Comments on: Paid Newsletter: Smart Income Stream or Expensive Distraction?

By: Jerold Tabbott

Jerold Tabbott — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:36:17 +0000

Excellent and informative article. I've created a SubStack account, but have been sitting on the fence about starting. I have both fiction and non-fiction (a ship agency operations handbook... international market, narrow niche) I'd like to promote. Going in, my mindset has been to offer three "newsletters," one for my fiction, one for my handbook & consulting services, and one (centrist) opinion/commentary. The latter, not favorable to either/any political parties, is intended partly to spark discussion and independent critical analysis, while piquing curiosity about my fiction (which is apolitical, yet examines humanity and basic philosophic principles). Of the three, I've considered placing a syllabus and early chapters of my handbook in the "free" option, while weekly posting the chapters behind the "paid" option. My hope is those, knowing ahead what's specifically ahead in the paid section will better be able to decide whether to subscribe. Although, I've wondered if that method could help the opinion/commentary, too. Notwithstanding, this being a lot of work (and my still having an author website, too), am I being crazy trying this approach? Is having three separate-topic newsletters/posts possible in SubStack's structure?

By: Karen Lin

Karen Lin — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:17:26 +0000

Thanks for the warning. And the wisdom.

By: Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:27:03 +0000

Thank you for this, Penny! It is a question that I've seen asked often, and you answer it well. I started my own paid newsletter only after my fans started asking for it, and it is much more non-fiction than fiction still. I have a few friends who do run paid newsletters on fiction... and the overwhelming value proposition for their super-fans is to support an author they already know and love and encourage them to spend more time writing. For them, it has been motivating to know they have fans willing to pay them to do what they love. But this is definitely NOT for the first time author just starting out!

By: Karen Cioffi

Karen Cioffi — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 21:47:24 +0000

Thank you for addressing this topic. I understand people want to be paid for their expertise, but I would think most subscription newsletters don't have unique, valuable information to share. And I can understand why fans of an author would want to subscribe for chapters of a WIP. But I'm just tired of more and more paywalls popping up.

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:42:50 +0000

Thank you for clarifying the issues pro and con for paid newsletters, Penny. I have had friends who swear by it and yet I had doubts. I didn't have the time to investigate deeply--you've saved me many hours. I think on a gut level I knew this wasn't for me, but was feeling guilty for not investigating the idea. Now I understand what my gut was trying to tell me. Thanks. I owe you!

By: Diann Thornley Read

Diann Thornley Read — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:01:23 +0000

I have a Patreon for an income stream, and have for several years. My paying patrons receive chapters of my WIP as I finish them and have the opportunity to be beta readers, besides getting that "advance sneak peek." My author newsletter is free. I may share occasional excerpts in it, but it's more personal and newsy than the Patreon. I also use the newsletter to promote fellow authors' work and share group promotions.

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:45:12 +0000

There's much to ponder here.

An aquaintance has an excellent weekly newsletter that is free. She includes links for paid features that allow for extras, like specialized classes and meetings.

Building a strong platform, however one does it, is what we're after.

Thanks Penny!