Why I Wrote a Short Book Specifically for Avid Readers?
Purpose of the new book “Substack for Avid Readers”
You can listen to the audio version of this chapter by clicking on the voice embedded below.
Readers on Medium can read via this link and engage in the story there.
Dear friends, in this post, I introduce you to early access to my new book, which I specifically wrote for avid readers and absolute beginners who plan to be a writer on Substack upon request from community members. If Substack is new to you, this book might be helpful. You may also share it with other beginners who might benefit from it. I uploaded chapters for the members of this publication. You are also welcome to join our new book club for authors and avid readers, which I introduced yesterday.
Why I Wrote This Book
Dear Avid Reader,
I wrote this book, Substack for Avid Readers, with you in mind. In its pages, I’ll introduce you to a unique platform, Substack, designed to enhance your reading and lifelong learning experience. With years of experience on Substack, gaining thousands of subscribers, I’ve noticed that readers usually ask the same questions repeatedly.
I wrote this short to answer those questions and guide you through how to make the most of what Substack has to offer. Let me explain my motivation to write it quickly using my educational content.
Recently, around 68,000 readers joined my Substack publications, mainly found through my website, digitalmehmet.com, or LinkedIn. Some of them have never heard about Substack before. They became part of my mailing list, but they want to explore the platform further to get the best out of it
While exploring Substack, I realized a gap in resources for readers. No one was talking about readers, but everyone was talking about writers. So, I created this book to help Substack readers like you navigate the platform, find the best content for your needs, and be part of a supportive community with great culture.
I wrote this book in a way that feels like we’re having a casual chat, using simple language to keep things clear and relatable. Much of the content is based on my private training program, where I’ve helped clients, students, and proteges get started on Substack over the past six years. Think of it as a tool for transferring the knowledge I’ve gathered and sharing it with you in fewer than two hours.
I kept this book concise to ensure you’re not overwhelmed while still providing all the essential information to get you started without the hassle and with a bit of joy.
Substack is an innovative platform and a tool. It has made content creation, distribution, and consumption straightforward, so millions of writers and readers have flocked to the platform.
As of December 2024, Substack reported over 4 million paid subscriptions and millions of non-paying readers. Creators offer plenty of free, engaging, and high-quality content — so why not join them for lifelong learning?
I’m one of them — an avid reader paying for multiple publications and a prolific book author contributing to the platform. Writing and reading have always been essential to my work as a scientist, technologist, and content strategist. I also read for fun, to train my brain, and to create cognitive reserves as I age.
I’ve spent many hours reading newsletters, supporting fellow writers, delighting my readers, and teaching Substack’s features to beginners and advanced writers.
I continue educating writers and readers daily. I shared my training materials in the Content Marketing Strategy Insights publication on Substack. I have also created a new book club on Substack to bring readers, writers, and book authors to one place.
I wrote two books about Substack in 2024 for writers. The first one, titled Substack Mastery as the first of its kind, became a best seller in its categories. Upon request from thousands of freelance writers, I wrote an advanced version of it with 47 chapters now available to my subscribers.
Through this exciting and delightful journey, I’ve learned much about the art of reading — how to consume content meaningfully and contribute to the platform. The most successful readers, I’ve found, are active, engaged, and intentional in their choices of what to read and how they interact with writers.
During this time, I learned that some writers who had never heard about Substack asked for a basic book just to start it as a reader. Therefore, I decided to write this book to fill in this wide gap.
With thousands of subscribers on my own Substack, I’ve witnessed how a well-curated reading routine can enhance one’s life.
But I also know that many new readers feel overwhelmed by the number of newsletters available, unsure of where to start, how to manage their subscriptions, or how to engage with the content effectively.
I’ve been asked for tips on how to build a personalized reading experience, what makes specific newsletters stand out, and how to connect more deeply with writers and communities on the platform.
This book is my answer to those questions.
I decided to combine practical guidance, personal experience, and a simple roadmap to help you, as a reader, get the most out of Substack and engage with it in a meaningful and enriching way.
I felt compelled to write this short book to reflect on my experience and transfer my knowledge. I’ve been there, navigating the platform from all angles, subscribing to many newsletters, and figuring out how to stay engaged without getting overwhelmed.
If you’re a reader who wants to make Substack work for you, find newsletters that resonate, and develop a routine that allows you to enjoy and grow with the content, this book might be a good fit for you. Some beta readers wished they had such a book as they learned it the hard way.
Through this guide, you’ll discover how to set yourself up for success as an avid reader, manage your subscriptions effectively, and interact with writers to enhance your reading experience and improve your knowledge.
As an additional goal, I also hope to inspire you to explore writing and become a writer on Substack. Writing, especially expressive one, can be not only therapeutic but also a rewarding financial endeavor.
My goal is to show you how to make the most of Substack, helping you connect with writers and dive into the world of incredible content waiting for you. I invite you to explore how Substack can seamlessly fit into your daily routine as an avid reader and lifelong learner.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is for anyone, any reader, any beginner, who wants to get the most out of Substack, whether you’re a beginner just starting your journey on this exciting platform or an experienced reader looking to refine your routine and possibly become a writer.
If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content on Substack or been curious about how to engage more deeply with the creators on this platform, this book will guide you through the necessary steps.
You don’t need to be an expert or an advanced reader to benefit from this book. If you’re passionate about reading and want to make Substack a meaningful part of your learning life, this book might be for you.
I wrote this book for people who love discovering new ideas, connecting with writers, and being a part of a community and a great culture that values thoughtful, meaningful, and well-curated content.
Here are some audience types I had in mind while writing it:
A casual reader who wants to explore Substack and find content that resonates with you
A dedicated reader who wants to organize and refine your subscriptions for maximum enjoyment
Someone who wants to learn how to engage more actively with writers and communities
A person with a curious mind who wants to learn from the real-life experiences of others and how to get the best content on Substack
A writer who wants to start Substack as an avid reader and a prolific writer.
So, I believe that this book might be your guide to turning Substack into a personalized, enjoyable, and rewarding lifetime experience.
How You Can Benefit from This Book
By reading this book, you’ll gain:
A Clear Understanding of Substack: Learn what Substack is all about, how it works, and how to take full advantage of its features.
Effective Strategies for Discovering Content: With so many newsletters out there, finding the ones that resonate with you can be challenging. This book will show you how to discover new content, from the best search methods to how Substack’s recommendations work.
Tips on Organizing Your Substack: Learn how to manage your subscriptions, set up filters, and create a reading schedule that fits your lifestyle. You’ll never feel overwhelmed by your inbox again.
Engagement Insights: Learn how to engage with writers, participate in discussions, and support your favorite creators. Whether you comment, share, or learn from them, you’ll become active in the Substack community.
The Confidence to Build Your Routine: By the end of the book, you’ll have the tools to create a Substack reading routine that works for you: enjoyable, manageable, and enriching.
How to Read This Book in a Flexible Way
I designed this book to be as flexible as your Substack experience. Feel free to read or listen to it in the way that best suits your needs. Here are some ideas for your consideration:
Read it Cover to Cover: If you’re new to Substack or looking for a comprehensive guide, reading or listening to the entire book will provide a step-by-step approach to getting started, building a routine, and making the most of Substack.
Dip In Where You Need Help: If you’re already familiar with some aspects of Substack but want to improve or refine certain areas (like managing subscriptions or finding specific content), you can skip to the chapters that address those concerns. Each chapter is standalone, so you can jump to the section you need.
Use It as a Reference: This book can be a helpful reference tool. If you are stuck or confused, you can return to specific chapters or sections to quickly find answers to your questions, from organizing your subscriptions to engaging with writers.
Follow Along with Your Substack Account: As you read, you can apply the advice directly to your Substack account. Take action as you go — set up filters, subscribe to new newsletters, or reorganize your reading list. This way, you’ll be building your Substack routine while you learn.
No matter how you choose to read it, the goal is for you to enjoy the process and feel empowered to make Substack work for you in your own way.
In short:
This book is for anyone who wants to explore Substack, from beginners to more advanced readers. It’s designed to be flexible, so you can read it or listen to the audio at your own pace, in your own way, and apply what you learn immediately. Substack is a rich, compelling, and rewarding platform, With this guide, you’ll be ready to make it your own.
Happy Reading!
Although it is a preorder on Amazon pending editorial approval of the beta reading process, I created an early access version on Google Play as audio and other popular bookstores as digital for purchase. It is now also available in my Content Marketing Strategy Insights publication on Substack both in digital and audio formats.
If you are a reader who is curious about Substack or has already started with it, I’d love to learn about your thoughts and experiences.
What Makes a Reader Most Joyful About Reading — Part II
The joy of reading with Andy‘s guidance in a unique book club in the 1980smedium.com
Thank you for reading my introduction. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
Special Offer for February
You can subscribe to this educational and marketing strategy publication with a 20% discount today to read my other books, watch the episodes of From Zero to Substack Hero training program, access my exclusive content, and get all the benefits of Tier 2 Substack Mastery Boost Pilot. This offer by the end of this month also gives complimentary access to Illumination Library and our other publications.
As a Founder, to celebrate our launch, I’m also offering a 50% discount to the Illumination Health and Wellness Network by the end of this month. I also offer a 7-day trial to this network. Joining this network also qualifies for the Tier 2 services of the Substack Mastery Boost Pilot program. Thank you for supporting our work. It is an absolute pleasure for me and my team to serve you.
Index of Chapters for Easy Access
I uploaded these chapters as early access to the book, so your feedback on them will help me refine it for the final version to be published in April.
This is a brilliant idea, Dr Yildiz. I'd be glad to turn it into a short education program on Udemy as I did your other books like Substack Mastery.
I have just finished your great manuscript and loved it. Well done! Thank you for writing it. It inspired me.