Substack for Avid Readers: A Guide to Discovering, Reading, Engaging, & Possibly Being a Writer on Substack

Recently, around 167,000 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

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.

I decided to combine practical guidance, personal experience, and a 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 book to reflect on my experience and transfer my knowledge. I’ve been there, navigating the platform, subscribing to 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.

Through this guide, you’ll discover how to set yourself up for success as a reader, manage your subscriptions effectively, and interact with writers in ways that enhance both your reading experience and your life. I also hope to inspire you to explore writing and become a writer on Substack. Writing 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 This Book Is For

This book is for anyone, any reader, who wants to get the most out of Substack—whether you're a beginner just starting your journey or an experienced reader looking to refine your routine.

If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content on Substack or been curious about how to engage more deeply with the platform, this book will guide you through every step.

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 life, this is for you.

This book is for people who love discovering new ideas, connecting with writers, and being a part of a community that values thoughtful, well-curated content.

Whether you're:

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 curious person who wants to learn from real-life experience about how to get the best content on Substack.

A writer who wants to start Substack as a reader and writer.

This book is your guide to turning Substack into a truly personalized, enjoyable, and rewarding experience.

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 Own Routine: By the end of the book, you’ll have the tools to create a Substack reading routine that works for you—one that’s 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 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 the entire book will provide a step-by-step approach to getting started, building a routine, and making the most out 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 dive deeper into Substack, from beginners to more advanced readers. It’s designed to be flexible, so you can read it at your own pace, in your own way, and apply what you learn immediately. Substack is a rich, rewarding platform. With this guide, you’ll be ready to make it your own.