People keep saying that Substack is the best place for writers to be.

That’s true—but it isn’t the whole story.

As someone with 15+ years of experience in the writing and editing game who has coached countless writers and helped prepare them for success, I can say with confidence what that actually means and where people go wrong.

Here are FIVE key things to remember:

• 1)  ≠≠ Too many people think writing and publishing is a zero sum game. It isn’t.

• 2) 👀 There is no “I” in writing. Actually, there are two. Don’t know what I mean? Folks, those belong to you and your reader.

• 3) 🐺 👶 Rome wasn’t built in a day and it’s EXACTLY the same when it comes to building an audience. Just get here? Welcome! Maybe you’re totally new to this game and are currently suckling at the teat of the proverbial she-wolf and looking to get yourself out there in the form of a fratricidal origin story. Or maybe you’re a seasoned veteran of the industry who is looking to elevate a tiny Etruscan settlement on the barren shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea into a thriving regional power with world historic ambitions.

• 4) 🏛️🇲🇪⚔️🕊️ And this is where most writers start to go wrong. Because, either way, you are still a long way off from establishing a viable consular republic. It’s important for new writers especially to understand that everyone hits some snags at some stage in their career. (Trust me, for even the most successful folks out there it isn’t always going to be the bread and circuses of fearsome gladiatorial combat, a chariot race at your local hippodrome, and imbibing the very finest spices from the Orient after a visit to the forum…). Everyone must first confront—and defeat—the wily Carthaginian before they become a regional power and face periodic incursions from various restless Celtic tribes.

• 5) 👑👥 📈📉 Even then there will still be hiccups! Don’t punish yourself! In the eternal tug of war between plebs and patricians, things go up and down and the balance of power can swing wildly before a stable imperial system is consolidated around a single figure at its centre. That’s totally normal.

And the best part? With the blessings of Minerva ⚡️🔱🕊️ you’ll learn a whole lot and probably make some friends along the way.

Now go get ‘em—and DON’T FORGET TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE for more great tips like these. 👍🔔