📬 What’s the Buzz About Substack for Authors?
How many newsletters did you delete from your inbox this morning?
No judgment—we all do it. You subscribe to someone’s newsletter and then… eh. It didn’t grab you. It didn’t feel personal. It wasn’t consistent.
And yet, email marketing remains one of the most vital tools for authors trying to build community, sell books, and connect with readers.
But something’s changing.
More and more, authors are turning to Substack—not just as a mailing list tool, but as a way to build a paid readership and share content on their own terms. Some writers are even making a living from their newsletters, separate from any book revenue.
So… what’s the deal? What is Substack really, and is it something you should explore?
Let’s dig in.
💡 What Is Substack?
Substack is an email-based publishing platform—but unlike most newsletter tools, it’s designed to support monetized content from the start. Think Mailchimp meets Patreon, but with a sleek writer-first interface and built-in community features.
You can:
Offer both free and paid content
Deliver posts via email or web
Publish audio, video, and podcast-style updates
Create member-only discussions and recommendations
You set your own pricing, though many writers charge around $5/month or $50/year. Some niche newsletters—like those on finance or academia—charge more. Substack takes a 10% fee, and the rest is yours.
✍️ Why Are Authors and Publishers Using It?
✅ It’s Built for Writers
Substack isn’t an email marketing tool disguised as a writing platform—it’s a writing platform that lets you build a subscriber base. It supports serialized fiction, essays, behind-the-scenes updates, and even bonus content like deleted scenes or character deep dives.
✅ You Own Your List
This is a big deal. You have full access to your list and can export it any time—unlike social media followers.
✅ It’s a Revenue Stream
If you’re ready to charge for exclusive content, Substack makes it seamless. And if you’re not, you can still publish for free and grow your audience.
✅ There’s Discovery Built In
Substack allows you to recommend other newsletters and get recommended back. They also promote top writers and trending topics across the platform.
🧠 What Does It Take to Do Well on Substack?
Here’s the truth: it takes work. You need to grow your list, produce consistent content, and connect with your audience in an authentic way.
Some tips:
Keep your free newsletter going! Use it to funnel engaged readers to your paid content.
Promote your Substack consistently on social media—yes, social is still part of the strategy.
Make your content worth paying for. That doesn’t mean stiff and formal—it means thoughtful, entertaining, and valuable.
Be consistent. Weekly is great, but a couple of shorter updates a week can work, too.
🗣️ What Are Writers Saying About It?
We asked around, and here’s what we heard:
Nancy: “I’ve been reading Roxane Gay’s Substack for years. It’s one of the few newsletters I actually look forward to.”
Sarah: “I subscribe to Daniel Lavery’s work—he moved from Patreon to Substack recently. I also love Agents and Books, which gives great publishing insight.”
Even authors like Katie Conrad are using it to serialize cozy fiction—like her story about a witch and her cat, Saffron and Bear.
🔥 So, Should You Start a Substack?
YES, IF:
You already have a warm email list, and you’re ready to deepen your connection with those readers.
You want a place to experiment with new content, essays, or serialized stories.
You’re looking to supplement your income with paid subscriptions.
You want to try something new and community-focused without relying on social media algorithms.
There’s little downside—as long as it doesn’t take you away from your book-writing goals.
🎓 Want to Start (or Grow) Yours with Support?
If you’re ready to take the leap, we’ve got something special for you:
Grow Your Audience with Substack: A 2-Part Workshop for Authors
This May, we’re hosting a live, interactive workshop series designed to help you set up, optimize, and grow your Substack newsletter. Led by Substack expert Claire Tak, this isn’t just a presentation—it’s guided implementation designed for authors.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to set up and customize your Substack
✅ How to migrate your email list the right way
✅ How to create engaging free and paid content
✅ How to grow your list and monetize with confidence
🗓️ Workshop Schedule:
📍 Day 1: Substack Setup & Launch
📅 May 7 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET
Focus: Setting up your Substack, drafting your first post, and importing your list
📍 Day 2: Optimization & Growth Strategies
📅 May 14 | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Focus: Growing your audience, monetizing, content strategy, and live reviews
🎥 Can’t attend both live? Don’t worry—recordings are included.
👉 [Register now to grab your spot!]
Substack is more than a newsletter. It’s a space where your voice can thrive, your writing can shine, and your readers can support your creative journey. Come learn how to make the most of it—with guidance and support every step of the way.
