Want to write that book? Here's your digital strategy
Tools to help your publishing journey + writers who got signed thanks to Substack
Quitting your 9–5 to become a writer isn’t just a pipe dream anymore. It’s a plan. And in 2025, more people are following through on it, with Substack and tight-knit social communities as their first stop. They’re building newsletters, growing niche audiences, and turning consistent writing into book deals.
A few years back, we wrote a guide on how to build a digital strategy before you write a book. It felt like a future-facing idea. Now, it’s essential reading for anyone trying to turn a creative platform into a publishing career.
Substack has officially passed 5 million paid subscriptions, up from 4 million just four months ago and 3 million a year ago. Writers are using newsletters to develop their voice, build relationships with readers, and [in many cases] land agents and book deals.
Just ask:
, who grew her newsletter from a daily poetry prompt into a go-to resource for writers. Her agent was already a reader and used that familiarity to help Nancy shape a stronger, more sellable proposal. The result? A Big Five deal with St. Martin’s Press, with just 300 smart, engaged subscribers., who started because she wanted to talk about fitness, body image, and the culture around it. She didn’t have a huge following or industry clout. But her voice was clear, her writing consistent, and the community she had built was real. Then came the message from a literary agent: “I’m a fan of your newsletter… have you ever considered writing a book?” Now she's signed, and her proposal is officially out on submission.These aren’t outliers. They’re proof that consistent writing, a niche audience, and smart digital strategy can open real doors.
If you're hoping to publish in the next few years, here's the post we point clients to again and again: 📚 So You Want to Write a Book. Here’s How to Build Your Digital Strategy.