Between Drafts How & Why to Start a Paid Newsletter
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May 20, 2025 Dive into the world of paid newsletters as hosts discuss launching subscription-based content. They explore inspiring models like George Saunders' Story Club and emphasize the importance of valuable storytelling. The conversation reveals strategies for monetizing writing on platforms like Substack, the shift from one-time purchases to subscriptions, and the art of collaboration in storytelling. Plus, they tackle the complexities of marketing books and boosting audience engagement, highlighting the benefits of bundling and community support.
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Inspiration From George Saunders
- Nathan Ball was inspired by George Saunders' paid newsletter Story Club to create his own paid newsletter focused on long-form literature analysis.
- Saunders' newsletter is highly focused on storytelling, specifically short stories, and has tens of thousands of paid subscribers.
Use Substack for Monetization
- Substack is currently the best platform for paid newsletters because it optimizes every element to convert free readers to paid subscribers.
- Accept the 10% fee as a trade-off for the platform's discoverability and built-in payment system.
Value of Fresh Content in Subscription
- Writing subscription models that deliver new, valuable material keep subscribers engaged unlike hardware subscriptions that feel like paying for the same product repeatedly.
- Storytelling advice varies as what works for one writer might not work for another, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives.