Substack for Avid Readers

Dear Avid Reader, I wrote this book with you in mind. In these pages, I'll introduce you to a unique platform designed to enhance your reading and lifelong learning experience. With years of experience on Substack and thousands of subscribers, I've noticed that readers often ask the same questions. This book is here to answer those questions and guide you through how to make the most of what Substack has to offer. Recently, 69,000+ readers have 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 As I spent time exploring Substack, I realized there was a gap in resources designed specifically for readers. So, I created this book to help Substack readers like you navigate the platform, find the best content, and truly make the most of your experience. 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. 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 along the way. Substack has made content creation, distribution, and consumption straightforward, which is why millions of writers and readers have flocked to the platform. I'm one of them—an avid reader and prolific book author with decades of experience. Writing and reading have always been essential to my work as a scientist, technologist, and content strategist. I've spent countless hours reading newsletters, supporting fellow writers, delighting my readers, and teaching Substack's features to both beginners and advanced writers. Through this journey, I've learned a great deal 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. 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. Upon request, I wrote an advanced version of it with 47 chapters. During this time, I learned that some writers who had never heard about Substack asked for a very 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 certain newsletters stand out, and how to connect more deeply with writers and communities on the platform. This book is my answer to those questions.