Something to savor while it lasts: I’m #51 in Literature Rising.

Joyce Maynard, my sister and champion, is the reason why. Three days ago, Joyce landed on Substack with a lifetime’s worth of loyal fans and a recommendation to my stack. In three days, she has brought me more than 1,000 new subscribers, with more coming in as I write this.

She also made it known that she was upgrading her subscription. The algorithm loves paid subscribers.

I’ve seen outstanding writers post for a year or longer without reaching 1,000 subscribers. Recommendations have power.

Most of those who recommend us will not have a huge fan base; some will be newbies with a couple of readers. But one or five or 10 readers here and there add up to hundreds over time. Even before the Joyce Effect, recommendations brought me a sizable chunk of my audience.

Substack writers I don’t know have sometimes asked me to recommend them. Maybe they’re asking you as well. And you don’t like being badgered any better than I do.

We recommend other writers because we believe they have something special to offer. Not because they’re struggling for attention or because they’ve recommended us.

This morning I was recommended by a writer of rare skill and discernment. I noticed him before he showed any attention to me. He’s not a Substack bestseller, but he’s among the best writers I’ve found here, so his endorsement means a lot. I thought he already had mine, but I had somehow overlooked Adam Nathan. Adam’s essay “The Aquarian” is among the most affecting and original tributes I’ve read to a complicated parent.

Who can you recommend today?