, smaller publishing services, or self-publishing on platforms like Amazon Kindle.
  3. From writing to publishing a book, budget for costs like editing, proofreading, design, and consider the timeline - it took the author 4.5 months.

Free Audiobook and Analog September Announcement

From the Desk • 18 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
📚 Literature Self-Publishing
  1. You can now get my self-published audiobook 'Under the Long White Cloud' for free on Apple and Google Books. It uses AI narrators, so there's no charge.
  2. Next month, I'm trying an 'Analog Month' where I will use less technology and more traditional methods, like reading physical books and using a paper calendar.
  3. If you want to join me in going analog for September, feel free to share your experiences. I'll include them in my October newsletter.

Diary Entry #2: Discovery Numbers (And a Quick Favor)

Shades of Greaves • 39 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
💼 Business Self-Publishing
  1. The author's book has launched on Reedsy Discovery, a platform connecting authors with readers. Getting support through upvotes, comments, and reviews can help increase visibility for the book.
  2. Paid press opportunities like Reedsy Discovery can cost money but may lead to more book sales and broader exposure. For instance, with a $50 cost, selling 10 books could break even and expand the book's reach.
  3. Free press through interviews, newsletter features, and social media shoutouts has been crucial in promoting the author's book, demonstrating the value of media coverage in reaching potential readers.

A decade of disappointments

Thoughts on Writing • 179 implied HN points • 24 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Self-Publishing
  1. The inspiration behind the Disappointments Diary stemmed from a reaction to the overwhelming positive messages on social media, highlighting the importance of addressing toxic positivity and embracing emotional realism.
  2. The Negative Path to Happiness, as advocated by authors like Oliver Burkeman, suggests that embracing uncertainty and insecurity can lead to a more lasting form of contentment than relying solely on positive thinking.
  3. Navigating the ups and downs of a creative project involves quixotic optimism, distribution challenges, and the contextual nature of optimism, especially in the realms of social media and politics.

How to Write a Novel

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 31 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
📚 Literature Self-Publishing
  1. Writing a novel doesn't require a detailed outline. It's more about moving from scene to scene and discovering the story as you go.
  2. Keep writing even if you're unsure about the plot or ending. It's important to finish the work and worry about the details later.
  3. You should write for yourself and not focus on markets or trends. A novel is an expression of your creativity, and it should feel meaningful to you.

Betting On Myself | #219

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 136 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
💼 Business Self-Publishing
  1. Choosing yourself and prioritizing work that matters to you over financial gains.
  2. Being open to new opportunities that align with your values and goals.
  3. Building a career based on self-ownership and independence rather than relying on external validation or partnerships.