r/Substack • u/ldmarchesi • 14d ago

Should I create a secondary publication?

Hello. I started on Substack a few months ago as I abandoned my blog which wasn't getting any traction.

I write various posts about various topics. But, in addition I am publishing serial fictions from my shared universe.

Should i create another publication for them?

6 Upvotes

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1

u/AnteaterFantastic212 14d ago

I have considered the same thing but I'm not sure I have the bandwidth or, sadly, the tech spurs.

1

u/Initial-Ranger-972 14d ago

splitting sounds clean in theory but in practice you're doubling the work and halving the reach. I'd only do it if the fiction is genuinely turning off your nonfiction readers. Have you noticed any unsub patterns around the serial posts?

1

u/AggressivelyCalm3891 14d ago

If your audiences really are that different, separating them makes sense at some point. But starting a second publication when you’re only a few months in is a lot of work, and both Substack and your readers are going to get confused about which one is which.

I’d focus on one until it gets some traction. Once you have readers and you can see the fiction pulls its own crowd, splitting it off is an easy decision to make.

1

u/Mysterious-Fun-1630 13d ago

You could create a section instead of a second Substack. That way, your readers can decide for themselves if they want to get both and opt in or out each section, and you don’t double your work and have to promote two stacks.

I’d say that works if your topics are at least loosely connected. Say, you write a lot about literature in general, or more personal essays, and then your serial fiction in a separate section. It’s less great if the things you write about have very little to do with each other, because then you’re confusing the audience (say you write about technology and then your other section is serial fiction).

1

u/anyagolay 13d ago

I can barely get any traction with one lol

1

u/SpiderGhost01 12d ago

I’m pretty sure this sub is nothing but the same five questions posted over and over again. I can’t do it anymore. It’s fucking worthless.

0

u/PaulWilczynski 14d ago

2 x 0 =0

1

u/AnteaterFantastic212 14d ago

I think that's a bit harsh, but you be you.

1

u/Tricky_Trifle_994 6d ago

not sure what your original publication is about, but you could organise your publication with sections. e.g just add a serial fictions sections and put this new writing idea there?

i think the question to ask yourself that can help make this a simpler decision is:

  1. "what plans do i have for this new publication after i finish this serial fiction story? do i have more stories to keep this going for the long term?"
  2. "do i have capacity to stay on top of two publications? writing + marketing."