I was able to get book "blurbs" for my debut novel from authors much better known than me because for at least a year I had been commenting on their posts, reviewing and recommending their books, and reposting their social media photos and announcements. I sincerely wanted to support them but also when it was time for me to ask a favor in return, they were there for me. It was a warm ask, not a cold one.
Great post! I can see the value in establishing relationships with fellow writers. I find it daunting, though, because: (1) It sounds so time-consuming when so much of my time is currently being spent on finding a literary agent for my finished manuscript, building an Instagram following, and continuing work on my next manuscript; and (2) since I haven’t published anything yet, I feel like maybe I’m not ready to play with “the big kids.” that being said, I just joined Substack… So I guess I’m making progress!
interesting... I wonder if instead of seeing it as a waste of time, you could view online connections as helping you achieve your goals (finding an agent and building your following)?
Oh, I don’t see it as a waste of time! Not at all. I said that I see the value of it. I simply find it daunting to figure out how I can fit it into a schedule that is already so full of tasks that are intended to promote my writing. That being said, joining Substack is a first step in that direction.
All great advice. As a writer who has chosen to live in more isolated places (Alaska, rural Taiwan, Mexico) I reached an all-time isolated low until I realized, about 7 years ago, that I needed to lean into making new relationships with writers and readers online. Your specific tips are extremely helpful.
I’m so glad you brought up location and distance! social media is such a useful tool for writers working beyond and outside coastal media hubs like NYC and LA
All these places sound wonderful. I wish I could explore rural Taiwan more next time!
After making some writer friends on Instagram for some time, it became much easier for me to make online friends and collaborate with them. It is so much fun!
I’m fascinated by the idea of commonality. It drives a lot of what I write about, and much more of what I read. Thank you for a Sunday smile and reminder of the humanity of kindness.
You know what's funny—I drafted this newsletter and then went to take a shower and the tip about commonality came to me! It's really important and easy to forget when we feel threatened/tribal.
Great post, and I second everything here! By following your playbook I've established relationships with dozens of great writers here on Substack, which have led to blurbs, networking opportunities, and creative collaborations. Just today I posted a collaboration piece with two other writers I met via Substack comments sections.
Oh, I love this. I've been writing online since 2004 and launched a whole writing career (like, with actual books) via the online sphere. I'm always so touched when I get a comment from one of the people who followed my erstwhile blog back in the day, and who is with me still. But I've been more shy when it comes to showing love to writers I admire through comments and rapport. Thanks to this post I realize it's time to put myself out there more. Also, how great is the revival of blogging through this wonderful platform that is Substack, which allows us to return to intelligent conversation and genuine interaction online? I'm still learning my way around it, but it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling every time I log on—I always find something affirming and soulful, like this post. So thank you. 🙏🥰
My love language is eggs, so we don't have that in common, but this is all so spot on. Create the goodwill and read the cues as you would your own text exchanges. This is so valuable and your dad was a trailblazer.
Agreed!! There are some further-along authors that I greatly respect that I followed on Substack and would comment on their newsletters. It felt a little silly and “what’s the point” at the time, but slowly they recognized my name and then followed me back on Instagram and now we have conversations! It’s a slow process but that’s normal and good :)
This was such good advice. Regarding "making deposits"--I offer to share examples of (redacted) contracts and legal documents that might prove useful. Also recent marketing plans (ones that actually worked) and examples of successful advertising.
Oct 31, 2023·edited Oct 31, 2023Liked by Leigh Stein
Such a great stack. To me, Substack feels like the 'small' internet of 20-odd years ago. It follows the rules of hosting a good party; invite your favorite people, music & lighting are everything, make sure there's lots of tray-passed eats so people can keep talking, and when you can... match like-with-like. You come to know people's work after a while and suddenly they have a need because they're working on X and you're like, hey, have you met so-and-so b/c they're also doing X+ and it can be so amazing when their connection flourishes.
I agree--there are elements of Substack that remind me of the internet of the ‘00s! But Substack is also more professional and commercial, while the early internet had a more DIY/pseudonymous/artistic zine vibe.
You are an endless treasure trove of good advice, this newsletter issue is a master class in online networking. Proud to count myself among your many internet friends, friend.
I was able to get book "blurbs" for my debut novel from authors much better known than me because for at least a year I had been commenting on their posts, reviewing and recommending their books, and reposting their social media photos and announcements. I sincerely wanted to support them but also when it was time for me to ask a favor in return, they were there for me. It was a warm ask, not a cold one.
Such a great example, thank you for sharing! And kudos!
Great post! I can see the value in establishing relationships with fellow writers. I find it daunting, though, because: (1) It sounds so time-consuming when so much of my time is currently being spent on finding a literary agent for my finished manuscript, building an Instagram following, and continuing work on my next manuscript; and (2) since I haven’t published anything yet, I feel like maybe I’m not ready to play with “the big kids.” that being said, I just joined Substack… So I guess I’m making progress!
interesting... I wonder if instead of seeing it as a waste of time, you could view online connections as helping you achieve your goals (finding an agent and building your following)?
Oh, I don’t see it as a waste of time! Not at all. I said that I see the value of it. I simply find it daunting to figure out how I can fit it into a schedule that is already so full of tasks that are intended to promote my writing. That being said, joining Substack is a first step in that direction.
All great advice. As a writer who has chosen to live in more isolated places (Alaska, rural Taiwan, Mexico) I reached an all-time isolated low until I realized, about 7 years ago, that I needed to lean into making new relationships with writers and readers online. Your specific tips are extremely helpful.
I’m so glad you brought up location and distance! social media is such a useful tool for writers working beyond and outside coastal media hubs like NYC and LA
All these places sound wonderful. I wish I could explore rural Taiwan more next time!
After making some writer friends on Instagram for some time, it became much easier for me to make online friends and collaborate with them. It is so much fun!
I love this!
I’m fascinated by the idea of commonality. It drives a lot of what I write about, and much more of what I read. Thank you for a Sunday smile and reminder of the humanity of kindness.
You know what's funny—I drafted this newsletter and then went to take a shower and the tip about commonality came to me! It's really important and easy to forget when we feel threatened/tribal.
Great post, and I second everything here! By following your playbook I've established relationships with dozens of great writers here on Substack, which have led to blurbs, networking opportunities, and creative collaborations. Just today I posted a collaboration piece with two other writers I met via Substack comments sections.
that’s so awesome! collaboration is such a powerful benefit of connection and community
Oh, I love this. I've been writing online since 2004 and launched a whole writing career (like, with actual books) via the online sphere. I'm always so touched when I get a comment from one of the people who followed my erstwhile blog back in the day, and who is with me still. But I've been more shy when it comes to showing love to writers I admire through comments and rapport. Thanks to this post I realize it's time to put myself out there more. Also, how great is the revival of blogging through this wonderful platform that is Substack, which allows us to return to intelligent conversation and genuine interaction online? I'm still learning my way around it, but it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling every time I log on—I always find something affirming and soulful, like this post. So thank you. 🙏🥰
My love language is eggs, so we don't have that in common, but this is all so spot on. Create the goodwill and read the cues as you would your own text exchanges. This is so valuable and your dad was a trailblazer.
not CHICKEN?
well it's hard to say which came first exactly
Agreed!! There are some further-along authors that I greatly respect that I followed on Substack and would comment on their newsletters. It felt a little silly and “what’s the point” at the time, but slowly they recognized my name and then followed me back on Instagram and now we have conversations! It’s a slow process but that’s normal and good :)
This was such good advice. Regarding "making deposits"--I offer to share examples of (redacted) contracts and legal documents that might prove useful. Also recent marketing plans (ones that actually worked) and examples of successful advertising.
that is extremely generous and helpful! 😃
Such a great stack. To me, Substack feels like the 'small' internet of 20-odd years ago. It follows the rules of hosting a good party; invite your favorite people, music & lighting are everything, make sure there's lots of tray-passed eats so people can keep talking, and when you can... match like-with-like. You come to know people's work after a while and suddenly they have a need because they're working on X and you're like, hey, have you met so-and-so b/c they're also doing X+ and it can be so amazing when their connection flourishes.
I agree--there are elements of Substack that remind me of the internet of the ‘00s! But Substack is also more professional and commercial, while the early internet had a more DIY/pseudonymous/artistic zine vibe.
Oh, agree 1000% So much more polished.
I wanna be your AOL friend👾💾💕
you win the comments section
You know it Leigh! And I, you. I was in NYC (LES) at the end of September. If you dont make it to the ATX first, the next time I'm in NYC, I'll holla.
Such a great post, Leigh, and your authentic, warm voice comes through. I just read the story about you and David, so powerful!
aw thanks friend!
You are an endless treasure trove of good advice, this newsletter issue is a master class in online networking. Proud to count myself among your many internet friends, friend.
you’re the queen of making friends on the internet 👑
Another great newsletter!
This post is everything.
I’m glad you’re my friend and I look forward to meeting one day! 😊