I'm a published author and a Stacker and feel that you're exactly right on all counts, Brooke. The book is important, and the sooner you get it out there, the better. I would also add that, once you have a book, you can design (or redesign) your Substack as a draft publication for your *next* book. Have your cake and eat it too. But book first.
Agreed. Someone once told me that the secret to happiness as a writer is to re-use your content at least three times. I re-publish five year old blogs on Substack (Shh! Don’t tell!), and am collecting the best essays for a book. Meanwhile parts of my material have become writing course curriculum. The list goes on.
A fiction writer could write a series of linked short stories that could be later compiled into book form. A nonfiction writer, sections or chapters of a book-length project. A cookbook, maybe? Or I know an astrologer who is publishing sections of her book on the zodiac. Another, a book on writing. And etc etc. Lots of possibilities here! Brooke is right: a great place to test ideas, getting feedback along the way.
So great! I am actually writing a series of linked short stories that will become my first book. I’m grateful about the Substack experience but the intention has always been to publish a book. This platform is a great facilitator on a journey that would have otherwise been so lonely and difficult.
Interestingly, I’m the opposite as I struggle to write my monthly author newsletter. When I’m working on one of my books, more often than not, I go to this calm, content, and peaceful place that I only reach when writing. I become so calm and relaxed that my Fitbit often records me sleeping, but I’m happily typing away on my keyboard, whether drafting a new section or editing. I guess I become so still, my hands hovering over the keyboard so only my fingers shift down to tap on the keys, that it’s almost like a trance. I sometimes feel like I’m reading the story, the words pop faster onto the screen than I can register the thoughts, such is the fascinating impact writing a story has on me. Writing is the only time I know such peace. I have a busy mind. It never slows down. Writing is a relief from my own busy thoughts. When reading a book that’s been written well and draws me fully into the story, is another way I find peace.
I love Substack, but publishing my memoir last year was so validating, in a way my Substack can never match. You listed some really great reasons why, here are more: One, you get reviews, both editorial and reader. Two, a book can win awards which help to validate it as a work of art and craft (mine has won four). Three, my book is in libraries, and that is so key for a kid that grew up reading (almost exclusively) library books.
Additionally, as an editor, I don't consider writing a draft--and let's face it, Substack posts are all drafts--to be the same as an edited work. And thank goodness for us editors, most writers still agree!
Thank you for the additions. And one 100%, these posts are drafts, little missives. They can be excellent, of course, but can't hold a candle to the effort and revision inherent in the book-writing and -editing process.
I'd be lying if I said I never worry about whether there will be books in this world (if it exists) in, say, 200 years. In that sense, it doesn't surprise me some would look to replace them with Substack or a similar format. It's unfortunate. All your reasons for the superiority of books are spot on; the one I might add is that a book allows me as an author to fully develop my ideas and message, to create characters and engage in world building. In a culture built of millions of online sound bytes, books provide depth and richness to human experience. I pity future generations that might have to live without that.
I'm on a book binge as a reader even though I also love reading here on Substack. A book IS different from a subscription to a serialized memoir or creative nonfiction essays. While there are LOTS of similarities, but I agree books are here to stay. Television didn't make radio go away. Each is its own medium (in a McLuhanesque way) and I think of them as different from my experience as a reader. I will say Substack has led me to MORE books to read and enjoy.
People who earn really well on substack have often built up their audience in other places (over several years) - and often already have a couple of thousand subscribers to import. I grew up on books - my mum was a librarian. I love the feel and the smell of them. The only way online pieces will have the sort of longevity that books can have is if people really start making them into something physical - printing them out, making commonplace books, or publishing collections. I mean, who remembers any of the online articles they read 10 years ago? Sad, but true, I think.
I'm on my way to becoming a published author (memoir coming out in May 2025). The writing and publishing journey absolutely changed me: everything from immersing myself in a long-term project, facing rejection, making sense of narratives in my own life and relationships. The growth along the way has been its own reward.
Also, I received my proofs last week and the moment I saw and held my book as a beautiful, lasting, tangible object was pure magic!
Wonderful piece. I’ve never really thought of books as objects of art before, but you’re exactly right, and that explains the lasting impact. You should put this article in a book!
Brooke, this really resonates with me. I published a nonfiction book with a big New York publisher (Penguin Portfolio) but it was over 15 years ago. Have always thought I’d write/publish another book but lack of confidence (and clarity) has stood in the way. Writing on Substack for the past year, publishing weekly, has enabled me to call myself a writer once again. But you are absolutely right, it’s a terrific experience, and confidence building, but it’s not the same as writing a book. I’m 72; maybe it’s not too late!
It is definitely not too late!! Read @Abigail Thomas whose Substack is "What Comes Next" and she's working on her new memoir at age 80+ and crushing it.
I’m still working on becoming a published author and write here on Substack while revising my memoir. I find it hard to switch back and forth sometimes, the two ways of writing and connecting with readers are so different. But I agree with you about the instant feedback and interaction here which can be such a nice break from the solitary work of writing a book. I still want to publish my book for all the reasons you mention and hope I’ll get there someday.
Important information and insight, Brooke! For those of us older ( age) people with newer plans for writing professionally, I say a big thank you for this!
I've been published in numerous magazines but to have my name on a book will feel different. I hope! It gets to your point of perception of being a published author. Great article to inspire others to keep writing our books.
Great post and comments. I’m a published fiction author and translator and have a Substack newsletter, but that’s a completely different experience for me and not a calling in itself. Though I enjoy Substack immensely. I would love to be able to serialize fiction on Substack, but no one has seemed to make it work, at least for my genres anyway.
Interesting. I don’t know too much about this. I do know some people are serializing. You’re saying they can’t get the readership? Thanks for commenting, Steve.
I‘m writing my first book (fiction) as a serial on Substack and the response has been great. I’m not sure what ‚making‘ it means but I am happy to slowly gather a readership here. My goal is to publish the serial as a book.
Glad to hear it. I have heard a lot of writers intend to publish the books they serialize on Substack. I haven't been following anyone who's done that yet, so when you do, please please let me know. I want to have someone on my podcast who's gone through the whole process.
Couldn't agree with you more, Brooke, about how important a book is. I've written two books, and now the equivalent (in word count in Substack posts) of at least one more, and the book is...different. I struggle to say what I want to say in a post because some messages are more complex and nuanced than a post is designed for. I can barely say anything worthy in under 3000 words, and if I run up that many, Substack starts swearing at my draft with the warning that it's too long for an email. (It never is; the post always goes through.) But books allow you to show the interconnection of things over time, and both of those elements—the interconnectedness and the change over time—are endemic to the processes of nature, which I write about. And the processes of nature are the processes of life itself. So as a nature writer I just seem to need a whole book to address anything at all, even the smallest thing!
I love this, Brooke. You have touched on so many things I believe and feel about books and the experience of them. Substack is a great community of writers, and I love following along and engaging with many of them. I also enjoy posting short snippets about my life and my experiences, but it is 100% different than the book writing I do. Writing memoir and writing for Substack, for me, are day and night. Although I publish bits and pieces of of my memoir online from time to time, it is nothing akin to crafting an entire memoir. I spend so much more time and energy on the writing and editing and overall craft that goes into my books.
Brooke, I m a self-published historical fiction author. Debut book 2022. Writing the sequel was a game-changer. The MS is in my editor’s hands. And, the book cover design being worked on by my Greek designer. It’s such a different experience, what a sequel required. A challenge I took on with trepidation at age 85, that changed to I can do this, at any age! Your post made sense. Books are lasting as are your inspiring words. Thank you. I’m on Substack. I need to come up with a first post and soon! 📚 Christine
I'm a published author and a Stacker and feel that you're exactly right on all counts, Brooke. The book is important, and the sooner you get it out there, the better. I would also add that, once you have a book, you can design (or redesign) your Substack as a draft publication for your *next* book. Have your cake and eat it too. But book first.
Always, cake and eat it too! This is a great place to test ideas and build a platform for a first book too.
Agreed. Someone once told me that the secret to happiness as a writer is to re-use your content at least three times. I re-publish five year old blogs on Substack (Shh! Don’t tell!), and am collecting the best essays for a book. Meanwhile parts of my material have become writing course curriculum. The list goes on.
I do, too, Stella--I think of it as creative repackaging and always learn something new in the process. 😊
Love that framing! "Creative repackaging" -- Stealing!
Uh-oh, read again. It's our own work we're repackaging, not somebody else's. 😉
I meant I’m stealing your name for it. Or borrowing. Or repackaging. 😎
Got it--thanks, Stella!
What do you mean by trying out a draft publication for your next book? Can you give a brief example?
A fiction writer could write a series of linked short stories that could be later compiled into book form. A nonfiction writer, sections or chapters of a book-length project. A cookbook, maybe? Or I know an astrologer who is publishing sections of her book on the zodiac. Another, a book on writing. And etc etc. Lots of possibilities here! Brooke is right: a great place to test ideas, getting feedback along the way.
So true. I believe in the "both and," and for me, books will always come first.
So great! I am actually writing a series of linked short stories that will become my first book. I’m grateful about the Substack experience but the intention has always been to publish a book. This platform is a great facilitator on a journey that would have otherwise been so lonely and difficult.
Interestingly, I’m the opposite as I struggle to write my monthly author newsletter. When I’m working on one of my books, more often than not, I go to this calm, content, and peaceful place that I only reach when writing. I become so calm and relaxed that my Fitbit often records me sleeping, but I’m happily typing away on my keyboard, whether drafting a new section or editing. I guess I become so still, my hands hovering over the keyboard so only my fingers shift down to tap on the keys, that it’s almost like a trance. I sometimes feel like I’m reading the story, the words pop faster onto the screen than I can register the thoughts, such is the fascinating impact writing a story has on me. Writing is the only time I know such peace. I have a busy mind. It never slows down. Writing is a relief from my own busy thoughts. When reading a book that’s been written well and draws me fully into the story, is another way I find peace.
This sounds almost therapeutic. Such a great writing experience!
I love Substack, but publishing my memoir last year was so validating, in a way my Substack can never match. You listed some really great reasons why, here are more: One, you get reviews, both editorial and reader. Two, a book can win awards which help to validate it as a work of art and craft (mine has won four). Three, my book is in libraries, and that is so key for a kid that grew up reading (almost exclusively) library books.
Additionally, as an editor, I don't consider writing a draft--and let's face it, Substack posts are all drafts--to be the same as an edited work. And thank goodness for us editors, most writers still agree!
Thank you for the additions. And one 100%, these posts are drafts, little missives. They can be excellent, of course, but can't hold a candle to the effort and revision inherent in the book-writing and -editing process.
Exactly. Two different things. That's why great columnists have always wanted to write a book, eventually.
I'd be lying if I said I never worry about whether there will be books in this world (if it exists) in, say, 200 years. In that sense, it doesn't surprise me some would look to replace them with Substack or a similar format. It's unfortunate. All your reasons for the superiority of books are spot on; the one I might add is that a book allows me as an author to fully develop my ideas and message, to create characters and engage in world building. In a culture built of millions of online sound bytes, books provide depth and richness to human experience. I pity future generations that might have to live without that.
Thanks for the addition. I agree with this so much.
I'm on a book binge as a reader even though I also love reading here on Substack. A book IS different from a subscription to a serialized memoir or creative nonfiction essays. While there are LOTS of similarities, but I agree books are here to stay. Television didn't make radio go away. Each is its own medium (in a McLuhanesque way) and I think of them as different from my experience as a reader. I will say Substack has led me to MORE books to read and enjoy.
Love that perspective! And yes, we're growing platforms here for sure. :)
People who earn really well on substack have often built up their audience in other places (over several years) - and often already have a couple of thousand subscribers to import. I grew up on books - my mum was a librarian. I love the feel and the smell of them. The only way online pieces will have the sort of longevity that books can have is if people really start making them into something physical - printing them out, making commonplace books, or publishing collections. I mean, who remembers any of the online articles they read 10 years ago? Sad, but true, I think.
I'm on my way to becoming a published author (memoir coming out in May 2025). The writing and publishing journey absolutely changed me: everything from immersing myself in a long-term project, facing rejection, making sense of narratives in my own life and relationships. The growth along the way has been its own reward.
Also, I received my proofs last week and the moment I saw and held my book as a beautiful, lasting, tangible object was pure magic!
Congratulations, Deepa. And the journey will continue to change you.
Wonderful piece. I’ve never really thought of books as objects of art before, but you’re exactly right, and that explains the lasting impact. You should put this article in a book!
❤️ 📚
Brooke, this really resonates with me. I published a nonfiction book with a big New York publisher (Penguin Portfolio) but it was over 15 years ago. Have always thought I’d write/publish another book but lack of confidence (and clarity) has stood in the way. Writing on Substack for the past year, publishing weekly, has enabled me to call myself a writer once again. But you are absolutely right, it’s a terrific experience, and confidence building, but it’s not the same as writing a book. I’m 72; maybe it’s not too late!
It is definitely not too late!! Read @Abigail Thomas whose Substack is "What Comes Next" and she's working on her new memoir at age 80+ and crushing it.
Hey. I'm a published author, too. Brooke supported me in publishing my first book. I'm 79.
It's not too late. But, then, YOU are the one who needs to say that.
You are a writer.
It's not mine to say, but I'll say it anyway: just start writing your book!!!
I’m still working on becoming a published author and write here on Substack while revising my memoir. I find it hard to switch back and forth sometimes, the two ways of writing and connecting with readers are so different. But I agree with you about the instant feedback and interaction here which can be such a nice break from the solitary work of writing a book. I still want to publish my book for all the reasons you mention and hope I’ll get there someday.
You will, Paige! I'm with you on it taking the time it's going to take. ❤️
Me too, Paige. I feel the pull in both directions.
Important information and insight, Brooke! For those of us older ( age) people with newer plans for writing professionally, I say a big thank you for this!
I've been published in numerous magazines but to have my name on a book will feel different. I hope! It gets to your point of perception of being a published author. Great article to inspire others to keep writing our books.
Agree, it is inspirational, and much needed to balance Substack’s promises, some of which are valid, but we need to appreciate the difference.
Great post and comments. I’m a published fiction author and translator and have a Substack newsletter, but that’s a completely different experience for me and not a calling in itself. Though I enjoy Substack immensely. I would love to be able to serialize fiction on Substack, but no one has seemed to make it work, at least for my genres anyway.
Interesting. I don’t know too much about this. I do know some people are serializing. You’re saying they can’t get the readership? Thanks for commenting, Steve.
It doesn’t sound like it just based on random posts I’ve seen, but I’m guessing it works for some genres.
Steve, you might find this resource useful for any planned serialisation : https://substack.com/home/post/p-144183188
This is great to have, thanks Jonathan. Another reason I love Substack — people helping people. I'll check it out.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this. Looks like he's got the serialization thing nailed!
I‘m writing my first book (fiction) as a serial on Substack and the response has been great. I’m not sure what ‚making‘ it means but I am happy to slowly gather a readership here. My goal is to publish the serial as a book.
Glad to hear it. I have heard a lot of writers intend to publish the books they serialize on Substack. I haven't been following anyone who's done that yet, so when you do, please please let me know. I want to have someone on my podcast who's gone through the whole process.
Thank you, Brooke, I would love that! I’ll let you know.
That's great to hear, Claudia. Thanks for the inspiration!
Good luck with your fiction!
Couldn't agree with you more, Brooke, about how important a book is. I've written two books, and now the equivalent (in word count in Substack posts) of at least one more, and the book is...different. I struggle to say what I want to say in a post because some messages are more complex and nuanced than a post is designed for. I can barely say anything worthy in under 3000 words, and if I run up that many, Substack starts swearing at my draft with the warning that it's too long for an email. (It never is; the post always goes through.) But books allow you to show the interconnection of things over time, and both of those elements—the interconnectedness and the change over time—are endemic to the processes of nature, which I write about. And the processes of nature are the processes of life itself. So as a nature writer I just seem to need a whole book to address anything at all, even the smallest thing!
I love this, Brooke. You have touched on so many things I believe and feel about books and the experience of them. Substack is a great community of writers, and I love following along and engaging with many of them. I also enjoy posting short snippets about my life and my experiences, but it is 100% different than the book writing I do. Writing memoir and writing for Substack, for me, are day and night. Although I publish bits and pieces of of my memoir online from time to time, it is nothing akin to crafting an entire memoir. I spend so much more time and energy on the writing and editing and overall craft that goes into my books.
Yes! Happy for you and your next book book experience on the horizon, Katrina.
Brooke, I m a self-published historical fiction author. Debut book 2022. Writing the sequel was a game-changer. The MS is in my editor’s hands. And, the book cover design being worked on by my Greek designer. It’s such a different experience, what a sequel required. A challenge I took on with trepidation at age 85, that changed to I can do this, at any age! Your post made sense. Books are lasting as are your inspiring words. Thank you. I’m on Substack. I need to come up with a first post and soon! 📚 Christine
Good luck on both counts! And congrats and have fun w substack. It’s clearly an amazing platform and space to be on.