Hello Meena, thank you for good and doable advice, I too am based in India with scientific research and teaching in the past, now about four months on Substack with about 50 free subscribers - will keep in touch with you, your run here seems exemplary, congrats!
Arati, I truly admire the blend of scientific research and writing. That combination has real potential for unique monetization paths on Substack. If you ever want to bounce ideas or cross-support, I’m right here. Congrats on your first 50 — that’s already a strong signal you’re onto something.
Thank you for all your amazing advice! I realised I ordered your bundle a while back and it hadn’t appeared on my Gumroad because I was logged in with another email. I’ve now downloaded and am looking forward to reading all your work. 🤩
Fleur, I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for grabbing the bundle — and I totally understand the email mix-up (been there!). I hope the strategies inside spark big wins for you. Keep me posted on how it unfolds — rooting for you
This is refreshingly practical, especially the Gumroad workaround for non-Stripe countries. But I wonder: How much of your success hinges on already having a niche audience (e.g., writers/AI users)? Could this work for, say, a fiction author with no ‘how-to’ angle?
Although your answer "as if we were on WhatsApp" sounds dubious. If a doctor or other expert had answered informally, I would have doubted his competence and professionalism.
Hi Catrina, thank you for such a sharp, important question. Honestly, yes — starting with a niche audience (like writers or digital creators) helped accelerate traction, but it wasn't a prerequisite. A fiction writer with no ‘how-to’ angle can absolutely make this work — especially if they lean into narrative marketing, storytelling micro-products, or serialized fiction drops. Happy to chat more on what that could look like for fiction — you’ve sparked a powerful idea.
That sounds exciting, Aiza! Late Q3 is a great time to double down — your audience is likely warmed up by then. Keep me posted when you start, I’d love to cheer you on or help you shape your strategy!
I love that curiosity. I’ll definitely be sharing more from how I built this up, to mistakes that cost me time. Thanks for tuning in and listening, it means a lot.
Thank you! So glad it resonated. If you’re ever exploring a similar route for your own products, let’s jam on it — happy to share what worked in more detail.
Hello Meena, thank you for good and doable advice, I too am based in India with scientific research and teaching in the past, now about four months on Substack with about 50 free subscribers - will keep in touch with you, your run here seems exemplary, congrats!
Arati, I truly admire the blend of scientific research and writing. That combination has real potential for unique monetization paths on Substack. If you ever want to bounce ideas or cross-support, I’m right here. Congrats on your first 50 — that’s already a strong signal you’re onto something.
Thank you sooo much Meena. Yes, I need help, please guide me
Thank you for all your amazing advice! I realised I ordered your bundle a while back and it hadn’t appeared on my Gumroad because I was logged in with another email. I’ve now downloaded and am looking forward to reading all your work. 🤩
Fleur, I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for grabbing the bundle — and I totally understand the email mix-up (been there!). I hope the strategies inside spark big wins for you. Keep me posted on how it unfolds — rooting for you
Thanks Meena, yes lots of food for thought!
https://substack.com/@jtate519/note/c-129426501?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2f7tqe
This is refreshingly practical, especially the Gumroad workaround for non-Stripe countries. But I wonder: How much of your success hinges on already having a niche audience (e.g., writers/AI users)? Could this work for, say, a fiction author with no ‘how-to’ angle?
Although your answer "as if we were on WhatsApp" sounds dubious. If a doctor or other expert had answered informally, I would have doubted his competence and professionalism.
Hi Catrina, thank you for such a sharp, important question. Honestly, yes — starting with a niche audience (like writers or digital creators) helped accelerate traction, but it wasn't a prerequisite. A fiction writer with no ‘how-to’ angle can absolutely make this work — especially if they lean into narrative marketing, storytelling micro-products, or serialized fiction drops. Happy to chat more on what that could look like for fiction — you’ve sparked a powerful idea.
Congratulations and keep the good /productive work going.
Appreciate that, truly. Showing up consistently — and refining what works — is what’s been key for me. Grateful to have your support here!
Likewise. 🤝
Exciting! I’ll do this in late Q3! Thank you so much for sharing what you do.
That sounds exciting, Aiza! Late Q3 is a great time to double down — your audience is likely warmed up by then. Keep me posted when you start, I’d love to cheer you on or help you shape your strategy!
Tell me more. I like to listen.
I love that curiosity. I’ll definitely be sharing more from how I built this up, to mistakes that cost me time. Thanks for tuning in and listening, it means a lot.
This is great!
Thank you! So glad it resonated. If you’re ever exploring a similar route for your own products, let’s jam on it — happy to share what worked in more detail.
This is what real building looks like.
Messy, specific, unpolished, and rooted in lived experience.
The part that hit me hardest?
“Writing like I already have 10,000 subscribers.”
That’s the kind of energy shift most of us miss while obsessing over the next tactic.
This is more than a strategy drop, it’s a mindset reset.
Curious, for those who’ve switched from performative content to personal, proof-driven writing…
What changed for you?
Hi Meena, thanks very much, yes I do need your help, please guide me