Scroll back through older posts to find and help others.
**Please know the Substack advice and information you receive isn’t coming from me and is unverified. It’s helpful to share your experience, e.g., This is what I did, and point people to Writers at Work resources on the homepage or other responsible newsletters.
I do not have payments turned on. Subscribers are getting a message that Chat is for "Paid Subscribers Only". No setting anywhere - on the specific chat, on chat settings globally, gives me an option to turn paywall on/off for chat. In settings, the option for who can start a new thread is set to everyone. So...what am I missing? Or this is a glitch somewhere?
Listen to an alternative history of synths in 80’s music as I chat to Steven Vass, author of Let The Music Play. Flowers for R&B giants including Patrice Rushen, Kashif and Paul Lawrence, Gwen Guthrie, Kleeer and Fatback Band. And big tunes throughout.
Plus:
– Bristol-based theatre company Ad Infinitum explores the very complex and nuanced issue of social care and aging. This feels close to home atm.
– Brian Cox looms over another f’ed up family in Long Day's Journey Into Night, also featuring the always ace Patricia Clarkson
– Channel 4's Defiance documents how Asian youth movements fought back against the National Front in 70’s Britain
– The Ibiza poster art of eternal dreamer Yves Uro
– 500 years of Black British Music and the book I contributed to
I followed my gut and wrote about the heaviness I felt upon waking up today. It twists and turns into an exploration of religion / faith (or lack thereof) among my generation. I'm curious to hear if anyone else is starting to notice this faith piece is missing, too 👀
QUESTION - is there anyway to stop the comments I write on other peoples posts from being public on Google ? Sort of mortified that my personal thoughts on what I’m reading are all over Google - any insight would be greatly appreciated !
INTRODUCTION. I started my Substack last weekend, though it's really been in the works for years. It's called Nature Listening Points, and it's all about bringing 60 seconds of nature to your inbox. In 2020, I traded in my house in Virginia for life on the road, and I've been RVing around the USA ever since. My newsletters feature a 60-second video and narrative. I created a podcast, and I have a paid option for extended videos, bloopers, behind-the-scenes stuff, and pop-up events. This is a passion project. https://substack.com/drbrendau
QUESTION: I'm relaunching my website and embedding the substack subscription prompt in it with the goal of getting more subscribers. Does anyone know how to/or have a good resource for changing the design of the embedded widget? It stands out (and not in a good way). Thanks for any help in advance!
QUESTION ON POST: Hi everyone! I’m new here and binge-watching the blueprint! I’d love some advice/guidance. My newsletter is called Lattes + Life, and my plan was to write mainly inspirational content for moms and sprinkle in weekly latte recipes. I’m struggling with how to make my newsletter “essential” as was taught in one of the lessons. Right now, I only have a free newsletter, but my goal is to do paid as well. I just don’t know how to be unique and valuable enough that people would pay for it! Is it possible in that niche? Or would I be better off in the B2B space? (I’m a copywriter, but I was really hoping not to focus on that for Substack and use it more as a creative outlet). Any and all advice is much appreciated! Can’t wait to get to know you all!
Some advice please - I have some "ethical" issues about Twitter - or X - yet I think it could be a possible place to get subscribers - part of what I want to produce is the antithesis to the scary dog eat dog world - basically people who are finding twitter too much and too nasty. Does any one use X to advertise I guess and should I just hold my nose and use it for a specific purpose? Really would appreciate you thoughts and ideas?
QUESTION—Will you please take a look at my email headers and give me your opinion of them? I am not at all impressed with them, but I'm often too critical of my own work. Comment your Substack email address, and I'll send you test emails. They are all very brief.
I started my Substack in January 2023 and posted for a few months, then took a year off from writing. I recently started posting again and I really want to take it more seriously and focus on building an audience and developing my voice.
I am now talking with a close friend about collaborating on a re-vamped version of my Substack as dual authors. We have a lot of trust and I think the focus of my Substack really supports both of our future goals, separately or together. My initial excitement about this dual authorship was to expand via both of our networks and strengthen the project with multiple perspectives. But I am not clear on whether this is the right move.
Does anyone have experience or opinions on Substacks with multiple contributors vs. keeping it as a solo venture? I am weighing whether it will strengthen the publication or dilute my voice/perspective. I have aims to build my audience and write a book and/or offer coaching and other services someday and I want to make sure this is a strategic move. I *think* we could do that with a dual authored Substack but would love others' perspectives. Thanks!
So new I do not even have a publication yet - I am going to go through the blue print first to get the foundations - and do need to work out how to access all the resources here. Rumour has it that there is a party today? where do I find the link or at least get notifications for live events - such a techie phobe!!
Hi all, I’m wanting to brainstorm for an upcoming post. Each month I write a post reflecting on a recent rock climbing trip. This month I’d like to answer reader questions on rock climbing. I’d love to boost the crowd source note I’ve created for it with some interaction.
Do you have a rock climbing question, I can answer for you? Nothing is too silly to ask. I’ve been asked so many times how we go to the toilet!
LOOKING TO COLLABORATE with others who write about mental health. Please read my newsletter first and share the link to yours so we can both see if our topics and styles seem compatible and appropriate for each each other’s subscribers. wendigordon.substack.com. Thanks!
QUESTION RE RESOURCES. Hi all, at one point I thought I saw a place for technical support on Sarah's site. I can't find it now. I have two very specific questions as I'm setting up my site: Why isn't my Wordmark centered on the top of the page and Can I get rid of the default crossed out "benefits" on Substack's subscription choice page? Substack chat's header blocks the chat AI answer and I've emailed Substack and have not received any responses. Any one know the resources to turn to? Thanks so much Caroline https://theendsinsights.substack.com
A WHILE BACK, I ASKED A QUESTION RE TITLE SUGGESTIONS FOR A RECIPE POST FEATURING MY DAD'S SALAD. Happy to announce that it went public today! :) https://cynthiacm.substack.com/p/gung-gungs-saturday-salad It also features an interesting story on how my dad was introduced to green salad :)
Hi there! I’m considering changing one word in my title and would love feedback. Right now, it’s Aging Well News, but the News part isn’t quite right. I’m keeping ‘Aging Well’ but want to change ‘New.’ I write essays and helpful articles on caring for ourselves and others as we age. Possibility: Aging Well Newsletter. I’d love your help. https://agingwell.news/
HELP WITH AUDIO POST I recorded a chat to my readers on my morning walk down the driveway. I am changing my name to Blythe's Mountain Hideway and I thought it might be fun to take them along with me. When I pasted in the transcript, it is painful to read due to the on the fly chat. Should I leave it with a comment at the top? Next time, I will do the writing first and then the reading. I am not sure if it is too much imperfection. What do you think?
I want my Substack subscribers to read it, but I don’t want to just republish it on my Substack. I also don’t want to just send a newsletter that says “hey check out my piece on another website” (snooze fest). I was thinking of maybe doing some kind of piece about writing the essay.
What other options do I have? I made a note that got some attention with people actually going off to read the piece and then coming back to comment on it in response to my note, but I’m thinking about my subscribers vs followers on Notes. Any ideas?
QUESTION: Does anyone know if Stripe can or will ultimately bundle the monthly payments we receive from paid subscribers? At this point, with only 8 paying subscribers, it is not a problem for my bookkeeping tasks. But, let's say a miracle happens and I end up with 100 paying subscribers (yeah, I know...just dreaming a little..) then will I have 100 individual deposits each month to record when I balance my checkbook? And if "balancing the checkbook" is something that is no longer done, I apologize but I tend to LIVE IN THE PAST!
LATEST POST — this is a fun essay on my reflection going to a book club with strangers. I thought it would be a lovefest, and everyone else hated the book.
I found myself judging them for judging the author so harshly... it's a nice little lesson on judging others and reconnecting with humility :)
Hi guys, looking for help renaming my Substack. Currently TALES OF A WAYWARD YOGINI. Would like to keep that's been my brand name for my book and old blog. But Tales is not an accurate description. My essays are far more serious than a tale. I write about healing and acceptance, finding beauty in life even mired in the trenches... with a bit of yoga mixed in. I'd love any suggestions!! Thanks in advance.
If it's TL;DR for you, I feel it makes children of immigrants feel even LESS welcome and LESS likely to integrate/adapt/acculturate/create a new culture that is a blend of old world and new. This is the kind of post my family finds weird, and they believe it'll only cause controversy (and thus, stress me out)...but TBH, I think it's needed because the current narrative on what an immigrant/child of immigrant is/supposed to be is much too narrow.
I'm new here! I am a former teacher, mother of three boys, grown up third culture kid, and I started writing about 4 years ago.
My Substack is called Dream Big. I write about finding writing in my 40s, working on my first novel, and the everyday moments that inspire me as I juggle family and build a creative life.
I'd love to share my most recent post, "The Best Years," published today. It's about how writing has helped me navigate midlife nostalgia, among other things. If you choose to read, thank you. Looking forward to being a part of this community!
I imported my newsletter list, so it looks like I have lots of followers (c1500) but most haven't subscribed. Should I remove them. I did send my newsletter group asking them to subscribe, but most haven't. Looking at my stats I'm getting c 800-900 views per article and a 35% open rate - is this good? Only 4 posted so far as I'm very new.
My last post was on the limits of rationality for getting unstuck from rumination and now, as a sort of follow-up to my post on rumination, I'm writing a piece on resentment. Initially, they were going to be in the same post, but I quickly saw the need for the topic of resentment to be a stand alone essay.
Like my other essays, it's written from my perspective as both therapist and fellow human. Resentment is an emotional signal primarily to do with our boundaries being encroached on/broken. It can arise in all kinds of different interpersonal experiences, of course, but at its root, it tends to do with unfair expectations we feel are put upon us, either via ourselves or others.
I'm curious- do folks feel resentment most often because of an injury in relationship with themselves (e.g., those perpetual people pleasers, saying yes when you don't want to, not having a voice of self-advocacy) OR because of injury in relationship with other (e.g., saying no and still feeling pushed, naming a need or boundary and being ignored)? OR just a messy mix of both?
Where does resentment come up for people the most? With friends/family? Double standards felt with a partner? Imbalanced work distribution amongst colleagues? Feeling perpetually caring without feeling cared for? Not enough alone time with time given to others? Something different all together? Anyone out there NOT prone to resentment at all?
Thank you so much in advance for your thoughts and reflections- they were SUCH a help with my last post to make sure I took different perspectives!
Hi all. I'm new and as part of my substack I'm running a Prompt Time competition. Basically, every now and then, I'll ask people to submit a 10 word prompt for a short story. Then, I'll pick one at random and that will guide my writing for that week. I tried this on notes last week, and as I'm new I had one reply! Lol! Thank you Wil Ward. So I wondered if this community would help and if people would be so kind and to submit a 10 word prompt. This week it can be as random or straightforward as you want, although in later weeks I might guide it more. So, once again, just 10 word prompt for a short story. Here is link to my previous one.
Hi everyone! I'm diving into the world of offering live events/workshops with the hope of building community and engaging more directly with my readers. The workshops so far have been tarot/astrology based and I'm starting a nature journaling course this month! 🦋✨📓
Unfortunately, I've had little to no engagement. I have around 370 subscribers (💗🙏) and offer both free/donation based events and ticketed events (free for paying members of Heartbeats).
So far, I'll have 2-3 people sign up on Eventbrite but then not show up. This honestly makes me anxious because hosting a workshop for a live audience vs. doing a recorded workshop with NO audience has a very different flow! I'm not sure how to best prepare for a scenario I'm uncertain about until it's happening.
Tips? Suggestions?
I'm leaning toward just doing recorded events and posting them as replays. Are people just over-stimulated with online offerings? Are there ways you've found to meaningfully engage your readers virtually or offline?
This post is a personal essay about my first crush, who took his own life in high school. It's equal parts comedy and tragedy, and my way of supporting anyone who has felt this loss in life. ❤️
Here is a great idea that can help so many others with marketing their Substack! I had business cards made (Vista Print) for my Substack, created a QR code that leads to my Substack, and I plan to hand them out like you'd hand out candy on Halloween! (Well, I personally don't hand out candy on Halloween--I set up CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS TAPE all around my walkway to block trick-or-treaters away. Next year I will add the chalk outline of a body for more effect. It keeps the neighbors curious.
So a fellow Substacker (the hysterical Smillew who posted this GREAT story about begging for money: https://smillew.substack.com/p/how-to-beg-for-money) recently posted that he gained 10 new subscribers by reading his Substack posts outside of a Starbucks (I think that was before the police carted him off for disturbing the peace).
Since most of my posts are about dogs and cats, I plan to do the same thing in the courtyard outside my veterinarian's office which is next to a pet store and grocery store! And I will have plenty of cards on hand. Will see if I get any new subscribers too! I can't post a photo of my cards here. So, if you want to see how I configured my card (with a row of guns on the back--hey, it's America, right?) you'll have to follow the link to my AR2A Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122127377090226278&set=a.122104812152226278
QUESTION: Is linking out to another writer's Substack article common practice? I'm linking out to cocktail recipe in my next post but I'm not sure if asking the author's permission first is etiquette I should worry about or not? I'm thinking it's no big deal and a chance for new eyes on the author's page but wanted to check in here for thoughts (since I'm likely overthinking anyway, haha). Thanks for any insight!
LATEST POST: A short poem that plays with philosophical musing on what has already been said about suffering on this earth and in light of a tragedy that occurred with the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge.
QUESTION: Hi everyone, first time posting here and I have a question about the organisation of my Substack. I am curious as to how other Substackers are organising your sites as the writing/posts evolve over time.
In my newsletter, I focus on topics related to psychology, and creativity, and have recently started adding some of my own photography too. I have added some tags (psychology and photography) to reflect this on my main site. However, some of my posts are a bit more random (!) and don't fit within either of these areas. I feel like I need to add another 'tag' for my main page, but need some help with what to call this - 'other stuff' doesn't quite seem right, but nor does 'creativity'. I can't seem to think of anything! And then I feel like I am overthinking things!
If anyone is able to take a look and let me know what you think, I would really appreciate it.
RESOURCE: I’d love—as a relatively new person here myself, but with one solid year under my belt—to share some best practices/lessons from the field so far. On occasion, tangential to my regular weird weekly essays, I throw in an insider topic for us writers to enjoy behind the scenes. I hope some of my 10 insights on out-of-the box monetizing, making the platform your own, just doing the work, and other good stuff, might prove helpful to those who most want to hear it. https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips
I wanted to apologize for posting my introduction in the headlines chat!! Terribly sorry! I am still quite new here on Substack, finding my way around the platform and individual publications.
This is my second day as a member and I have blocked out a couple hours today to scroll around on here and get a lay of the land, bookmark certain pages (like this one!) and read through some of your posts.
I'm very excited to be here learning with you all, and to grow our Substacks together. Everyone here already is inspiring me!! Looking forward to working together 🙏🏼✨
LATEST POST: A poem that's the 6th in a series about rain. This one covers childhood nostalgia evoked by an old cartoon's ending credits that features rain heavily and juxtaposes the memory of adolescence versus the more recent stress of the present.
LATEST POST: Focusing on the importance of recognising feelings and thought patterns in different situations and how doing so can be beneficial. Also touching on rejection sensitivity dysphoria and what that can mean for someone too.
LATEST POST: Just a short post this week, a 4 minute thrill-ride 🎬 documenting our whippet Bowie’s castration journey, set to a Hollywood-thriller soundtrack.
Why the hell would I want to watch that?
Good question. Well, like any good Hollywood movie, it promises laughter, tears, and the kind of hackneyed suspense that'll have you on the edge of your seat.
INTRODUCTION! + Collaborations maybe?? Hello :) My name is Jeremy and I just launched my Newsletter in February. I'm still figuring out this platform and how my content fits within it. My newsletter is centered around my personal creative journey, with insights from my creative practice and tips/tricks for emerging artists. If y'all wouldn't mind taking a peak at what I've got I'd love some feedback. This is my first time publishing personal writing, and I'm way outside of my comfort zone.
I am also starting a community art project with my subscribers, where we renovate an old dollhouse together. I'm excited to get to know y'all and make some new connections here : )
Hi Sarah (and family)! I am SO relieved to learn I have a place to ask questions as I have many, but I'm to tired now to remember any of them! I grew up in California, USA but married a Canadian and now live on Vancouver Island, BC. I discovered just the other day, after listening to your podcast on "Sections vs. Groups" that I've set up my Substack incorrectly, including the deceptively-named-tags section! So I'm in the process of undoing what I did wrong and working to set up a new section/ newsletter.
I know you recommended to NOT do that (have 2 different newsletters) but I write about two entirely different topics: pet rescue / lost pet recovery work and Jesus Christ. I am sensitive that some, even many, of my subscribers are "just NOT that into" Jesus, especially since the term "Christian" has somehow become connected with politics (which I totally avoid!). I really want to write freely about faith-based topics so I am leaving my police and pet detective stories FREE but once I start my Jesus stories, I will turn my paywall on and charge my fellow Jesus Freaks. I don't quite know how that will work, but I know I will learn that here!
Thank you for the amazing training that you offer! I signed up for the Cohort and can't wait! BTW, my Substack is called "Armed Robbers 2 Airedales as I first trained my police bloodhounds (and Weimaraner cadaver dog) to find people (including 2 armed bank Robbers!) but then trained them all to track lost pets (starting back in 1998). I operate the first ever pet detective academy (online) where I've trained hundreds of other pet detectives, some with dogs trained to track lost pets. I've been too overwhelmed with pioneering lost pet recovery services for the past 20 years to devote time to writing, but my plan is to retire so that I can write and speak full time. Sorry for the novella! Here's my page:
QUESTION: CHAT
I do not have payments turned on. Subscribers are getting a message that Chat is for "Paid Subscribers Only". No setting anywhere - on the specific chat, on chat settings globally, gives me an option to turn paywall on/off for chat. In settings, the option for who can start a new thread is set to everyone. So...what am I missing? Or this is a glitch somewhere?
https://ontheroadtojericho.substack.com/
hello again
the content/editorial calendars pdf are not letting me in - new link please
LATEST POST
Listen to an alternative history of synths in 80’s music as I chat to Steven Vass, author of Let The Music Play. Flowers for R&B giants including Patrice Rushen, Kashif and Paul Lawrence, Gwen Guthrie, Kleeer and Fatback Band. And big tunes throughout.
Plus:
– Bristol-based theatre company Ad Infinitum explores the very complex and nuanced issue of social care and aging. This feels close to home atm.
– Brian Cox looms over another f’ed up family in Long Day's Journey Into Night, also featuring the always ace Patricia Clarkson
– Channel 4's Defiance documents how Asian youth movements fought back against the National Front in 70’s Britain
– The Ibiza poster art of eternal dreamer Yves Uro
– 500 years of Black British Music and the book I contributed to
https://amarofpatel.substack.com/p/let-the-music-play?r=16npk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Your support would be greatly appreciated and reciprocated 🤝
QUESTION:
If I post a Substack and do NOT send it out via email newsletter, can I then go back and send it via email later (once it's posted)?
Latest Post: THE ACHE OF MILLENNIAL DREAD
I followed my gut and wrote about the heaviness I felt upon waking up today. It twists and turns into an exploration of religion / faith (or lack thereof) among my generation. I'm curious to hear if anyone else is starting to notice this faith piece is missing, too 👀
https://miriamcruz.substack.com/p/the-ache-of-millennial-dread
QUESTION - is there anyway to stop the comments I write on other peoples posts from being public on Google ? Sort of mortified that my personal thoughts on what I’m reading are all over Google - any insight would be greatly appreciated !
Latest post: WHAT THIS MOM WANTS FOR MOTHER'S DAY: Basically on Mother's Day gifts in general and how most kind of suck/are the same old.
https://cynthiacm.substack.com/p/what-this-mom-really-wants-for-mothers
INTRODUCTION. I started my Substack last weekend, though it's really been in the works for years. It's called Nature Listening Points, and it's all about bringing 60 seconds of nature to your inbox. In 2020, I traded in my house in Virginia for life on the road, and I've been RVing around the USA ever since. My newsletters feature a 60-second video and narrative. I created a podcast, and I have a paid option for extended videos, bloopers, behind-the-scenes stuff, and pop-up events. This is a passion project. https://substack.com/drbrendau
New post today: TEN FOODS I ALWAYS HAVE AROUND
https://cynthiacm.substack.com/p/ten-foods-i-always-have-around?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
QUESTION: I'm relaunching my website and embedding the substack subscription prompt in it with the goal of getting more subscribers. Does anyone know how to/or have a good resource for changing the design of the embedded widget? It stands out (and not in a good way). Thanks for any help in advance!
QUESTION ON POST: Hi everyone! I’m new here and binge-watching the blueprint! I’d love some advice/guidance. My newsletter is called Lattes + Life, and my plan was to write mainly inspirational content for moms and sprinkle in weekly latte recipes. I’m struggling with how to make my newsletter “essential” as was taught in one of the lessons. Right now, I only have a free newsletter, but my goal is to do paid as well. I just don’t know how to be unique and valuable enough that people would pay for it! Is it possible in that niche? Or would I be better off in the B2B space? (I’m a copywriter, but I was really hoping not to focus on that for Substack and use it more as a creative outlet). Any and all advice is much appreciated! Can’t wait to get to know you all!
To tweet or not to tweet that is the question?
Some advice please - I have some "ethical" issues about Twitter - or X - yet I think it could be a possible place to get subscribers - part of what I want to produce is the antithesis to the scary dog eat dog world - basically people who are finding twitter too much and too nasty. Does any one use X to advertise I guess and should I just hold my nose and use it for a specific purpose? Really would appreciate you thoughts and ideas?
Lucy
QUESTION—Will you please take a look at my email headers and give me your opinion of them? I am not at all impressed with them, but I'm often too critical of my own work. Comment your Substack email address, and I'll send you test emails. They are all very brief.
I write Repurposed Kate at https://repurposedkate.substack.com
QUESTION - https://anniestraka.substack.com/
I started my Substack in January 2023 and posted for a few months, then took a year off from writing. I recently started posting again and I really want to take it more seriously and focus on building an audience and developing my voice.
I am now talking with a close friend about collaborating on a re-vamped version of my Substack as dual authors. We have a lot of trust and I think the focus of my Substack really supports both of our future goals, separately or together. My initial excitement about this dual authorship was to expand via both of our networks and strengthen the project with multiple perspectives. But I am not clear on whether this is the right move.
Does anyone have experience or opinions on Substacks with multiple contributors vs. keeping it as a solo venture? I am weighing whether it will strengthen the publication or dilute my voice/perspective. I have aims to build my audience and write a book and/or offer coaching and other services someday and I want to make sure this is a strategic move. I *think* we could do that with a dual authored Substack but would love others' perspectives. Thanks!
Hello
So new I do not even have a publication yet - I am going to go through the blue print first to get the foundations - and do need to work out how to access all the resources here. Rumour has it that there is a party today? where do I find the link or at least get notifications for live events - such a techie phobe!!
LATEST POST — https://miriamcruz.substack.com/p/the-sharpness-of-points-and-the-softness
This is on allowing yourself to hold opinions, rather than to be held by them (as one reader so eloquently put it in the comments)!
HELP WITH A POST
Hi all, I’m wanting to brainstorm for an upcoming post. Each month I write a post reflecting on a recent rock climbing trip. This month I’d like to answer reader questions on rock climbing. I’d love to boost the crowd source note I’ve created for it with some interaction.
Do you have a rock climbing question, I can answer for you? Nothing is too silly to ask. I’ve been asked so many times how we go to the toilet!
Thanks in advance
https://substack.com/profile/44976011-laura-hodgson-phd/note/c-55393563?r=qrzpn&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
LOOKING TO COLLABORATE with others who write about mental health. Please read my newsletter first and share the link to yours so we can both see if our topics and styles seem compatible and appropriate for each each other’s subscribers. wendigordon.substack.com. Thanks!
QUESTION RE RESOURCES. Hi all, at one point I thought I saw a place for technical support on Sarah's site. I can't find it now. I have two very specific questions as I'm setting up my site: Why isn't my Wordmark centered on the top of the page and Can I get rid of the default crossed out "benefits" on Substack's subscription choice page? Substack chat's header blocks the chat AI answer and I've emailed Substack and have not received any responses. Any one know the resources to turn to? Thanks so much Caroline https://theendsinsights.substack.com
A WHILE BACK, I ASKED A QUESTION RE TITLE SUGGESTIONS FOR A RECIPE POST FEATURING MY DAD'S SALAD. Happy to announce that it went public today! :) https://cynthiacm.substack.com/p/gung-gungs-saturday-salad It also features an interesting story on how my dad was introduced to green salad :)
Hi there! I’m considering changing one word in my title and would love feedback. Right now, it’s Aging Well News, but the News part isn’t quite right. I’m keeping ‘Aging Well’ but want to change ‘New.’ I write essays and helpful articles on caring for ourselves and others as we age. Possibility: Aging Well Newsletter. I’d love your help. https://agingwell.news/
HELP WITH AUDIO POST I recorded a chat to my readers on my morning walk down the driveway. I am changing my name to Blythe's Mountain Hideway and I thought it might be fun to take them along with me. When I pasted in the transcript, it is painful to read due to the on the fly chat. Should I leave it with a comment at the top? Next time, I will do the writing first and then the reading. I am not sure if it is too much imperfection. What do you think?
HELP WITH A POST
So, I had an essay published on a website that isn’t Substack (GASP!): https://www.theantimisogynyclub.com/gallery/positivelightmemories
I want my Substack subscribers to read it, but I don’t want to just republish it on my Substack. I also don’t want to just send a newsletter that says “hey check out my piece on another website” (snooze fest). I was thinking of maybe doing some kind of piece about writing the essay.
What other options do I have? I made a note that got some attention with people actually going off to read the piece and then coming back to comment on it in response to my note, but I’m thinking about my subscribers vs followers on Notes. Any ideas?
LATEST POST: https://wendigordon.substack.com/p/my-nature-photos-and-words-got-together
It’s about my new “Nature + Nurture” ebook, a combination of my best nature photos and quotes inspired by them, and includes sample pages from it.
My Substack is “Changing Lives,” a weekly mental health newsletter: wendigordon.substack.com
QUESTION: Does anyone know if Stripe can or will ultimately bundle the monthly payments we receive from paid subscribers? At this point, with only 8 paying subscribers, it is not a problem for my bookkeeping tasks. But, let's say a miracle happens and I end up with 100 paying subscribers (yeah, I know...just dreaming a little..) then will I have 100 individual deposits each month to record when I balance my checkbook? And if "balancing the checkbook" is something that is no longer done, I apologize but I tend to LIVE IN THE PAST!
QUESTION - Does anyone know if there’s a time limit for video in Notes?
LATEST POST — this is a fun essay on my reflection going to a book club with strangers. I thought it would be a lovefest, and everyone else hated the book.
I found myself judging them for judging the author so harshly... it's a nice little lesson on judging others and reconnecting with humility :)
https://open.substack.com/pub/miriamcruz/p/judging-at-book-club?r=4ratm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Hi guys, looking for help renaming my Substack. Currently TALES OF A WAYWARD YOGINI. Would like to keep that's been my brand name for my book and old blog. But Tales is not an accurate description. My essays are far more serious than a tale. I write about healing and acceptance, finding beauty in life even mired in the trenches... with a bit of yoga mixed in. I'd love any suggestions!! Thanks in advance.
LATEST POST: JUST WANTED TO SHARE THE POST I PUBLISHED ON FRIDAY (4/19) WHICH IS ON MY VIEWS ON THE TERM "HOST CULTURE/COUNTRY" WHEN APPLIED TO CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS (VS EXPATS): https://cynthiacm.substack.com/p/host-culture-is-that-an-accurate?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
If it's TL;DR for you, I feel it makes children of immigrants feel even LESS welcome and LESS likely to integrate/adapt/acculturate/create a new culture that is a blend of old world and new. This is the kind of post my family finds weird, and they believe it'll only cause controversy (and thus, stress me out)...but TBH, I think it's needed because the current narrative on what an immigrant/child of immigrant is/supposed to be is much too narrow.
Hi friends,
I'm new here! I am a former teacher, mother of three boys, grown up third culture kid, and I started writing about 4 years ago.
My Substack is called Dream Big. I write about finding writing in my 40s, working on my first novel, and the everyday moments that inspire me as I juggle family and build a creative life.
I'd love to share my most recent post, "The Best Years," published today. It's about how writing has helped me navigate midlife nostalgia, among other things. If you choose to read, thank you. Looking forward to being a part of this community!
https://open.substack.com/pub/mariahanley/p/the-best-years?r=1a7m7e&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I imported my newsletter list, so it looks like I have lots of followers (c1500) but most haven't subscribed. Should I remove them. I did send my newsletter group asking them to subscribe, but most haven't. Looking at my stats I'm getting c 800-900 views per article and a 35% open rate - is this good? Only 4 posted so far as I'm very new.
LATEST POST — a 2 minute read on the emotions of 4am wakefulness with my baby:
https://miriamcruz.substack.com/p/come-closer?r=4ratm
For all the parents :)
HELP WITH A POST (crowdsourcing):
Hi friends,
My last post was on the limits of rationality for getting unstuck from rumination and now, as a sort of follow-up to my post on rumination, I'm writing a piece on resentment. Initially, they were going to be in the same post, but I quickly saw the need for the topic of resentment to be a stand alone essay.
Like my other essays, it's written from my perspective as both therapist and fellow human. Resentment is an emotional signal primarily to do with our boundaries being encroached on/broken. It can arise in all kinds of different interpersonal experiences, of course, but at its root, it tends to do with unfair expectations we feel are put upon us, either via ourselves or others.
I'm curious- do folks feel resentment most often because of an injury in relationship with themselves (e.g., those perpetual people pleasers, saying yes when you don't want to, not having a voice of self-advocacy) OR because of injury in relationship with other (e.g., saying no and still feeling pushed, naming a need or boundary and being ignored)? OR just a messy mix of both?
Where does resentment come up for people the most? With friends/family? Double standards felt with a partner? Imbalanced work distribution amongst colleagues? Feeling perpetually caring without feeling cared for? Not enough alone time with time given to others? Something different all together? Anyone out there NOT prone to resentment at all?
Thank you so much in advance for your thoughts and reflections- they were SUCH a help with my last post to make sure I took different perspectives!
LOOKING TO COLLABORATE (sort of)
Hi all. I'm new and as part of my substack I'm running a Prompt Time competition. Basically, every now and then, I'll ask people to submit a 10 word prompt for a short story. Then, I'll pick one at random and that will guide my writing for that week. I tried this on notes last week, and as I'm new I had one reply! Lol! Thank you Wil Ward. So I wondered if this community would help and if people would be so kind and to submit a 10 word prompt. This week it can be as random or straightforward as you want, although in later weeks I might guide it more. So, once again, just 10 word prompt for a short story. Here is link to my previous one.
https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/1734bdfe-d166-4ad7-b394-eb09eaf93fae?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3jx4nm
QUESTION—LIVE WORKSHOPS
https://thebarefootbeat.substack.com/
Hi everyone! I'm diving into the world of offering live events/workshops with the hope of building community and engaging more directly with my readers. The workshops so far have been tarot/astrology based and I'm starting a nature journaling course this month! 🦋✨📓
Unfortunately, I've had little to no engagement. I have around 370 subscribers (💗🙏) and offer both free/donation based events and ticketed events (free for paying members of Heartbeats).
So far, I'll have 2-3 people sign up on Eventbrite but then not show up. This honestly makes me anxious because hosting a workshop for a live audience vs. doing a recorded workshop with NO audience has a very different flow! I'm not sure how to best prepare for a scenario I'm uncertain about until it's happening.
Tips? Suggestions?
I'm leaning toward just doing recorded events and posting them as replays. Are people just over-stimulated with online offerings? Are there ways you've found to meaningfully engage your readers virtually or offline?
Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
QUESTION. Can someone help me find where to download the Substack About Page Template that Sarah references in the Blueprint section 3.1?
LATEST POST: On Unspeakable Loss & Silly Antics https://miriamcruz.substack.com/p/on-unspeakable-loss-and-silly-antics
This post is a personal essay about my first crush, who took his own life in high school. It's equal parts comedy and tragedy, and my way of supporting anyone who has felt this loss in life. ❤️
Thank you for being here 🙏🏼
**MARKETING IDEA**
Here is a great idea that can help so many others with marketing their Substack! I had business cards made (Vista Print) for my Substack, created a QR code that leads to my Substack, and I plan to hand them out like you'd hand out candy on Halloween! (Well, I personally don't hand out candy on Halloween--I set up CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS TAPE all around my walkway to block trick-or-treaters away. Next year I will add the chalk outline of a body for more effect. It keeps the neighbors curious.
So a fellow Substacker (the hysterical Smillew who posted this GREAT story about begging for money: https://smillew.substack.com/p/how-to-beg-for-money) recently posted that he gained 10 new subscribers by reading his Substack posts outside of a Starbucks (I think that was before the police carted him off for disturbing the peace).
Since most of my posts are about dogs and cats, I plan to do the same thing in the courtyard outside my veterinarian's office which is next to a pet store and grocery store! And I will have plenty of cards on hand. Will see if I get any new subscribers too! I can't post a photo of my cards here. So, if you want to see how I configured my card (with a row of guns on the back--hey, it's America, right?) you'll have to follow the link to my AR2A Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122127377090226278&set=a.122104812152226278
QUESTION: Is linking out to another writer's Substack article common practice? I'm linking out to cocktail recipe in my next post but I'm not sure if asking the author's permission first is etiquette I should worry about or not? I'm thinking it's no big deal and a chance for new eyes on the author's page but wanted to check in here for thoughts (since I'm likely overthinking anyway, haha). Thanks for any insight!
QUESTION: How do you use an image for a "hero" pinned post on the homepage, but not have that image in the post itself. Like Sarah's @writersatwork?
LATEST POST: A short poem that plays with philosophical musing on what has already been said about suffering on this earth and in light of a tragedy that occurred with the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge.
https://progressivepoetfederation.substack.com/p/glut
QUESTION: Hi everyone, first time posting here and I have a question about the organisation of my Substack. I am curious as to how other Substackers are organising your sites as the writing/posts evolve over time.
In my newsletter, I focus on topics related to psychology, and creativity, and have recently started adding some of my own photography too. I have added some tags (psychology and photography) to reflect this on my main site. However, some of my posts are a bit more random (!) and don't fit within either of these areas. I feel like I need to add another 'tag' for my main page, but need some help with what to call this - 'other stuff' doesn't quite seem right, but nor does 'creativity'. I can't seem to think of anything! And then I feel like I am overthinking things!
If anyone is able to take a look and let me know what you think, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you, Sarah
https://sarahbest.substack.com/
RESOURCE: I’d love—as a relatively new person here myself, but with one solid year under my belt—to share some best practices/lessons from the field so far. On occasion, tangential to my regular weird weekly essays, I throw in an insider topic for us writers to enjoy behind the scenes. I hope some of my 10 insights on out-of-the box monetizing, making the platform your own, just doing the work, and other good stuff, might prove helpful to those who most want to hear it. https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips
Hey everyone!
I wanted to apologize for posting my introduction in the headlines chat!! Terribly sorry! I am still quite new here on Substack, finding my way around the platform and individual publications.
This is my second day as a member and I have blocked out a couple hours today to scroll around on here and get a lay of the land, bookmark certain pages (like this one!) and read through some of your posts.
I'm very excited to be here learning with you all, and to grow our Substacks together. Everyone here already is inspiring me!! Looking forward to working together 🙏🏼✨
Best wishes,
CZ
LATEST POST: A poem that's the 6th in a series about rain. This one covers childhood nostalgia evoked by an old cartoon's ending credits that features rain heavily and juxtaposes the memory of adolescence versus the more recent stress of the present.
Plastic Rainbow: https://progressivepoetfederation.substack.com/p/plastic-rainbow
LATEST POST: Focusing on the importance of recognising feelings and thought patterns in different situations and how doing so can be beneficial. Also touching on rejection sensitivity dysphoria and what that can mean for someone too.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jemmablythe/p/stop-calling-me-sensitive?r=1lnnv9&utm_medium=ios
LATEST POST: Just a short post this week, a 4 minute thrill-ride 🎬 documenting our whippet Bowie’s castration journey, set to a Hollywood-thriller soundtrack.
Why the hell would I want to watch that?
Good question. Well, like any good Hollywood movie, it promises laughter, tears, and the kind of hackneyed suspense that'll have you on the edge of your seat.
🎶 Turn up the volume and grab your 🍿.
https://livingwithanimals.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-good-boy-club-part-2-video
LATEST POST I think the title and sub probably do the work. Trying my hand at satire. Think dime store McSweeney’s but niche. https://open.substack.com/pub/rosbarbernews/p/helpful-suggestions-from-your-friend
INTRODUCTION! + Collaborations maybe?? Hello :) My name is Jeremy and I just launched my Newsletter in February. I'm still figuring out this platform and how my content fits within it. My newsletter is centered around my personal creative journey, with insights from my creative practice and tips/tricks for emerging artists. If y'all wouldn't mind taking a peak at what I've got I'd love some feedback. This is my first time publishing personal writing, and I'm way outside of my comfort zone.
I am also starting a community art project with my subscribers, where we renovate an old dollhouse together. I'm excited to get to know y'all and make some new connections here : )
Hi Sarah (and family)! I am SO relieved to learn I have a place to ask questions as I have many, but I'm to tired now to remember any of them! I grew up in California, USA but married a Canadian and now live on Vancouver Island, BC. I discovered just the other day, after listening to your podcast on "Sections vs. Groups" that I've set up my Substack incorrectly, including the deceptively-named-tags section! So I'm in the process of undoing what I did wrong and working to set up a new section/ newsletter.
I know you recommended to NOT do that (have 2 different newsletters) but I write about two entirely different topics: pet rescue / lost pet recovery work and Jesus Christ. I am sensitive that some, even many, of my subscribers are "just NOT that into" Jesus, especially since the term "Christian" has somehow become connected with politics (which I totally avoid!). I really want to write freely about faith-based topics so I am leaving my police and pet detective stories FREE but once I start my Jesus stories, I will turn my paywall on and charge my fellow Jesus Freaks. I don't quite know how that will work, but I know I will learn that here!
Thank you for the amazing training that you offer! I signed up for the Cohort and can't wait! BTW, my Substack is called "Armed Robbers 2 Airedales as I first trained my police bloodhounds (and Weimaraner cadaver dog) to find people (including 2 armed bank Robbers!) but then trained them all to track lost pets (starting back in 1998). I operate the first ever pet detective academy (online) where I've trained hundreds of other pet detectives, some with dogs trained to track lost pets. I've been too overwhelmed with pioneering lost pet recovery services for the past 20 years to devote time to writing, but my plan is to retire so that I can write and speak full time. Sorry for the novella! Here's my page:
armedrobbers2airedales.substack.com