I am new but so far I love substack. I am overwhelmed by the content. There are so many I could follow and do but now I am starting to feel drowned in content. As a writer I wish I knew how to use it better
Thanks for this thoughtful post. I'm so glad to hear you say that Substack is the way to go for the publishing industry! I wish I could've had this platform in 2018 and 2019 when my books came out. By the way, I do have an issue with the way things are done on Substack (or the way some people choose to post). In order for me to check out several of the Substacks you've mentioned (Ochuko Akpovbovbo's, for instance), I have to pay up before I can see anything at all. That doesn't work for me because it takes me a few weeks to see if I want to pay to subscribe to someone's posts.
Definitely an insightful read. You would think with the number of Substacks focused on books that publishers would try working with them to promote their front list titles.
Yes to all this. I've published numerous books through the years, and when it comes to the launch of each one, I find that the publicity sands have shifted in the interim, sometimes dramatically. I think it's also important to point out that many publicists and publishers don't know what works anymore either, but that Substack is quickly gaining traction as a viable market. For my next book, a WWII group biography out in March, I'm starting to weigh whether to pitch guest posts to a SS newsletter or to an online or print publication. More and more I'm leaning towards Substack, in part because of the responsiveness and support of readers.
Thanks for this valuable post. I’m a food journalist who dropped out a while back to write fiction. Now I’m back writing food stories on Substack. I loved writing for traditional outlets, and now I love having my own publication, setting the editorial calendar, deciding on the content.
This is exactly the kind of out of the box thinking that makes my heart go pitter pat. <3
We are just starting out as a nonprofit neuro-subversive publishing company and agree that the landscape is ever shifting under our feet. We have to embrace something different. I personally love the freedom and feel of Substack and am grateful for the platform.
Kathleen, do you see any potential clash of interests between your prediction of "more advertising [and] sponsored content in Substack newsletters" vs. the founders' often repeated "no ads" mantra? The Substack T&C's currently state:
“We don’t permit publications whose primary purpose is to advertise external products or services, drive traffic to third party sites, distribute offers and promotions, enhance search engine optimization, or similar activities.“ — https://substack.com/content
Link in bio’s one of my faves too. I’m also constantly amazed at how reluctant publishing seem to be to embrace new ways to peddle books and how quickly they dismiss things they don’t fully understand
It’s been like that forever. I remember when websites first popped up and we’d pitch them, only to have sales departments look at us like we were nuts.
You’re so right Kathleen. In fact, a publicist emailed me the other day about a new book coming out, and I excitedly said yes, please do mail it to me! Then she asked if I wanted to be connected with the author to do a Substack interview. I’m not even a big book influencer! I am just an extremely passionate reader, and this smart publicist knows my readers trust my book opinions.
For once, I feel like I’m in the right spot for publishing. Thanks so much for this.
I have less experience than you do, but I've often thought that Substack will be an important part of the future for authors. I get far more engagement here than on traditional social media, without having to pay for advertising.
Really happy to the work of Sari Botton's Oldster (looks like it might have autocorrected to 'Bottom' in the story) mentioned here. Oldster has tremendous reach, Sari is a publishing machine producing really thoughtful content, and being highlighted by her a few months ago was a real joy. Definitely rethink media and think more broadly about what's out there for authors. Thank you, Kathleen, for posting this.
As Seen On is soooo good!
I am new but so far I love substack. I am overwhelmed by the content. There are so many I could follow and do but now I am starting to feel drowned in content. As a writer I wish I knew how to use it better
Love this take. I frequently save books recommended here as opposed to traditional media. It feels more personal!
Thanks for this thoughtful post. I'm so glad to hear you say that Substack is the way to go for the publishing industry! I wish I could've had this platform in 2018 and 2019 when my books came out. By the way, I do have an issue with the way things are done on Substack (or the way some people choose to post). In order for me to check out several of the Substacks you've mentioned (Ochuko Akpovbovbo's, for instance), I have to pay up before I can see anything at all. That doesn't work for me because it takes me a few weeks to see if I want to pay to subscribe to someone's posts.
Definitely an insightful read. You would think with the number of Substacks focused on books that publishers would try working with them to promote their front list titles.
Yes to all this. I've published numerous books through the years, and when it comes to the launch of each one, I find that the publicity sands have shifted in the interim, sometimes dramatically. I think it's also important to point out that many publicists and publishers don't know what works anymore either, but that Substack is quickly gaining traction as a viable market. For my next book, a WWII group biography out in March, I'm starting to weigh whether to pitch guest posts to a SS newsletter or to an online or print publication. More and more I'm leaning towards Substack, in part because of the responsiveness and support of readers.
Thanks for this valuable post. I’m a food journalist who dropped out a while back to write fiction. Now I’m back writing food stories on Substack. I loved writing for traditional outlets, and now I love having my own publication, setting the editorial calendar, deciding on the content.
This is exactly the kind of out of the box thinking that makes my heart go pitter pat. <3
We are just starting out as a nonprofit neuro-subversive publishing company and agree that the landscape is ever shifting under our feet. We have to embrace something different. I personally love the freedom and feel of Substack and am grateful for the platform.
Thank you for your thoughtful article!
Kathleen, do you see any potential clash of interests between your prediction of "more advertising [and] sponsored content in Substack newsletters" vs. the founders' often repeated "no ads" mantra? The Substack T&C's currently state:
“We don’t permit publications whose primary purpose is to advertise external products or services, drive traffic to third party sites, distribute offers and promotions, enhance search engine optimization, or similar activities.“ — https://substack.com/content
Link in bio’s one of my faves too. I’m also constantly amazed at how reluctant publishing seem to be to embrace new ways to peddle books and how quickly they dismiss things they don’t fully understand
It’s been like that forever. I remember when websites first popped up and we’d pitch them, only to have sales departments look at us like we were nuts.
Thanks for the shout!
You’re so right Kathleen. In fact, a publicist emailed me the other day about a new book coming out, and I excitedly said yes, please do mail it to me! Then she asked if I wanted to be connected with the author to do a Substack interview. I’m not even a big book influencer! I am just an extremely passionate reader, and this smart publicist knows my readers trust my book opinions.
For once, I feel like I’m in the right spot for publishing. Thanks so much for this.
I have less experience than you do, but I've often thought that Substack will be an important part of the future for authors. I get far more engagement here than on traditional social media, without having to pay for advertising.
Really happy to the work of Sari Botton's Oldster (looks like it might have autocorrected to 'Bottom' in the story) mentioned here. Oldster has tremendous reach, Sari is a publishing machine producing really thoughtful content, and being highlighted by her a few months ago was a real joy. Definitely rethink media and think more broadly about what's out there for authors. Thank you, Kathleen, for posting this.
Ugh it did. Thx for the note.
As Seen On is quickly becoming my fave on here
Thank you for including recommendations for reading.