The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

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

Substack • 1386 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Newsletters Author insights
  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.

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 356 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Contests Submissions
  1. There are a lot of writing opportunities available right now, including contests and themed calls. Writers should look for these chances to get published.
  2. Submission deadlines can come up quickly, so it's important to stay organized and keep track of dates. Missing a deadline means missing out on a chance to share your work.
  3. Community support through submission accountability events can help writers stay motivated. Attending casual 'submit parties' can make the process feel less daunting.

"Something is terribly broken in publishing right now"

How to Glow in the Dark • 979 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Authors
  1. The publishing industry is very frustrating for authors and agents, with many feeling lost in the process. It can feel like nothing is ever certain and that impact on mental health is significant.
  2. Finding an agent and getting a traditional book deal is becoming increasingly difficult. Many authors hope for clarity, but it often feels elusive.
  3. There is a call for more kindness and empathy within the industry. Everyone struggles with their own challenges, and a supportive community can make a big difference.

18 Paying Pitch Calls & a Chance to Write About Budget Travel

The Sub Club Newsletter • 158 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Writing Arts Lifestyle Entertainment
  1. Editors are looking for fresh New Year's stories and pitches, especially in January. You can share unique takes on resolutions or fun ways to celebrate the holiday.
  2. Now is a good time to pitch 'Best Of' lists for 2024. If you have creative ideas that aren't typical, editors would be interested in those topics.
  3. There are 18 new paid writing opportunities available from various publications. Writers can explore topics in travel, culture, and more for potential income.

Donkey work

Austin Kleon • 6154 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Books Authors Creativity
  1. Writing can feel like hard work, but it's satisfying when a piece takes on a life of its own. Those moments when creativity flows can make all the effort worth it.
  2. Many writers find joy in finishing something rather than the writing process itself. It can take a long time to feel that payoff, but it's really rewarding when you finally do.
  3. Being in between drafts can be a peaceful time for a writer. It's a chance to relax without worrying about the next steps until the next draft comes back.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

why it's impossible to finish anything, especially the good things

Both Are True • 245 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Essays Writing Creativity Parenting Personal Growth
  1. Distractions often keep us from finishing our ideas. When we start something, everyday things like parenting or chores can pull us away.
  2. The closer we get to completing a project, the more we might doubt its worth. It's common to think an idea isn't good enough as we work on it.
  3. Acknowledging our fears about sharing finished work is tough, but creating and putting it out there is essential. We have to be brave and share our creations, no matter the fear.

Through Autumn's Canopy

Holly’s Newsletter • 912 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Photography Writing Nature Seasons
  1. Autumn is a time of change and new possibilities, making it a reflective season. It's a chance to enjoy the beauty around us and think about changes in our lives.
  2. New England is at its peak foliage in autumn, offering stunning landscapes and colors. Driving through this area can be an enjoyable experience, taking in the vibrant sights.
  3. Engaging in activities like taking fall photos allows for appreciation of the season. Sharing these experiences can bring joy to others, whether through comments or just enjoying the views.

Chapter 27: Koa goes topside

PASSAGES • 1638 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Narrative Character development
  1. Koa experiences a new way of exploring the world while riding in a truck, feeling like she's on a boat. This shows her that movement can change how she sees things around her without needing to slow down.
  2. As they drive, Koa reflects on her home in the Valley and feels both comforted by it and overwhelmed by the outside world. She realizes she knows her home well, but is also curious about what lies beyond.
  3. Koa struggles with her emotions about leaving the Valley, wishing she could stay forever but trying to embrace the new experiences. It's a mix of fear and excitement when facing the unknown.

9 Associate and Junior Agents That Are Actively Building Their Lists (and Why You Should Query Them)

The Sub Club Newsletter • 535 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Agents Books
  1. Using QueryTracker can help you organize your agent search effectively. It provides data on how many submissions agents are handling, which can guide you to the more active ones.
  2. Publishers Marketplace is a great tool to check agents' sales history and the types of books they handle. This helps you understand which agents might be a good fit for your work.
  3. Don't overlook new and junior agents. They are often very eager to build their lists and can offer personalized support as they look for new authors to represent.

On Turning Rejection into Motivation and Mastering the Art of the Pitch with Courtney Kocak

The Sub Club Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Essays Creativity Inspiration
  1. Rejection can be a powerful motivator. It helps writers keep going and improves their pitching skills.
  2. Building good relationships with editors makes the publishing process easier and more successful.
  3. Having excitement and belief in your writing is key. If you love your work, others are more likely to get on board with it too.

10 Agents Seeking Upmarket Fiction

The Sub Club Newsletter • 812 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Publishing Writing Querying
  1. Choosing the right genre and comparative titles for your book is really important when querying agents. Make sure your comps support the genre you want to pitch.
  2. Upmarket fiction is a blend of literary and commercial styles, focusing on good writing while still being accessible to a wide audience. It's crucial to know where your book fits in this spectrum.
  3. Don't stress too much about pitching your book perfectly. The right agent will understand the essence of your work, even if your initial genre label isn't spot on.

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 Movies History Media Parenting
  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.

Resist Summary

The Map is Mostly Water • 2942 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Learning Writing Cognition Philosophy
  1. We read too many summaries instead of diving deep into topics. This can make us miss the detailed understanding that comes from exploring original sources.
  2. Writing from your own experience and observations is important. It helps create richer and more interesting content than just summarizing others' ideas.
  3. Using AI for quick answers can simplify things, but it might prevent you from understanding complex ideas. Building a deeper understanding requires slow and careful thinking.

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

The Sub Club Newsletter • 416 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
📚 Literature Submissions Magazines Writing Publishing Contests
  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.

A Luminous, Brave, and Unputdownable Article about Blurbs

Counter Craft • 470 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing Books Writing Authors Criticism
  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.

Sub Club Weekly Digest #3

The Sub Club Newsletter • 456 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Submissions Workshops Magazines
  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 Reading Books Writing Authors Literary culture
  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.

Shorter Writing is Not Better Writing: An Argumentative Treatise

Freddie deBoer • 8694 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Criticism Essays Narrative Style
  1. Short writing isn't always better writing. Sometimes, longer pieces can explain complex ideas better than short ones.
  2. The push for brevity in writing often leads to dull and similar-sounding work. Good writing should capture unique voices and ideas without fear of being too lengthy.
  3. Many writers feel pressured to write short because of trends, not because it's the best way to express their thoughts. Confidence in one's own style is important.

How I learned to love literary criticism.

The Common Reader • 3154 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Reading Writing Biography Essays
  1. Literary criticism can be valuable for helping readers understand deeper meanings in texts. It can guide readers to appreciate literature beyond just their personal thoughts.
  2. Reading secondary literature can enrich your understanding of authors and their works. Many great critics highlight unnoticed details that make reading more enjoyable.
  3. Critics who focus on the structure and style of writing can improve our reading skills. They help us notice important aspects of a text that we might otherwise miss.

A Note on Literacy from Brother Martin XoPo

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading Writing Publishing Culture Criticism
  1. Literacy is changing in our fast-paced world. It's important to keep up with how people read and share information.
  2. New publications, like The Metropolitan Review, are trying to bring fresh ideas to the boring literary scene. They aim to shake things up and inspire new conversations.
  3. Engaging with technology and machine evolution is crucial for the future of reading. We need to blend the old ways with new innovations to thrive.

18 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Editing Publishing Opportunities
  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.

That Time of Year Again

The Commonplace • 529 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Literature Community Expression
  1. The author has decided to only ask for support from readers once a year to avoid annoying them. This is meant to strike a balance between needing support and not bombarding people with requests.
  2. Despite a drop in paid subscribers because of infrequent posts, the author feels freer and continues to write for enjoyment rather than just for income. They've adjusted their subscription price to make it more accessible.
  3. The author believes in sticking to their artistic principles, even if it leads to less income. They value the community of long-term supporters and continue writing regardless of financial pressures.

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 Publishing Contests Submissions Poetry
  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 Travel Happiness Mental health Writing Philosophy
  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.

Exciting news from Scroll 5!

Vesuvius Challenge • 117 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📚 Literature History Classics Philosophy Writing
  1. The P.Herc. 172 scroll from Oxford shows dense ink, which helps in identifying the text better than other scrolls. This makes it easier to detect letters and understand its content.
  2. Preliminary findings suggest that the scroll might be written by Philodemus, a famous philosopher. Some words found indicate it could be a complete work, not just a draft.
  3. This scroll has unique physical traits that might help decode other scrolls with unclear texts. As research continues, the hope is to develop better methods for reading ancient writings.

if you drink enough coffee you start peeing coffee

Both Are True • 155 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting Writing Mental health Creativity Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to write about simple, everyday things, like kids or pets. Those topics can hold deep meaning, even if they seem easy.
  2. Children can remind us of the joy and love in life. They let us see the world differently and embrace our own innocence.
  3. Life doesn't have to be hard or complicated. Sometimes the best ideas come from a place of relaxation and simplicity.

9 Agents Seeking Memoirs

The Sub Club Newsletter • 594 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Querying Memoirs Submissions 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 Publishing Editing Creative Process
  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.

An Unusual Bonus Friday Post

Story Club with George Saunders • 253 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Essays Writing Authors Critique
  1. Keeping politics out of discussions is important, but sometimes it's necessary to address serious issues affecting governance and society.
  2. It's essential to remember the values of kindness and support for the less fortunate, especially during challenging times.
  3. Staying engaged and critical while maintaining a sense of humor can help us deal with difficult situations and keep hope alive for a better future.

*Tell Us a Childhood Story*, Part 1

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Memoir Childhood Storytelling Writing Publishing
  1. Memories from childhood can be really fun to share, especially the funny or mischievous stories from when we were kids. It's great to connect with our own kids by telling them about our past adventures.
  2. Writing about my childhood was a breeze because I have so many vivid memories. It felt exciting to dive into those stories and create something new like a book.
  3. I'm open to exploring new opportunities in writing, even if it's a challenge. I believe that persistence pays off, and I'm excited about the possibility of sharing my childhood stories with a wider audience.

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

How to Glow in the Dark • 439 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Books Creativity Querying
  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.

Mailbag Grab Grab

Freddie deBoer • 3434 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Writing Publishing Reading
  1. The writer is open to doing a podcast if it's funded and someone else handles the technical aspects, but they don't think it would attract enough new subscribers.
  2. They are excited about their upcoming book projects, including a novel and a nonfiction book about mental health, with expected publication dates in 2025 and 2026.
  3. Despite receiving many emails, the writer can't always respond due to time constraints but values the input and feels guilty for not replying.

Introducing Your Weekly Stack

read • 38031 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🕹 Technology News Email 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 Publishing Media Storytelling Lifestyle
  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.

Exhumations and Resolutions

The Lifeboat • 149 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Prose Music Art Expression
  1. Art is a way to express our feelings and ideas, even if it feels abstract or confusing. It's important to keep creating, no matter the medium.
  2. Writing music and poetry can be a fun challenge. It’s good to learn the skills needed to improve and enjoy the process.
  3. Setting resolutions helps to focus on creative goals, like finishing a project or getting others to read your work. Sharing those goals can motivate you and others.

Palabras y Algoritmos y demás digresiones

Érase una vez un algoritmo... • 119 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing AI Humanities Books Essays
  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.

The Monday Media Diet with David McCloskey

Why is this interesting? • 723 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Book Reviews Authors Writing Reading
  1. David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst who became a spy novelist. His experiences give depth to his fiction writing.
  2. He prefers reading books over watching TV news and enjoys exploring various topics, especially through literature.
  3. McCloskey recommends reading older spy novels, particularly by Charles McCarry, for a better understanding of the genre.

Words words words

The Fry Corner • 9052 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Creativity Inspiration Mythology
  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.

The End

Story Club with George Saunders • 52 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Book clubs Narrative Storytelling
  1. The story 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' has a powerful ending that raises many thoughts and feelings. It's a perfect example of how storytelling can deeply impact us.
  2. As you read stories, pay attention to what captures your interest or confuses you. These moments can lead to deeper understanding and help improve your own writing.
  3. Discussing stories in a group can enhance your experience. Sharing questions and thoughts can lead to exciting discoveries and insights into the text.