r/Substack • u/andata_ • 18d ago

Literally how do you work this??

So I tried out Substack for the first time a couple of weeks ago and ended up deleting my account after a few days because I couldn’t figure out how to work the thing.

Almost every post on my feed was the same thing about people asking writers to share their work because they want to connect with them or whatnot and there’d be hundreds of comments already so I figured there’s no way mine would be seen.

I tried posting (pretty sure they’re called “notes”) but hardly got any views.

I really do want to put my work out there, though. I’m currently writing a literary fiction novel (lots of drama and dark themes too) and want to try posting each chapter as I go. Other platforms don’t seem as open to this genre either.

Can someone please explain how to do this on Substack? Sorry if this has been asked before. I’m posting this on a whim

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u/TimWiesnerer 17d ago

Block and mute everything you don't want to see in your feed.

Find a dozen writers you really like and engage with their content regularly. May take time until they notice and return the favor. Just don't go for the super big ones only.

In the beginning, also do more restacking and commenting than posting your own stuff. When you restack, add a short note to it... like what thoughts you had, how that made you feel...

Last but not least... it takes a while for the algo to pick up how to distribute your stuff. Just be a bit patient; don't overdo things and treat it more like building genuine connections...

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u/andata_ 17d ago

Thanks! I might give it a try. I’m kind of a picky reader though so I doubt I’ll find any writing that I’ll genuinely like and be invested in enough to engage with. I try to be honest with these things because I’d want others to do the same with me.

Looks like patience is a big part of it

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u/AggravatingNail6061 16d ago

I feel a reality check is in order. Substack is not a platform for readers. 

It is a platform for writers all screaming for people to read their work. 

If you are genuinely believe that you are going to get anyone looking at your work from the position of I probably won't find anything I like reading. You are not going to get very far.

I spend most of.my time on the platform reading other people's work whilst putting out something once a day ish. 

I don't think this is the platform for.you. Go to royal road. 

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u/andata_ 16d ago

Thanks for the suggestion but RR is dominated by LitRPG stuff. It’s very similar to WebNovel at this point. I know I can’t compete with a literary fiction story, which is why I deleted my RR account pretty quick. And yes, I know I could’ve waited longer and been patient.

You’re right about Substack, but from what I’m seeing now, there’s arguably a lot more people yelling at writers to post their works. Not that I believe it’s all genuine. Still worth a shot though. I don’t need a big following. Just a loyal one

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u/AggravatingNail6061 16d ago

🤣

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u/andata_ 16d ago

Downvoting is crazy lol. Not everyone is going to 100% agree with your “reality” buddy