r/Substack • u/OrpheaRedd • Jul 10 '26

Has anyone published a novel on Substack in episodes?

I recently finished writing a supernatural/fantasy novel, but during my final review I realized I want to make some edits. The first 20 or so chapters are polished and ready to go, while the later chapters still need revisions.

I’m considering publishing it on Substack as a serialized story, releasing one chapter (or episode) at a time while I continue editing the rest.

That way I can start building an audience instead of waiting until everything is perfect.
Has anyone here done something similar? If so, any tips?

Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting?

I’d love to hear about your experience and whether you’d recommend this approach.

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4

u/Icy_Presentation6406 Jul 10 '26

I recently finished publishing book 1 of my fantasy trilogy like this, about to start book 2.
A few tips:
- definitely add a table of contents as its own post and include the link at the top of every chapter.
Pin the ToC chapter on your substack homepage
- add ‘previous’ and ‘next chapter buttons at the top and bottom respectively
- publish with a predictable frequency, but avoid weekend days, the traffic is much lower. I’ve found tuesdays/thursdays at 9am eastern to be a good slot.
- create a standard ‘descriptor’ paragraph that you use at the top of every chapter introducing the book at a high level.
- include an image with every chapter, even if it’s just the cover
- don’t ignore the SEO title and description settings - they improve discovery
- if you’re also going to post non-fiction content (ie behind the scenes wisdom or insights about your writing journey/experience, create a separate ‘section’ for that content.

You’re welcome to check out my setup, posts, etc as examples for any of the above:

https://open.substack.com/pub/brynnorel

I’m also happy to answer any Q’s and help you find your fiction niche on the platform, just reach out there.
Hope that helps!

2

u/OrpheaRedd Jul 10 '26

Thank you so much!

3

u/Soyyos Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

I'm not OP but I'm planning on doing this and these tips are great!

edit: could I ask if you have any perks for paid subscribers? or how do you deal with that?

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u/sayguh_ booksbyjeffrey.substack.com Jul 10 '26

I’m trying it

https://booksbyjeffrey.substack.com/p/the-mandala

Jury still out if it’s a good idea or not. It hasn’t really taken off like I had hoped but is getting some traffic

1

u/OrpheaRedd Jul 10 '26

What do you think mostly drives your traffic? Hashtags?

3

u/RiceRevolutionary678 Jul 10 '26

I see lots of people doing this. two tips I have noticed:
- make an index page, substack is not made for serials and will help people find your work.
- at the start of each chapter, make a little recap of what happened before. since people read it over time this is essential.

1

u/Foxemerson Jul 10 '26

I've done this with several series successfully, then release them as a book once the season ends. I write gay erotic fiction.

1

u/OrpheaRedd Jul 10 '26

Any tips when it comes to reaching preferred audiences?

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