The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

My Problem with Clear Writing

The Honest Broker • 10173 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Clarity isn't always the best goal; sometimes obscure or complex writing preserves nuance and rewards careful, patient reading.
  2. Forcing writers into a crystal-clear style can stifle their voice and creativity, leaving the writing dull and lifeless.
  3. Calling difficult writing meaningless is often unfair — challenging texts can contain real insight if readers slow down and engage differently.

18 Paying Pitch Calls and a Chance to Write About Chilly Movies

The Sub Club Newsletter • 317 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. There are 18 different pitch calls available this week for writers looking to get paid. It's a great chance for anyone to get their stories published.
  2. Writers should focus on making their stories feel timely and relevant. Adding a current angle to historical topics can help attract interest.
  3. There's a free workshop available to learn how to write effective pitches. It can help improve your chances of getting published by teaching you what editors want.

How To Build Your Own Tower

The Ruffian • 460 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Build a personal "tower"—regular, intentional solitude or focused time—to get distance and perspective from the nonstop news and information feed. Without those retreats you can get anxious and lose control over what you think about.
  2. Keep a disciplined daily habit like freeform writing or journaling; short, consistent sessions help ideas germinate and feed larger creative projects. This practice captures stray thoughts and turns them into usable material.
  3. Stay open to the world but choose when to engage with it, not the other way around. Controlling your information diet and stepping back sometimes leads to clearer judgment and better work.

Writers Against AI

The Abbey of Misrule • 1013 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. AI is becoming able to write novels, poems, and scripts that may be indistinguishable from human work, threatening to devalue and replace human storytelling. This risks saturating culture with machine-made stories and eroding what it means to create and understand real human narratives.
  2. Writers and readers can choose to resist by refusing to use AI, refusing to support AI-produced work, and actively backing creators whose work is entirely human-made. A grassroots pledge and visible symbols let people signal that commitment and build mutual support.
  3. The rise of AI brings wider social and security dangers — from mass copyright theft to outsourcing intellectual labor and the prospect of systems that outpace human control. These stakes mean individuals and communities must deliberately set limits and protect spaces where human culture and agency can survive.

197 Recently Opened Submission Calls, Upcoming Deadlines, Contests, Theme Calls and more

The Sub Club Newsletter • 416 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There are 197 new opportunities for writers to submit their work, including calls for submissions, contests, and themed projects. It's a great time for writers looking for places to share their stories.
  2. This week has a variety of submission deadlines, including 105 newly opened calls and 38 last chance submissions. Keeping track of these can help writers stay organized and ensure their work gets seen.
  3. Writers can also participate in upcoming submission accountability sessions, which provide casual support and feedback while submitting work. These sessions can be motivating and helpful for overcoming submission anxiety.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Sub Club Weekly Digest #3

The Sub Club Newsletter • 456 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Check the media kit of magazines to find their readership numbers. This helps you know their audience when thinking about submitting your work.
  2. There's a 20% discount on a horror writing workshop. It's a good chance to learn more about writing in that genre.
  3. Weekly submission accountability hours are available for support. Join to ask questions about submitting your work.

Always have a book with you

Austin Kleon • 3197 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Always carry a book with you. Keeping a book on hand helps you use spare moments for reading instead of reaching for your phone.
  2. Read multiple books at once. Mixing up your reading can create interesting connections between different ideas.
  3. Leave books in various spots around your home. This way, you'll find opportunities to pick one up and read a bit whenever you see it.

Editing is Only Good If the Editing is Good and a Lot of Editing is Not Good

Freddie deBoer • 5631 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Editing isn’t inherently good — it only helps when it’s done well, and bad or excessive editing can deaden a writer’s voice.
  2. Saying “this needs an editor” is often a vague, condescending put‑down that functions as gatekeeping rather than offering concrete, helpful critique.
  3. The collapse of traditional newsrooms and precarious career incentives produce inexperienced, performative editing; we need the right kind of editing and better professional conditions to cultivate real editorial skill.

18 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Editors are looking for timely pitches, especially relating to current news like climate change or elections. It's a good idea to tie your story to something happening right now.
  2. Evergreen pitches may take longer to get responses since editors are focused on urgent topics. Follow up on these pitches and consider adding a current news angle to make them more appealing.
  3. There are many paid writing opportunities available from respected publications like the BBC and Huffington Post. It's a great time to share your ideas and seek those writing gigs.

Audiences Prove that Experts Are Dead Wrong

The Honest Broker • 32315 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. People are now gravitating towards longform content, like movies and videos, instead of shorter clips. This shows that audiences want deeper, more engaging experiences.
  2. Experts have miscalculated trends, thinking that shorter content is the future. However, the audience's preference for longer, immersive storytelling is proving them wrong.
  3. The rise of longform content represents a cultural shift, with audiences rejecting quick, addictive media in favor of richer experiences that build lasting connections.

28 Recently Opened Submission Calls, Upcoming Deadlines, Contests, Theme Calls and more

The Sub Club Newsletter • 475 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There are 28 new places for writers to submit their work. This is great news for anyone looking to share their writing.
  2. Some calls for submissions have deadlines coming up soon, so it's important to act quickly if you're interested.
  3. There are also contests and theme calls available this week, offering more chances for recognition and publication.

Life in the matrix

Austin Kleon • 2877 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Life consists of three stages: anticipation, experience, and recall. Enjoy the waiting time before an event to boost overall happiness.
  2. Writing can create more worry than actual suffering. Try to dedicate specific time for writing and not think about it outside those moments.
  3. For enjoyable activities like vacations, embrace the planning and recall process to extend the joy of the experience. Taking photos and journaling can enhance the memories.

Why I have been writing a niche history blog for 15 years

Res Obscura • 5909 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
💾 History Writing
  1. The author has been writing a niche history blog for 15 years because they enjoy sharing unique and interesting historical topics that aren’t widely discussed elsewhere.
  2. The shift from traditional blogging to platforms like Substack has revived their passion for writing and connecting with a community of like-minded readers.
  3. The blogging landscape has changed dramatically over the years, moving away from low-stakes, conversational content to a more click-bait and social media-driven environment.

9 Agents Seeking Memoirs

The Sub Club Newsletter • 594 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There are nine agents currently looking for memoirs, which is a great opportunity for writers in that genre.
  2. Upcoming changes to the newsletter will include more insights and tips about the querying process from experienced writers and agents.
  3. Writers can use the Query Hotline and new chat features to ask questions and share experiences about getting published.

Sub Club Weekly Digest #2 (ish)

The Sub Club Newsletter • 495 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There are new features on Chill Subs that show popular and competitive literary magazines. This helps writers find where to submit their work.
  2. The Submitter's Club offers help in getting work submitted to magazines. Members can submit their pieces and receive personalized recommendations.
  3. A new column called Story Doctors will answer craft questions about writing. Writers can submit their work for feedback and tips on improving their pieces.

Being a Writer in the Age of the Influencer

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 5284 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writers today need to build a personal brand on social media to reach their audience effectively. Simply writing isn't enough; they must engage and connect with people online.
  2. Content creation is key for writers, but it shouldn't be just ads. Sharing interesting and entertaining posts helps build a loyal following and creates interest in their actual work.
  3. The landscape for writers has changed, with many preferring video and audio over reading. To succeed, writers have to adapt and become more versatile by using different media.

Q & A edition: on volatility in publishing (and candles)

How to Glow in the Dark • 439 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. When querying agents about a new book, it's fine to directly email them if they previously showed interest. Just make sure to update the subject line and include your new manuscript.
  2. Publishing is a partnership, so approach agents with respect and mutual understanding. Both sides need to feel heard and valued for a successful collaboration.
  3. If you get a book deal, don't stress about tight deadlines for sequels. It's more likely that your publisher will not pursue a sequel if your first book doesn't sell well.

Introducing Your Weekly Stack

read • 38031 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Substack is introducing a new email digest called Your Weekly Stack to help readers discover new stories and writers on the platform.
  2. Your Weekly Stack will be sent every Wednesday, providing a roundup of curated posts for subscribers.
  3. Readers can provide feedback on Your Weekly Stack and opt out at any time if they do not find it suitable.

21 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 396 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Editors are really busy right now and getting lots of pitches, so don't take it personally if you don't hear back right away.
  2. If you're unsure if a story idea will be popular, don't hesitate to pitch it. Your unique experience could resonate with many readers.
  3. There are many opportunities to pitch stories on various topics like lifestyle, politics, and ageism, so keep looking for the right fit for your ideas.

Palabras y Algoritmos y demás digresiones

Érase una vez un algoritmo... • 119 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing is an important activity for many people, even if it doesn’t make them money or gain them fame. It can be a personal need and a way to express oneself.
  2. AI can be used as a helpful tool for writing, acting like a smart editor. It can improve writing by catching mistakes and suggesting better phrasing without replacing human creativity.
  3. The author is working on a new book about how AI will change writing. They believe in combining human creativity with AI to create a new collaborative writing process.

Words words words

The Fry Corner • 9052 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing is often a slow process, with ideas developing over time, even when you're not actively writing. A lot of groundwork happens in your mind before the words hit the page.
  2. Sometimes, the inspiration for writing can feel mysterious and out of your control. It can be helpful to think of it as a collaboration with a muse or some creative force.
  3. Writers might find solutions to their problems by simply writing about them. Getting thoughts down on paper can help unlock new ideas and ways to move forward.

How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Short-Term Results in My Career

The Honest Broker • 11735 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It's important to focus on the long-term in your career instead of stressing over short-term results. Worrying too much about immediate success can hold you back.
  2. Building connections and finding support in your field can be crucial. Even without a network, persistence in reaching out can lead to opportunities.
  3. When faced with setbacks or rejections, don't give up. Many successful people have faced challenges before achieving their goals.

On Mediocrity

Overthinking Everything • 349 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Mediocre means something is merely adequate but locked into that level — it can’t become much better without changing its basic nature, and that makes it worse than just being bad.
  2. The real test is process: if a thing lets you easily scale quality by putting in a little more effort, it isn’t mediocre, but if the chosen method locks you into ‘good enough’ and you’d need a totally different plan to improve, that’s mediocre.
  3. Mediocrity can be a conscious choice and that’s okay sometimes, but it’s a problem when you drift into it unconsciously or when others depend on you to be competent; shortcuts and incentives often push people toward mediocre outcomes unless they develop their own standards.

A Day in the Life of a Publisher, Conference Interlude

Notes from a Small Press • 21 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Conferences are physically exhausting and require juggling regular work with long days at the table. They’re crucial for showcasing titles and reconnecting with booksellers and fellow publishers.
  2. Panels and off-site events are valuable for sharing realistic perspectives on publishing and for hosting authors and readers. Still, deep one-on-one conversations with colleagues often prove more rewarding than bumping into people in crowded conference halls.
  3. Publishing activity continued between conferences, with new titles announced and an ARC made available for reviewers and booksellers. A short mini book-proposal course is starting soon and has only a few spots left.

I Answer 18 Questions

The Honest Broker • 12600 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Listening and learning are more important than talking about yourself. You can gain valuable insights from others by being open and receptive in conversations.
  2. Continuous learning is essential. Reading widely and learning from your experiences can lead to personal growth and deeper understanding.
  3. Embrace your unique path and avoid being boxed into a single role. Exploring different interests can lead to a more fulfilling and interesting life.

What is "Comfort," Anyway?

Story Club with George Saunders • 67 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Comfort often comes from facing the truth, even when it’s painful, because admitting reality can reduce anxiety and open possibilities.
  2. Sometimes reassuring a frightened person—especially a child—means offering a gentle untruth, since calming them in the moment can be the kinder, more useful choice.
  3. Turning your attention outward to help someone else can steady you and remind you who you want to be, and honest appraisal of problems often frees you to find new solutions.

Title matters

Austin Kleon • 2038 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Titles are important for any piece of work. They can set the tone and attract interest.
  2. Using randomness can spark creativity in titling. Techniques like flipping through books or pulling titles from a drawer can yield great ideas.
  3. Keeping a running list of potential titles helps you have options ready when you need to name something.

Momentum

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1363 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The year was dominated by constant motion—travel, events, and nonstop conversations that created strong momentum.
  2. A meticulous daily log shows high output—49 trips, 55 podcasts, and 64 essays—highlighting a very productive but busy year.
  3. Despite the momentum, there was a lingering unease, as the activity felt like outrunning an important question that hadn't been faced yet.

Dangerous! This Is the Reason Most Writers Quit (Before They Can Be Successful)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1558 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writers often struggle due to negative mindsets that hold them back. It's important to change how you think before seeking more skills or knowledge.
  2. Taking risks can lead to significant growth. Stepping out of comfort zones can help overcome insecurities and open new opportunities.
  3. Most writers give up when they face challenges, thinking their work is not good enough. It's crucial to push through these feelings to achieve success.

So is Everybody Giving Up On, Like... Doing Things?

Freddie deBoer • 12314 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Many people are relying too much on technology, like AI, to do their creative work instead of enjoying the process themselves. It's important to find joy in what you do.
  2. There's a culture that values quick and easy ways to make money, like side hustles, instead of appreciating hard work and effort. Real hustling is about putting in the effort to achieve something.
  3. Some people seem confused about the true meaning of 'hustle.' They might think 'hustling' is just about finding shortcuts, but it's really about working hard and being dedicated.

Two stupid facts that rule the world

Experimental History • 27646 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. There are many people in the world, and they are all different. It's impossible to please everyone, and that's okay.
  2. Getting hate or criticism is normal when you reach many people. Instead of worrying, realize it's just part of the game.
  3. You don't need a huge audience to succeed. Even a small group of passionate readers can make a big impact.

Is it unliterary to oppose AI?

The Common Reader • 1878 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. AI has both positive and negative aspects, and it's important to recognize the complexities rather than just viewing it as good or bad.
  2. Many in the literary community seem to have a uniform opinion on AI, which is surprising given that literature encourages diverse perspectives.
  3. Saying AI will never be able to write well might be too strong of a statement, as we are still discovering its potential and capabilities.

Writing on the wall of heaven

Patti Smith • 10554 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The author reflects on the joy of learning penmanship and practicing handwriting with dipping pens and ink in school.
  2. The author's dream was to write like the authors of the Declaration of Independence and copied it line by line at different points in their life.
  3. The post celebrates National Handwriting Day and mentions a meditation on the importance and beauty of handwriting.

The new academy: modern intellectuals are writing their best ideas on Substack

read • 19320 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Substack provides a platform for academics to share their ideas more freely and immediately with a wider audience than traditional academic journals.
  2. Substack allows scholars to earn revenue from their publications and engage with readers in a more personal and direct manner.
  3. It offers a space for academics to innovate, challenge traditional academic norms, and explore intellectual contributions outside the constraints of conventional academia.

The Progress Monster

the shimmering void • 46 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Measurable output isn’t the same as real creative progress — finishing tasks or shipping prototypes can feel like forward motion, but true growth often can’t be tracked on a dashboard.
  2. Deep work comes from folding your life into what you make — returning to and changing ideas as you change builds density and meaning, while purely procedural practice stays shallow.
  3. You can’t predict the future, so chasing constant proof of progress breeds anxiety; accepting uncertainty and staying open to surprise lets you grow without prototyping every idea.

Substack Anniversary

Castalia • 2018 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Starting a Substack can be a great decision for writers. It offers a chance to connect with a community and share their work without the typical constraints of traditional publishing.
  2. The challenges of internet writing include keeping readers engaged and dealing with financial uncertainties. Writers should focus on expressing their true thoughts rather than just chasing popularity.
  3. Substack represents a shift in how content can be shared, allowing more freedom for writers. It's seen as a positive alternative to other social media platforms, encouraging meaningful and longer-form writing.

Sticking with it

Austin Kleon • 2617 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. You need to really love your idea when creating something. It has to come from a personal place and excite you deeply, because it will take a lot of time and effort to bring it to life.
  2. While you can brush off mean critics, sometimes it's the well-meaning people that can hurt your project the most. Their opinions matter to you, so be careful how much you let them influence your passion.
  3. If your project becomes successful, you'll be talking about it for many years. So, it's important to choose something you truly enjoy and can stay excited about for a long time.

A pictorial report

Patti Smith • 16411 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Patti Smith shares a pictorial report on her recent journey
  2. She talks about her experiences in Paris and at the Rimbaud property
  3. Smith reflects on visiting the Reims Cathedral and lighting candles for her cat Cairo

On Writing #2

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2464 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Using AI tools for writing can be tricky. Sometimes, they're not very helpful in improving the writing itself, but they can be good for checking grammar and spotting errors.
  2. It's easier to write longer posts since people expect less from them. However, writing a shorter piece can actually require more effort to make every word count.
  3. Most people hear about a piece of writing from others instead of reading it themselves. So, how a message spreads can be just as important as the content itself.

Home

Patti Smith • 16234 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Patti Smith shares her morning routine and thoughts on being home
  2. She reflects on the current events happening globally
  3. There is a sense of comfort and familiarity in her own space with her books