Why Substack Is Every Writer’s Secret Weapon

Everyone is talking about Substack

Substack is causing quite a stir in the writer community. As someone who has been using the platform for a couple of years now, I have to say, I can understand why. Before I start this blog, I feel the need to be honest and say that I am not an expert on this subject, I am merely sharing what I have learned through regular use and seeing the benefits.

What is Substack?

Substack is a media platform. A place where you can share articles, newsletters, videos, podcasts and chat with other creatives. It is free to use, and while the newsletter functions are limited, so I wouldn’t suggest it as a replacement for an email list, you do own your contacts there, unlike on social media platforms. 

Not only do you control who sees your content and what you post, you can also choose to monetise your content, giving special attention to your paid subscribers and offering them access to additional resources and content.

How much does Substack cost?

Substack is free to use for both writers and readers, although some content may be behind a paywall. As a writer, if you choose to have paid subscribers, Substack then take 10% of that fee and as they take their payments through Stripe, they take an additional 13%. So you will only receive 87% of the subscription fee you charge. Of course, you have to be earning money from Substack to have to pay anything, unlike most newsletter providers which charge a monthly fee.

What are the benefits of writing on Substack?

As a creative, I would imagine your creative freedom is important to you, on Substack, you retain ownership of your content, and there are no restrictions or censorship around your content. This can cause controversy, as there have been some issues around them not taking a stance on certain content (Neo Nazi content for example), but for the most part it means that people can share their opinions without censorship, and that is mostly a positive. Read more about Substack’s view on content moderation. 

Substack is a multi-media platform

While most people use the platform for writing and sending newsletters, you can also create vlogs and even podcasts through their user friendly interface. You can create private communities and really nurture your readers through live sessions and gifts. Whether you are technologically minded or not Substack is incredibly user friendly. 

Why choose Substack over the alternatives?

I asked Claude.ai to compare Substack to the alternative platforms as although I have used several alternative platforms, I don’t use every platform so didn’t feel it would be fair for me to try to compare.

Here is what Claude said:

Substack vs. Medium

• Revenue model: Substack lets writers keep 90% of subscription revenue minus payment processing fees; Medium offers a partner program based on reading time
• Ownership: On Substack, you own your email list completely; Medium maintains control of the audience relationship
• Discoverability: Medium has stronger internal discovery features; Substack relies more on external promotion
• Paywall flexibility: Substack lets you decide exactly what’s free vs. paid; Medium’s paywall is more platform-controlled

Substack vs. Patreon

• Content focus: Substack is optimized for written content; Patreon is more versatile for various creator types
• Distribution: Substack handles email delivery seamlessly; Patreon requires more manual distribution
• Membership tiers: Patreon offers more complex membership tier options; Substack has simpler free/paid distinction
• Platform recognition: Readers instantly understand Substack’s model; Patreon might require more explanation

Substack vs. Traditional Blogging (WordPress, Ghost)

• Technical barrier: Substack requires minimal technical knowledge; self-hosted platforms need more expertise
• Monetization: Substack has built-in payment processing; WordPress/Ghost require additional plugins or services
• Cost structure: Substack takes a percentage of revenue but has no upfront costs; self-hosted options have fixed costs regardless of earnings
• Customisation: Self-hosted platforms offer more design flexibility; Substack has limited customisation options

Substack vs. Social Media Newsletters (Twitter/X, LinkedIn)

• Algorithm independence: Substack delivers directly to inboxes; social platforms prioritize content based on algorithms
• Monetization options: Substack has robust monetization; social platforms’ newsletter monetization is limited or nonexistent
• Professional focus: Substack is recognized as a professional publishing platform; social newsletters may be perceived as less serious
• Content ownership: Clearer content ownership on Substack; more ambiguous on social platforms

What can I write about?

This is the beauty of Substack. You can write about whatever interests you, and you will find your tribe. The platform is home to many successful authors such as Elizabeth Gilbert, Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, celebrities like Stephen Fry and Richard Osman, and a whole host of academic writers. Heather Cox Richardson (an American historian) is believed to be earning at least $5 million a year from her Substack. None of the highest earners are people you would expect. Whatever you want to share with the world, you can share it on Substack. 

 Most importantly…

I have never had a negative encounter on Substack. It is by far the friendliest platform I have ever spent time on. Other writers are supportive and everyone pulls together. Putting your writing out into the world can be a scary experience but I haven’t met anyone yet who has been trolled on this platform. It only seems to attract users who genuinely love writing and words and who are happy to meet other like minded souls. 

If you want to dip your toe into the Substack pool please do come and say hello, you can subscribe to my free membership using the form below. Let’s fill the internet with compassion, love and lots of powerful words. What could be more perfect or more needed right now. 

If you are looking for a more intimate writing community, why not join A little word told me… We are a group of supportive and welcoming women who all love words and journalling and we are always happy to welcome new members to our elite club.