275 Comments
User's avatar
The Conversationalist's avatar

I am so looking forward to reading this / three days in and to be honest it feels like I need some guidance - thanks for this

Expand full comment
Richard  Bluttal's avatar

I hope you will check out my history newsletter. It is free and the link is below https://makinghistorycomealive.substack.com/

Expand full comment
Agrat bat Mahlat's avatar

You’ll still die alone and bitter, bitch.

Expand full comment
The Unread Shelf's avatar

This post is longer than some novels I've started and abandoned. The commitment to transparency is admirable, but at some point "how I grew my Substack" becomes "how I wrote a dissertation about growing my Substack." The irony of needing a program manager to help manage your newsletter about writing is peak creator economy—we're all just hiring people to help us be ourselves professionally.

Expand full comment
Not Exatcly Ana's avatar

I find it especially helpful how successful creators share their experiences - this is how you motivate those of us who are new to this endeavor.

Expand full comment
Graeme Outerbridge's avatar

Ouellette! Ole!^^

Expand full comment
Rachel Sarah Thurston's avatar

I just stumbled on to Part I of yoru article, Jeannine! And I've become an overnight fan. You had me when you mentioned "hard work" and being an Aries (me, too)! Many thanks for sharing your hard earned wisdom with us all.

Expand full comment
J. Aaron's avatar

How much of your growth, if any, do you attribute to your professional network, family, and friends, and how important were those things in moving yourself forward?

Expand full comment
Tombarriesimmons's avatar

My goodness, I could do witha Liza.

Unfortunately, I can't afford one, I did have a Tessa, she was lovely and hard-working and really promoted my books, but we made a steady loss because she couldn't do the Internet stuff, and prefer to create and leave the running of the ship to someone who is better qualified than me x

Expand full comment
Carla Moss, NBC-HWC's avatar

Thank you for this. I’m only a month in here on Substack, so these tips are helpful.

Expand full comment
Azahm Khan's avatar

Thank you for this! Your story is inspirational and shows how hard work, persistence, and heart lead towards a revolution.

Expand full comment
cupful of me.'s avatar

“no writer, no book, no essay or post, is entitled to be read. No one is entitled to success in their writing, and notable success in writing always takes a lot of work. No exceptions.”

“Investment without attachment” so kinda like a relationship these days😭

Dont mind my humor. I totally get it.

Will keep that in mind. Thankyou!

Expand full comment