Question for you Claudia—do you think a Substack built mainly around personal storytelling/entertainment can actually be monetised? I write around three themes and love it, but I’m not sure I’m “solving” anything for my readers. I want to stay authentic and tell my story, but I also wonder if that can realistically turn into growth and income.
hi there! I think it can but with the right expectations and work on it. I think you will need to put even more effort into building yourself a brand and marketing yourself. and it might take a bit longer, but once you have that, I do think that storytelling/entertainment can be monetized
This analysis works well for people who see themselves first and foremost as building a business.
Those who see themselves as freelance writers who want to get an agent and then a publisher (we need to do it in that order in the U.K.) first and foremost, but who have not yet published their fiction or their non fiction with agents don’t quite fit into this model you describe. It isn’t just a hobby for some. It is much more.
Many people want to publish their writing, have some other unconnected source of income on the side to help with the bills, but ultimately want to find an agent for their fiction, memoir etc. That is why they are here - to connect with others like them, build connections, get creative ideas, and build exposure or audiences if they do get the agent. Many are submitting book proposals alongside the articles.
I never see strategies for growth with those who see themselves in this category. Doing the kind of writing they want to do has to be a PT occupation for financial reasons, rather than their only occupation. Realistically people are unlikely to pay for courses or even subscriptions etc until they get published and a bit more established as a writer. So they are not looking to monetise at least not yet - because that might not yet be realistic. Unless you think it still is in that context ?
I see a lot of people coming here to build themselves a community of readers for their books - some even say their publishers say you need to have x amount of subscribers on your email-list before we will further take you on. so I do think growing on Substack is one thing that authors here do. on another note, I’d like to connect you with @Margaret South who is helping people get their books published - she has a lot of great (free and paid) resources. feel free to connect :)
I'm a Type 1: The Hobbyists, with the only difference being I don't 'wonder why growth is slow and revenue is nonexistent', I KNOW why my growth is slow and revenue is nonexistent 😂
In all seriousness, I don't have a paid tier and my goals are pretty vague. I'm mainly here to write and learn and try to sell some of my books, but I don't put too much effort into actually selling my books. I get a kick out of restacking notes and adding snarky comments because it's fun and I'm a prankster at heart - is there a way to monetise this I wonder? 😉
hah, well it's great because like this you can for sure build yourself a brand and a name for yourself. the only problem is that without promoting your books, it will be close to impossible to actually sell them. unfortunately, it's part of the deal. but step 1 is def build your brand, and a decent-sized audience
This clicked for me, Claudia. I used to think “more subscribers = more success,” until I realized it’s not about the count, it’s about the system behind the writing.
When I shifted to treating my content like a process—clear positioning, repeatable structure, consistent rhythm—the results started compounding. It’s less about shouting louder, more about building a system that quietly works for you.
Definitely struggling with this! I do want to monetize eventually; but it wouldn't be about growth on platforms, etc. it also wouldn't be just for story telling. Likely products surrounding grief and sobriety. Definitely going to think on this some more.
It's also challenging because I'm starting from scratch so for me I don't feel like I can say I help people build systems, etc. yet. Right now im focusing on organic growth, community, trust while telling my story. I plan to start my first digital product soon! We'll see where the journey takes me
hi there, oh I can feel this a lot! I also started from scratch and I had to start building my community by just sharing my experience, my thoughts and things along the way.
as for monetization, there are lots of options and I think by you focusing on building your community first, that's exactly the right way to go about it!
I get confused reading advice like this because I have also read that when you try to sell to your audience they get turned off and unsubscribe. Which is it? Is timing the key? The delivery? I have plenty to offer but can’t afford to lose subs at this point while I’m trying to at least build a decent base who will share and engage leading to more subs.
Question for you Claudia—do you think a Substack built mainly around personal storytelling/entertainment can actually be monetised? I write around three themes and love it, but I’m not sure I’m “solving” anything for my readers. I want to stay authentic and tell my story, but I also wonder if that can realistically turn into growth and income.
hi there! I think it can but with the right expectations and work on it. I think you will need to put even more effort into building yourself a brand and marketing yourself. and it might take a bit longer, but once you have that, I do think that storytelling/entertainment can be monetized
thank you - really appreciate the response - will look out for more tips!
Hi Claudia
This analysis works well for people who see themselves first and foremost as building a business.
Those who see themselves as freelance writers who want to get an agent and then a publisher (we need to do it in that order in the U.K.) first and foremost, but who have not yet published their fiction or their non fiction with agents don’t quite fit into this model you describe. It isn’t just a hobby for some. It is much more.
Many people want to publish their writing, have some other unconnected source of income on the side to help with the bills, but ultimately want to find an agent for their fiction, memoir etc. That is why they are here - to connect with others like them, build connections, get creative ideas, and build exposure or audiences if they do get the agent. Many are submitting book proposals alongside the articles.
I never see strategies for growth with those who see themselves in this category. Doing the kind of writing they want to do has to be a PT occupation for financial reasons, rather than their only occupation. Realistically people are unlikely to pay for courses or even subscriptions etc until they get published and a bit more established as a writer. So they are not looking to monetise at least not yet - because that might not yet be realistic. Unless you think it still is in that context ?
I see a lot of people coming here to build themselves a community of readers for their books - some even say their publishers say you need to have x amount of subscribers on your email-list before we will further take you on. so I do think growing on Substack is one thing that authors here do. on another note, I’d like to connect you with @Margaret South who is helping people get their books published - she has a lot of great (free and paid) resources. feel free to connect :)
Could you share the link again ? Not sure which Margaret south you mean - there are a few. Thanks
sure, this is her: https://substack.com/@margaretsouth
I'm a Type 1: The Hobbyists, with the only difference being I don't 'wonder why growth is slow and revenue is nonexistent', I KNOW why my growth is slow and revenue is nonexistent 😂
In all seriousness, I don't have a paid tier and my goals are pretty vague. I'm mainly here to write and learn and try to sell some of my books, but I don't put too much effort into actually selling my books. I get a kick out of restacking notes and adding snarky comments because it's fun and I'm a prankster at heart - is there a way to monetise this I wonder? 😉
hah, well it's great because like this you can for sure build yourself a brand and a name for yourself. the only problem is that without promoting your books, it will be close to impossible to actually sell them. unfortunately, it's part of the deal. but step 1 is def build your brand, and a decent-sized audience
This clicked for me, Claudia. I used to think “more subscribers = more success,” until I realized it’s not about the count, it’s about the system behind the writing.
When I shifted to treating my content like a process—clear positioning, repeatable structure, consistent rhythm—the results started compounding. It’s less about shouting louder, more about building a system that quietly works for you.
I love this perspective, Claudia! Starting with the end in mind is key. Knowing why you’re posting shapes what you post.
exactly right, thanks for this, Tara!
Definitely struggling with this! I do want to monetize eventually; but it wouldn't be about growth on platforms, etc. it also wouldn't be just for story telling. Likely products surrounding grief and sobriety. Definitely going to think on this some more.
It's also challenging because I'm starting from scratch so for me I don't feel like I can say I help people build systems, etc. yet. Right now im focusing on organic growth, community, trust while telling my story. I plan to start my first digital product soon! We'll see where the journey takes me
You did just help me clear up my bio though! Thank you for this!
oh that's amazing 🧡
hi there, oh I can feel this a lot! I also started from scratch and I had to start building my community by just sharing my experience, my thoughts and things along the way.
as for monetization, there are lots of options and I think by you focusing on building your community first, that's exactly the right way to go about it!
I get confused reading advice like this because I have also read that when you try to sell to your audience they get turned off and unsubscribe. Which is it? Is timing the key? The delivery? I have plenty to offer but can’t afford to lose subs at this point while I’m trying to at least build a decent base who will share and engage leading to more subs.