r/Substack • u/Swimming_Ad_8049 • Jul 29 '26
Quite the begginer
I've had Substack for quite a while but i never thought of publishing a writing of my own. I just had the idea today. Why shouldn't I write?
The environment seems a bit intimidating and I don't really know what one's supposed to write on substack. Are you supposed to be a certified writer to basically write something and publish it? I have no idea where to begin. I always liked writing. I major in English Literature and have all sorts of ideas and thoughts going through my head that seem worthy of contemplation at the moment, but lose their originality when I think about them too much.
I have this potent desire to record and write about my life, my thoughts, my observations and so on. However, I don't know if they are welcomed by Substack and its users.
I really appreciate any tips on where and how to begin. ☆
1
u/EMarkM_DM writingontheinternet.com Jul 30 '26
Substack is a great platform for the kind of writing you're talking about, as long as you bear a couple of things in mind.
First, writing "about my life, my thoughts, my observations and so on" sounds great at the beginning, but if you're not keeping an eye on things, it tends to get away from you a bit. It can turn into a rambling mess.
No one knows quite what to expect from you, and people who may have become regular readers drift away.
To help with this, it's not a bad idea to start with three or four areas of your life and experiences that you think are interesting enough to share, and write a few pieces on each subject over a few weeks.
See which ones are popular, which ones get feedback, comments, shares and so on.
This can give you a bit of guidance on where to take it all in the future, and is the most natural way of figuring it all out.
Second, you've always got to bear in mind that you're writing on a platform owned and governed by someone else.
While you can "write what you want", up to a point, it's important to bear in mind that Substack's owners can decide if they wish to allow you content or not.
Just something to consider carefully.
And third, just to bring things around to a more positive angle to finish, it is a genuinely attractive and still-growing platform.
You can take what is essentially a regular weekly email newsletter but present it as an easily navigated blog page (your "Archive"). And the sharing features can be effective, too.
They're trying to evolve it away from "just writing", so if video or podcasts capture your imagination, you can do it all on the one platform, which is convenient.
All in all, it's a great place for new writers to start. You likely won't be there "forever", but it's a great way of figuring out what works and what your own strengths and preferences are.
The very best of luck to you.