The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Interview: Editor Sean deLone on How Modern Publishing Actually Works

Counter Craft • 681 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  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.

The Cost of Rejection

Lit Mag News Roundup • 1139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Criticism in academia aims to improve writing and research.
  2. In academia, peer reviewers provide feedback without charging fees.
  3. Submitting to literary magazines often incurs costs like reading fees and donations.

Secret Query Tips

Agents and Books • 1139 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Agents may overlook minor details in a query letter if they really like your book.
  2. It's important to include key information about your book in a query, such as title, genre, and word count.
  3. Including your email but not your phone number won't necessarily lead to rejection by agents.
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Investing 101

Investing 101 • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
💼 Business Writing
  1. Build a compounding engine of reading, research, writing, and investing that converts broad exposure to ideas into concrete actions and bets.
  2. Adopt concrete daily and weekly habits to feed that engine — aim for steady reading across categories, a nightly short story/poem/essay routine, and weekly micro essays to capture emerging ideas.
  3. Make investing an explicit output of the process by widening conversational reach, documenting thinking in an investing journal, and publishing portfolio updates, Requests for Startups, and idea notes to strengthen conviction.

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

Substack • 1395 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  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 Writing
  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.

Notebooks in movies

Austin Kleon • 2657 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Notebooks often play important roles in movies. Examples include Indiana Jones' diary and the many notebooks in Se7en.
  2. These notebooks can inspire people to start their own journaling or note-taking habits. Many viewers are motivated to express themselves creatively after seeing these films.
  3. Films frequently explore themes of documentation and memory through notebooks. They show how writing can reflect a character's thoughts and experiences.

Busted: Substack Plagiarism and The Matthew Effect

OK Doomer • 506 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Plagiarism can lead to unfair advantages, allowing some to succeed without real effort. It's sad to see those who cheat go unpunished, while others work hard and struggle.
  2. Real writing takes a lot of effort and dedication, often under tough circumstances. It's frustrating when someone reaps the rewards without putting in the work.
  3. Mindfulness and personal growth should include facing tough issues in the world. Ignoring real problems while promoting self-improvement is misleading and can feel inauthentic.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

the process • 805 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It's important to be proud of your work and accomplishments.
  2. Cultural perspectives on pride can vary, influencing how people perceive it.
  3. Being proud of your writing is essential to navigate the challenges and setbacks in a writing career.

When you miss the big game

TrueHoop • 550 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Writing
  1. No need to watch every game; it's okay to miss some.
  2. Scan recaps and box scores to catch up on missed games.
  3. Use film study to assess players, evaluate coaching, and recognize added skills.

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

Counter Craft • 427 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  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.

My Review of George W. Bush's Substack

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
😂 Humor Writing
  1. He launched a Substack but has only posted once so far. To grow an audience he should publish more often because quantity helps build momentum.
  2. The first post is a straightforward biographical piece about George Washington rather than a personal or sensational essay. It doesn’t use clickbait and might be a tie-in to a movie promotion.
  3. Better visual branding and a bolder, more varied posting strategy would likely attract more subscribers. A fresh banner and more frequent, varied content could help signal seriousness and draw readers in.

Twenty Years Ago, Everyone Thought My Gay Teen Novel Would Flop. They Were Wrong.

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 1002 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author's gay teen novel, Geography Club, was initially rejected by many but went on to become a success, selling over 100,000 copies and being adapted into a feature film.
  2. The publication of Geography Club contributed to a rise in LGBTQ YA literature, leading to more diverse representation in the genre.
  3. The author reflects on the changing landscape of LGBTQ rights since the release of Geography Club, highlighting progress made while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

Vague Blue

gen yeet • 491 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The newsletter has a new name and will feature weekly reviews for subscribers.
  2. The author reflects on a poem by Frank O'Hara and its relevance to their life in New York.
  3. The author discusses influences and mentions relevant reporters and writers in internet culture.

Is Your Worldbuilding Up To Code?

Counter Craft • 530 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Worldbuilding can be done in many different ways, and it's not just about strict rules. Writers should feel free to explore and be creative instead of sticking to one method.
  2. Focusing too much on worldbuilding can cause writers to spend so much time planning that they forget to actually write their stories.
  3. There's a rich history of different storytelling styles that offer unique ways to create worlds, such as surrealism and magical realism, which don't fit into the rigid rules of typical worldbuilding.

Substack Tenets (and viva Sarah Fay!)

Castalia • 979 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing helps us deal with the feeling of being alone. It's surprising that more people don't use writing to fill their time instead of playing games on their phones.
  2. Writing allows people to express themselves without any restrictions from publishers or institutions. It gives a sense of freedom and responsibility in what you say.
  3. Writing can be a personal journey for self-discovery. It lets you explore who you are and find a purpose beyond just making money.

Happy New Year, Dear Readers!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 619 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author feels hopeful for the new year and appreciates the support of readers in 2023 and 2024.
  2. Watching her young daughter learn and get excited brings her joy and optimism.
  3. She shares a personal moment about her daughter reading one of her romance novels, connecting family and creativity.

The Writer as Chimera (and Where Substack Fits In)

Counter Craft • 632 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Being a writer today often means you need to juggle multiple roles, like teaching, freelancing, or using platforms like Substack to support your literary career.
  2. Substack is changing the way writers connect with readers, but it may not completely replace traditional publishing methods. It's a more supportive environment where readers appreciate the creative process.
  3. Writers should look to integrate their various roles and projects, because what you do in one area can help boost another, like turning Substack work into a book deal.

I'm writing a book about Oh Hell

Matt’s Five Points • 199 implied HN points • 11 May 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author is writing a book on Oh Hell, a card game they love and play often. They want to share their passion and knowledge about the game with others.
  2. There is no existing book on Oh Hell, unlike many other card games, which motivates the author to fill this gap in the market.
  3. The book will mix strategy tips with personal stories about the game, showcasing its fun and competitive nature while engaging a broad audience.

We've Come a Long Way

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3655 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author shares their journey from financial struggle to success, highlighting how generosity from readers helped him transition to writing full-time.
  2. Pre-ordering a book can significantly impact its success by influencing bookstore orders, placement, and potential to become a bestseller.
  3. The book "Troubled" contains personal narratives about foster care, social class, and challenging societal norms, aiming to promote important conversations in the culture.

“I am the century’s decay”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 432 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Julia Ostrowski is a new poet whose work reflects on the challenges of being a contemporary poet, especially while dealing with personal relationships and societal issues.
  2. Her poems touch on deep feelings and themes of decay, love, and history, showing a connection to the past while addressing current struggles.
  3. The discussion around 'contemporary poetry' suggests that it's often misunderstood and that poetry is a way of expressing rich meanings rather than just simple emotions.

A Thanksgiving Food Fight

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 133 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. It's okay to complain sometimes, as it can be a way to express feelings and concerns. Complaints can help highlight important issues that need attention.
  2. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we're thankful for, but it's also okay to acknowledge feelings of frustration and resentment. Balancing gratitude with other emotions can be important.
  3. Not everyone feels the need to write a Gratitude Journal, and that's fine. It's about finding your own way to express gratitude without forcing it.

Riding or writing

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Reflecting on the past year is important, like making a list of 100 things that made it special. It's a good way to remember goals and accomplishments.
  2. We lost several influential artists recently, reminding us of their impact on culture and art. Their work continues to inspire many people.
  3. It’s a good season for reading, with many 'best of' book lists coming out. People share their favorites, which is a great way to find new reads.

An essay about a failed essay about failure

The Commonplace • 622 implied HN points • 26 May 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing about failure can be tough and might take away the joy of writing if not approached with the right mindset. It's important to not let the pressure to be clever ruin your passion.
  2. Failure is something everyone experiences, and it's okay to acknowledge it. It can teach us important lessons, especially when we learn to laugh at ourselves and the situation.
  3. Humility comes from recognizing our failures, but it should be approached carefully. It's not just about feeling small, but understanding our place in relation to others and the world.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Offend

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3246 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Christopher Hitchens was known for his formidable skills as a public speaker and debater, with some believing he spoke better than he wrote.
  2. Hitch's reputation as a speaker was so esteemed that one should never speak before, with, or after him, according to advice given to Douglas Murray.
  3. Even before achieving peak celebrity status, Hitchens was recognized for his speaking prowess, particularly evident in his renowned book 'God Is Not Great.'

Hollywood's Real Estate Romance is Over

The Ankler • 923 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The Hollywood industry's writers are facing uncertainty about future work, impacting their ability to invest in real estate.
  2. The soaring real estate market prices in L.A. are making homeownership increasingly unattainable for writers and other entertainment professionals.
  3. The writer strike, combined with other factors like interest rates and taxes, is contributing to a slowdown in real estate transactions across Los Angeles.

2024

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1382 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The newsletter has grown significantly, from 7,000 subscribers in the first year to over 67,000 now. This shows that consistent effort in writing can really pay off.
  2. The book 'Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class' performed well, receiving recognition and even being turned into a potential movie. This highlights how personal stories can resonate with readers.
  3. The author now lives in New York City, which symbolizes a new chapter in their life. It reminds us that change is often part of personal growth.

Ali Abdaal Featured This Medium Writer and Substacker — Here’s the Secret Way to Attract Ali (and Others)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 779 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Building in public can really open up opportunities, like attracting people you admire. It's about sharing your journey and showing your work to the world.
  2. Luck and unexpected moments can play a big role in success. You never know when a chance encounter might lead to something great.
  3. Engaging content and a positive attitude can inspire others, just like Ali Abdaal does with his blend of education and entertainment.

Never stop never stopping

Austin Kleon • 1818 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Creativity thrives on routine; small consistent actions can lead to big results over time.
  2. Feeling overwhelmed can make you consider giving up, but finding a way to keep going can lead to surprising solutions.
  3. Sharing experiences and practices with others can reinforce the value of persistence in creative work.

All good things must begin (again)

Austin Kleon • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Starting fresh can be tough, but it's okay to take your time. Sometimes it helps to focus on the little things that motivate you every day.
  2. Writing isn’t always about creating new ideas; it's also about rediscovering old ones and sharing them again. What you say can still be valuable even if others have said it before.
  3. Using notebook affirmations can uplift your spirit and give you the push you need to create. Remind yourself of your goals and why you love writing to stay inspired.

Turning Off the TV in Your Mind

Counter Craft • 1344 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing fiction is different from watching TV. When you write, you should focus on words and deep thoughts, not just what you see on a screen.
  2. Prose allows writers to control time and characters' inner thoughts. This means you can skip boring details and dive deeper into what characters feel and think.
  3. It's important to remember that Point of View (POV) is subjective in writing. Describe things from a character's perspective to add depth and personality, rather than giving a neutral view like a camera.

I am righting a book

LOL (lots of links) • 884 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The author is writing a book about Wikipedia's cultural history with goofy content.
  2. The author shares cool things they like, such as trademarked exclamation points, Zoom hangouts, and Jeopardy audio as a podcast.
  3. The author also talks about fake reviews in history, events at libraries, and their experience of feeling like they're getting away with writing a book.