Keeping Readers in Mind With Your Writing Calendar

Today I’m discussing the latest Substack Reader Survey data and highlight what creators can do to create a better reader experience. Here are the key points from today’s video:

1. Survey Insights: The survey revealed that while many reasons for unsubscribing from a paid subscription are beyond our control, 37% of readers unsubscribe due to factors we can manage. Common issues include:

   • Content not meeting their expectations

   • Overwhelming publishing frequency

   • Confusing or uninspiring content

2. Consider Implementing this Labeling System I Designed:

   • Green: For quick, easy content (under 1,000 words or 5 minutes).

   • Yellow: For moderate effort content (under 1,500 words or 10 minutes).

   • Red: For more demanding content (over 2,000 words or 11 minutes).

3. Explore What It Means to Balance Creative Flow and Intentional Publishing: Reflect on the energy each piece requires from you and your readers to avoid burnout and ensure engaging content.

4. Practical Steps:

   • Use the labeling system to plan your writing/media calendar.

   • Consider both your creative needs and your readers' engagement levels.

Get Feedback On Your Writing Plans Every Month

Each month on the 1st, I host a Writing Plan Check-In for paid members. This is a come-and-go, low pressure space to share:

• Essay ideas

• Screenshots of your own writing calendar

• An inkling of what you might like to publish next

And then get feedback from me and the community about what sounds most compelling about your ideas; your publishing cadencing; tips on when to publish and more.

Hope to see you there!

Fast Facts About the Writing Plan Check-Ins in Substack Chat

1. They happen on the 1st of every month. Set your calendar. If the 1st falls on a weekend, they will happen on the following business day.

2. They are hosted in a Substack Chat thread, where we can share photos/screenshots of our writing plans or any essay inklings you might have.

3. You’ll receive an email when the Writing Plan Check-In Chat thread is open.

4. The Chat thread stays open for 24 hours so everyone around the planet has a chance to chime in and get feedback.

5. This is NOT an accountability group. I don’t believe in those. There is no punitive outcome (real or socially laser-beamed at you) if your Writing Plan changes.

6. This is an exercise in containment. It’s an opportunity to see for yourself what happens when you have a space to say, “This is my intention with my writing” and then to reflect kindly and gently on what actually unfolded throughout the month.

7. You will learn about yourself, your writing and where you’re going in the world. You will also learn some practicals about how to create a steady reader experience for your newsletter.

8. We will celebrate ALL wins at the end of the month. This means if you published a piece and it was highlighted on Substack Reads, we will celebrate. If you published that one idea that’s been noodling in your head for six months, we will celebrate. And if you got halfway through your Writing Plan but then needed a break and pushed some essay ideas to next month, we’ll celebrate that, too.