The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

The Edge Index

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The fore-edge of a book is important for understanding its structure. By making an edge index, you can see how the book is organized and breaks down into sections.
  2. Making an edge index can also give insight into the author's writing process. For example, understanding how a long novel like Middlemarch was serialized helps appreciate its structure.
  3. Books like Dilla Time show that unique structures can enhance storytelling. Alternating chapters allow for a deeper exploration of the subject, making it more engaging.

Calling All Future Medium Superstars: Medium School Opens Its Doors

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1059 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Medium School is a new course that helps people write on Medium and earn money. It's designed to build confidence and make writing fun.
  2. The course is only $9 a month and gives access to a community of fellow writers and helpful resources. It's great for anyone wanting to improve their writing skills.
  3. You'll also get access to a Substack School for extra support on that platform. Both platforms can work together without doubling your work.

Working titles

Austin Kleon • 1718 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Finding the right title for your work can be a tough job. It often involves trying different combinations of words until something feels right.
  2. There are different styles of titles, like poetic or descriptive, and each has its own appeal. Sometimes, getting the opinion of others can help you figure out what works best.
  3. Even great titles can face skepticism from others. Just because someone isn’t confident in a title doesn't mean it won't be successful.

Five Years

Culture Study • 6142 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Leaving a traditional job can give you the freedom to create and write what truly interests you. It allows you to shape your own career path and connect with your audience in a more meaningful way.
  2. Building a curious community around your work can lead to deeper conversations and explorations of topics. Engaging with readers and encouraging their questions fosters a collaborative and enriching environment.
  3. Having control over your content means you can explore diverse ideas without worrying constantly about popularity or metrics. This freedom allows for more thoughtful writing and the ability to reflect on important cultural discussions.

How English prose made progress

The Common Reader • 1736 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. English prose has evolved over time, starting from the sixteenth century, focusing on style and logical syntax, rather than just sentence length.
  2. Many believe shorter sentences are better, but this view overlooks the complexity and variety of expression English offers.
  3. The use of a 'plain style' and logical structure has made some writing simpler, but more intricate forms still exist in literature today.
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We All Gotta Go

Ask E. Jean • 7311 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Consider creating or updating your will
  2. Think about where you keep your will for safekeeping
  3. Reflect on what you'd like to leave behind for loved ones or the world

“You could use an editor”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1261 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. An editor can polish writing, but choosing not to be heavily edited keeps a writer's unique, live-edge voice intact. Editorial demands for SEO-friendly, bullet-point prose flatten variety and aren't the only valid standard.
  2. Typos and rough edges are part of a piece's personality and let readers glimpse the writer's singular stamp. Those imperfections help make writing feel human and resistant to lifeless, formulaic imitation.
  3. Writing preserves the small, singular traits of people—like a loved one's jokes—and helps keep them alive beyond death. The urge to record those details is selfish but also a way to honor and memorialize other people's uniqueness.

New Ferality

Breaking Smart • 198 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The indie free-agent world that once rewarded weird risks and serendipity has been domesticated into a grind where visible, benchmarkable hard work replaces wildness and variety.
  2. Preserving true independence now requires deliberately engineering new forms of ferality and designing environments that resist redomestication, not just avoiding paywalls or following platform norms.
  3. Past success leaned on cheap distribution, timing, and network effects, but those ZIRP-era advantages are fading, so old luck-based strategies won’t reliably generate leads or opportunities today.

500,000

Lenny's Newsletter • 13483 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
💼 Business Writing
  1. Quality and consistency are key for growth, focus on them.
  2. Identify the 'job' your newsletter does and excel at it.
  3. Write about what truly interests you, based on real-life experience.

Don't Snooze on Substack Notes. The Opportunities for Writers Are Stupid Crazy | Interview with David Mcllroy

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 3037 implied HN points • 02 May 24
💼 Business Writing
  1. Substack Notes is a great place for writers to grow their audience without the hassle of traditional social media. It allows you to own your following and make real connections.
  2. Many writers are not using Substack Notes effectively, missing out on its community benefits. Engaging with this feature can lead to rapid growth in subscribers.
  3. Substack Notes is ad-free and helps writers discover one another, creating a refreshing social media experience focused on writing and community.

AI Is Missing the Point

The Algorithmic Bridge • 796 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Large language models are built to predict and complete text, so they naturally push toward closure instead of lingering or refusing to end.
  2. People use punctuation and sentence flow to control time, breath, and emotion, and sometimes deliberately refuse closure as an expressive or aesthetic choice.
  3. AI can mimic those patterns statistically but doesn’t feel breath, fatigue, or true agency, so its meandering is simulation rather than genuine expression, which raises questions about alignment and how writing will change.

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 Writing
  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.

What I Learned From Editing Substack Reads

Castalia • 2378 implied HN points • 20 May 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Substack is packed with all kinds of content, making it hard to find what matters to you. It's better to think about how to reach a wider audience rather than just focusing on your own style.
  2. The platform seems to have more older writers than younger ones. Younger writers might not realize how useful Substack can be for launching their careers.
  3. Substack shows the power of democratic expression with lots of voices and ideas. However, the vast amount of content can make it feel overwhelming and make each writer feel less unique.

Heart Centered Writing

The Forgotten Side of Medicine • 6289 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Writing
  1. Writing from the heart is important in creating connections with readers and conveying the intended message effectively.
  2. Prioritizing quality over quantity in any work can lead to deeper satisfaction and better outcomes.
  3. Clear and relatable communication is key in teaching and writing, ensuring the audience understands and engages with the content.

"Wait, What Did You Just Say to Me?"

Story Club with George Saunders • 90 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Watch out for fake social accounts; official communication will only come from the Story Club email and never from Instagram.
  2. The tour is over and, despite recent family and health scares, things turned out well; audience support helped counter the loneliness and fragility the road can bring.
  3. A blunt "change your life" admonition from a music teacher was a lightly shaming moment that prompted deep self-knowledge and shaped the approach to writing and teaching.

No more paid writing here

The Common Reader • 4571 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. All future writing will be free for everyone, with no paywall. Anyone can read the content without paying.
  2. The paid subscription now only gives access to past archives and is not required for regular updates.
  3. The writer encourages readers to unsubscribe if they don't want archive access and emphasizes that writing was never about making money.

Size Matters

The Audacity. • 11340 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The post is about the challenges of finding the right fit.
  2. It discusses how size matters in different contexts.
  3. The author, Aubrey Hirsch, is a writer and illustrator from New York.

Sick of spelling February

Austin Kleon • 4596 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. March is here, which many people find refreshing after spelling February for so long. It's funny how small things like that can affect our mood.
  2. Keeping a blog can help you track your thoughts and creative journey over time. It’s a great way to share your interests and projects with others.
  3. Owls can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They’re fascinating creatures, and we can help them by creating safe habitats and being mindful of outdoor lighting.

Sometimes it sounds like this

Austin Kleon • 5275 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Françoise Gilot's memoir about her life with Picasso is a great read. It shares interesting stories and gives insights into her artistic journey.
  2. Writing books can be really helpful for all kinds of writers. Many people shared their favorites, showing there's a wide range of useful resources out there.
  3. Listening to curated music mixes can spark creativity. Exploring different artists and themed playlists can be a delightful way to enjoy music and find inspiration.

Writing Today: The Essay, 2010s v 2020

Freddie deBoer • 6064 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The style of writing essays has shifted from being very personal and confessional in the 2010s to more detached and ironic in the 2020s. Writers now tend to observe rather than engage deeply with their own experiences.
  2. There is a noticeable change in subject matter, with 2010s essays focusing heavily on identity and personal trauma, while 2020s essays are leaning towards broader themes of crisis and societal issues, often presenting them in a more abstract way.
  3. The structure of essays is evolving too. Today, essays are often more fragmented and modular, reflecting a sense of uncertainty, as writers explore ideas without the need for traditional narratives or conclusions.

From the pine wood to Pinewood

The Fry Corner • 2817 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Switching between acting and writing makes for an interesting career, and each role has its perks. Acting often provides a more social and relaxed environment compared to the solitary nature of writing.
  2. There’s a sense of longing for the other role while doing one, showing how each path has its own joys and challenges. It’s like wanting warm cookies when you’re eating cake.
  3. Having the option to choose between acting and writing is seen as a privilege, highlighting the flexibility in one’s career choices. It's great to have different ways to express creativity.

Finding A Voice

The Fry Corner • 4516 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Finding your voice in writing takes time and self-discovery. It's a journey about understanding your unique style.
  2. Many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy, especially in childhood when compared to peers.
  3. Experiences of feeling like an outsider can lead to deeper insights, which can shape one's creative expression.

You Have To Hype Yourself. No One Else Will Do It For You.

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1598 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
💼 Business Writing
  1. You need to promote yourself because no one will do it for you. Writing is just part of the job; marketing is also important.
  2. Many writers have talent but struggle to get noticed. Building a community and shouting about your successes can help attract readers.
  3. Don't be shy about sharing your achievements. Talking about your wins can inspire others and help you stand out in a crowded field.

Freedom to write, freedom to research, to do something together: An interview with Ruth Ben-Ghiat 

read • 10220 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Scholars on Substack are reaching new audiences and earning income for their research and writing.
  2. Substack provides academics like Ruth Ben-Ghiat with financial freedom to pursue public-interfacing research.
  3. Academic writers use Substack for engaging with readers, testing new ideas, and shaping their research through feedback.

The Digression Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Digression can be a valuable part of writing, leading to new ideas and exploration. It's okay to stray from the main topic and allow your thoughts to wander.
  2. Montaigne's style of writing, which uses digressions, encourages writers to share their unique perspectives without sticking to strict formats. It's all about trying out different ideas and seeing where they go.
  3. Virginia Woolf showed how digression can empower creativity, especially for women writers. Embracing all kinds of thoughts can lead to richer and more interesting writing.

Writing Today: As Gawker to the 2010s, so The Ringer to the 2020s

Freddie deBoer • 4362 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Gawker was all about being mean and stylish, which made it popular in the 2010s. It had a vibe of being cool yet cruel, reflecting a certain snarky attitude in media.
  2. The Ringer is a friendly and approachable media brand today, focusing on pop culture and sports. It aims to make everyone feel included, which is different from the harshness of Gawker.
  3. Both Gawker and The Ringer represent their respective eras in media, but they show how the tone and purpose of media have shifted from making bold statements to being more about companionship and fun.

The 25 Best Online Articles of 2024

The Honest Broker • 13863 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The list features 25 of the best longform articles from the past year. These articles cover a variety of topics, showing that good writing can be found in many different subjects.
  2. Supporting quality journalism is important. The writers highlighted in the list often rely on the support of their readers, so consider helping them as a new year's resolution.
  3. Many pieces explore unique personal stories and experiences. From a former Goldman Sachs trader to a psychic, these articles are interesting and reflect a wide range of human experiences.

1000 WORDS is Out in the World

CRAFT TALK • 5680 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. 1000 WORDS book is published and available for purchase in various formats.
  2. The author shares her love for different books and authors in the same genre.
  3. The author expresses gratitude to the community for supporting her book.

Look Before You Leap

The Leap • 1738 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing is a commitment to your readers. It's important to share your thoughts and connect with them, even if it feels like work sometimes.
  2. You shouldn't wait for the perfect moment to take risks. Embrace uncertainty and jump in, even if you feel scared or unsure.
  3. This newsletter will cover various topics and ideas. It's a space for exploration, so expect different subjects and personal insights.

Why Being Weird Is Your Superpower

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1019 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Modern systems reward a narrow set of traits and punish deviance, which flattens culture and makes many people feel below average.
  2. AI amplifies that median by learning and reproducing the safest, most common patterns, which speeds cultural sameness—but by occupying those safe spaces it also forces humans to find value off the center.
  3. Being weird is now a strategic advantage: embrace your unique quirks and authentic voice so you stand out in ways machines can’t easily copy, and everyone can be weird relative to the new AI-shaped baseline.

What Do You Guys Want This Thing to Be?

Freddie deBoer • 4579 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Subscriber numbers are dropping as tastes change and there are more writers out there. It's tough to keep attracting new readers.
  2. The rise of video and podcasts has hurt written content, making it harder for writers to reach audiences. Traditional writing seems less popular these days.
  3. Finding out what readers want is tricky because everyone has different preferences. It’s a challenge to balance writing what feels right with what might attract new subscribers.

How To Actually Make Money Freelance Writing as Beginner in 2024

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 919 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💼 Business Writing
  1. You can make good money as a freelance writer, even if you're just starting out. Many companies want real human writers because they bring creativity that AI can't.
  2. It's important to clearly define what services you offer and how you can help potential clients. This helps you stand out in a crowded market.
  3. Guest posting can still be a great way to showcase your writing and attract clients, so don't underestimate its value in building your portfolio.

Spend it all every time

Austin Kleon • 7593 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. It's important to share all your good ideas right now and not hold back for later. You might find that more inspiration comes your way when you give your best work now.
  2. Writing should be approached with the mindset that each piece is your last chance. Don’t be afraid to put everything you have into it because new ideas will always come.
  3. Everything in life can inspire your work, so be open to stealing ideas from your experiences. This can lead to richer creativity and storytelling.

The Monthly Salon: January

The Abbey of Misrule • 270 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. All articles are now free to read, with voluntary paid subscriptions encouraged so those who can afford it can support readers who cannot; occasional donations are also accepted via a simple payment page.
  2. The book Against The Machine has seen strong sales and multiple reprints internationally, and it has sparked creative reader engagement such as musical readings and family gift exchanges.
  3. Recent talks and a highlighted Wendell Berry lecture are available online, a writers' workshop is accepting applications, and the monthly salon invites readers to set the agenda and start conversations.

Going offline

Wood From Eden • 1392 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author is taking a break from online activities to focus on writing a book about the evolution of civilization. This decision is driven by a strong belief that their ideas deserve to be explored in depth.
  2. The author aims to provide a new perspective on civilization's development, arguing that both technology and mating efforts played significant roles, going beyond traditional theories that focus solely on subsistence.
  3. While they acknowledge past criticism regarding their bold claims, the author is now ready to gather more data to support their theory and welcomes input and opportunities for publishing.

Writing Today: Scouting Reports

Freddie deBoer • 4548 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Writing styles vary greatly among authors, showing how personal experiences shape their perspectives. Each writer has a unique voice that reflects their individuality.
  2. Good criticism helps readers understand deeper meanings in pop culture and social issues. Writers use their styles to engage with readers while shedding light on complex themes.
  3. The tension between personal voice and societal expectations presents challenges for writers. They navigate these by balancing personal expression with the pressures of their audience and industry.

the virtues of the boring draft

sweater weather • 8097 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. When writing, try to include boring details about character backgrounds and settings to avoid ambiguity and confusion.
  2. Clarity is essential in storytelling to create mystery and engage readers.
  3. Include mundane, surface-level details in the first draft to build a lived-in world and deepen characters before refining the story.

What Does Enough Mean?

CRAFT TALK • 3950 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge when you have accomplished enough.
  2. Focus on creating something that can make a lasting impact, even if it's just one thing.
  3. What feels like 'enough' is subjective and can vary from person to person.

Best of 2025

Obvious Bicycle • 526 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. A huge annual roundup of favorite media and experiences across movies, music, books, games, videos, and tech.
  2. The selections blend timeless classics with fresh 2025 releases and are presented as ranked lists for films, songs, albums, TV shows, and games.
  3. Live events and practical tools made a big impression too — memorable concerts and theatre, a Waymo self‑driving ride, and recommended software and hardware shaped the year.