I appreciate this post, because I see many writers on Substack, especially new accounts, who have not gone through this process. And I do agree it really does make a difference for attracting your readers and growing your subscriber base.
I have a question for you, how would you recommend a Substack writer address this topic when they write fiction, or they are an illustrator, or simply writing their autobiography or short stories or poems? How can they share how they help people through their writings?
I see many writers struggle with their short descriptions when they see themselves as as purely creative writers/authors (and not creating content to teach or sell directly).
Jessica this is the clearest positioning framework I've seen written for Substack creators.
Most people teaching this stuff bury the insight in theory. You skipped straight to the three questions every reader asks in the first five seconds and built the entire framework around those. That's the right architecture.
The weak vs strong name examples are doing real work here. Not because they're clever but because anyone reading them can immediately place their own publication on that spectrum and know exactly where they stand. That kind of self-diagnosis built into an article is rare.
One observation worth sitting with: the framework solves the clarity problem before publishing. What I've found is that most creators hit this wall twice. Once at the start when they don't know how to position. And again at around 200 subscribers when their original positioning no longer fits what they've actually built.
The second wall is the quieter one. Nobody talks about it. Might be worth a follow up piece... And a feature?
This was so helpful! Here's what I changed mine to. Feedback welcome!
🍽️ Feed your family 5 dinners a week for less than $75! The Dinner: Done Club is for working moms who are tired of 5pm feeling like a crisis. Weekly meal plans + grocery lists delivered every Thursday.
A great article. Clarity is heavily underestimated. It is no longer a luxury, but a necessity- a capability that needs to be built in this chaotic world.
I hope you can join me in spreading a clarity movement.
I appreciate this post, because I see many writers on Substack, especially new accounts, who have not gone through this process. And I do agree it really does make a difference for attracting your readers and growing your subscriber base.
I have a question for you, how would you recommend a Substack writer address this topic when they write fiction, or they are an illustrator, or simply writing their autobiography or short stories or poems? How can they share how they help people through their writings?
so far, I think:
Fiction doesn’t teach. It changes how people feel, think, and see themselves.
That’s the outcome.
Simple Formula for Fiction Writers
Give them this:
I help [reader] feel/experience/see [specific emotional or mental outcome] through [type of writing].
Thank you Jess!
I see many writers struggle with their short descriptions when they see themselves as as purely creative writers/authors (and not creating content to teach or sell directly).
My bad I’m going to DM you now
its the whole positioning statement of the publication so its super important!
what is the outcome for your reader?
why are you sharing your fiction stories with your readers?
are you teaching them how to write fiction?
what do readers get by subscribing to your page?
you need a clear offer
Wonderful! I’ve shared your post with my Subscribers, and suggest they go through and update.
I’m going to take a look at mine too!
Thank you for sharing my work!!!
Even if you’re writing fiction or creative work, you’re still helping the reader—you’re just doing it emotionally instead of instructionally.
Instead of describing what you write, describe what your reader experiences.
For example: not “I write short stories,” but “I write stories that help people feel less alone,” or “stories that stay with you.”
Think in terms of feeling, perspective, or transformation—that’s where the value is.
thank you!! let me know if you need help.
im running a 30% off annual subscription sale for unstuck to published if you or anyone is interested.
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This post helped me alot ☺️✨
Thank you Jess for sharing this detailed information on importace of right substack description.
hi, Bhupal!! I'm so glad this point helped you a lot!
the publication description is super important.
I'm always happy to help, DM me whenever!!
Yes Jess, I have understood this lately.
Thank you so much 😊
Great!! I’m glad it was simple to follow!
Jessica this is the clearest positioning framework I've seen written for Substack creators.
Most people teaching this stuff bury the insight in theory. You skipped straight to the three questions every reader asks in the first five seconds and built the entire framework around those. That's the right architecture.
The weak vs strong name examples are doing real work here. Not because they're clever but because anyone reading them can immediately place their own publication on that spectrum and know exactly where they stand. That kind of self-diagnosis built into an article is rare.
One observation worth sitting with: the framework solves the clarity problem before publishing. What I've found is that most creators hit this wall twice. Once at the start when they don't know how to position. And again at around 200 subscribers when their original positioning no longer fits what they've actually built.
The second wall is the quieter one. Nobody talks about it. Might be worth a follow up piece... And a feature?
Strong work.
thank you so much, Frank! I truly appreciate you reading and commenting on my work!!
This is such practical advice! Going to work on revising mine from a micro resume to something clearer and more compelling.
Thank you so much, Dr Deborah!! Let me know if you need any help! I appreciate you!
Ooh, thank you! I may take you up on that!
Most definitely! DM me whenever you need help!
This was so helpful! Here's what I changed mine to. Feedback welcome!
🍽️ Feed your family 5 dinners a week for less than $75! The Dinner: Done Club is for working moms who are tired of 5pm feeling like a crisis. Weekly meal plans + grocery lists delivered every Thursday.
Perfect!! Now make sure to update that on your About page and welcome email to the free subs too.
A great article. Clarity is heavily underestimated. It is no longer a luxury, but a necessity- a capability that needs to be built in this chaotic world.
I hope you can join me in spreading a clarity movement.
i’m in!!
a clarity movement is so needed.
thank you so much for reading my work!!