Quality Over Quantity: A Fresh Look at Author Platforms

Why your Substack subscriber count isn't everything (and what really matters)

I recently came across Jane Friedman's post, “Building a Platform to Land a Book Deal: Why It Often Fails,” and it got me thinking about how we approach building author platforms on Substack. As usual,

Jane Friedman

’s insights are spot-on, especially her warning that often, when authors get rejected the reason given is "lack of platform" when the real issue might be the quality of their work or ideas.

So, let's talk about how to build a meaningful platform on Substack that allows you to create a body of work to help you refine your ideas while growing your readership.  

Think of your Substack as a part of your author garden. It's not about having the biggest plot or the most exotic plants. It's about cultivating a space where your ideas can thrive, and your readers feel at home. 

1. Engagement: The Art of Cultivating Conversations

Forget about chasing big numbers without genuine connections. On Substack, your readers aren't just passive consumers but potential collaborators who inspire ideas. Take

Veronica Llorca-Smith

of The Lemon Tree Mindset as an example.

In her private chats, she shares podcast opportunities for her subscribers and holds collaboration challenges to help subscribers connect with each other to share ideas and support each other’s work.

She starts chat conversations after her webinars. And she highlights Substack writers who have interesting strategies to inspire her paid readers to spark discussions without her.

This kind of engagement is invaluable for understanding your audience and shaping your content.

Here's how to nurture those connections:

👉🏼 Experiment with the chat feature. It's like having a private WhatsApp group with your most engaged readers.

👉🏼 Encourage discussions between readers without you by asking thoughtful questions or holding challenges where they can partner up. It's about growing relationships, not just numbers.

👉🏼 Use reader feedback as a compass for your content while allowing yourself to write about the topics that excite you. (For example, Veronica was initially learning how to promote her books, but now Substack strategy and mindset are what her readers need help with. 🌻) 

2. Consistency: The Backbone of Trust

Consistency isn't about flooding inboxes so you can feel like you’re providing value. It's about creating a rhythm your readers can rely on. Think of it as setting a standing date with your audience. 

You’re actually training them to anticipate your posts and look forward to that moment of connection in their week. Regularity builds trust, keeps you in mind, and lets you surprise and delight them. 

Here's how to strike that balance:

👉🏼 Choose a sustainable schedule. Better to show up regularly than burn out spectacularly.

👉🏼 Embrace this opportunity to hone the craft of writing for a reader. That doesn’t mean always paying attention to your stats of what people are liking and opening, but rather, trying to have a finger on the pulse of what sparks conversation. 

👉🏼 Let your newsletter become a welcome part of your readers' routine. If life happens, be yourself, send a photo instead of a long post, and don’t sweat it. 

3. The Long Game

As Jane points out, building a platform takes significant time and energy. It's a marathon, not a sprint. 

Many writers stumble here, expecting their author platform to sprout overnight. But remember, on Substack, it's more like tending a garden - slow, steady growth yields the best results. 

As you engage with writers you admire and recommend their work, you're planting seeds for your own growth. It's a natural cycle: you support others, and they support you. (It can be natural and organic rather than plotted and planned.)

Case in point: recommendations from fellow writers have brought over 300 new subscribers to my Substack, and that number keeps growing. This approach isn't about quick wins but cultivating a body of work and nurturing a community around it. 

Over time, you'll become a trusted voice in your niche.

Keep these things in mind:

👉🏼 Experiment with what you know, then expand gradually. Your expertise is your foundation.

👉🏼 Become a good literary citizen and understand the power of recommendations.

👉🏼 Evolve, but stay true to your core. Growth doesn't mean losing yourself; remember, on Substack, experimentation is essential. 

👉🏼Join in on other writers’ conversations on Substack notes. 

The sweet spot? It's where your passion meets your readers' interests. 

Building an author platform on Substack isn't all about quick wins or viral posts. 

It's about creating lasting connections, finding your rhythm, and carving out your unique space in the literary world. We're not aiming for overnight success here.

We're building a community that will support us through the ups and downs of the writing life. As well as open unexpected doors for our work.

Every recommendation, genuine interaction, and random Airbnb story you share on notes tends to your literary ecosystem—like a garden.

With time, patience, and consistent care, you'll have a thriving community rooted in mutual interest and authentic connection.

So, here's my question for you: What's one small step you can take this week to build your presence authentically? 

Maybe it's responding to a reader's comment or joining another writer’s conversation on notes.

Whatever it is, remember that every established author started exactly where you are now. One reader, one post at a time.

Tell me one thing you want to experiment with in the comments. 

We can learn from each other.

I’ll hold a chat about this on Thursday. If you haven't joined one before, this is the perfect time to experiment. 

See you there, 

Jen

P.S. If the idea of "building a platform" still feels overwhelming, remember this: at its core, it's just about connecting with people who love what you love. Start there, and the rest will follow.