It seems like everyone has a Substack now, and journalists, in particular, are active on the platform, figuring out a way to monetize their work in a new way. While newsletters are nothing new, Substack has clearly caught on in a new way. We know journalists are writing Substacks, but which ones should they read? It’s hard to narrow down the top Substacks for media professionals, but this list will get you started.
From tips for freelancers to journalism jobs and industry deep-dives, here are some of our very favorite Substacks geared towards media professionals.
The Fizz - bubbly tips for freelance writers
Written by Rachel Meltzer, The Fizz covers all kinds of freelancer essentials, from how to build a schedule to how to navigate tax season as a freelancer to how much to charge and beyond. It’s sent (mostly) weekly on Fridays.
What Editors Want
This weekly newsletter—written by a longtime reporter, editor, and the founder of Covered Press—is full of opportunities of calls for pitches. There are two versions, a free version (where you receive 10 calls for pitches) and a paid version (where you receive 50, in addition to interviews with established journos and working editors who know exactly what editors want).
Freelance Feels
Working as a freelancer can feel extremely isolating, but this monthly Substack works to bridge that gap and make you feel supported and part of a community.
Journo Job Alerts
While this newsletter doesn’t send on a specific schedule (though it is sent roughly monthly), when it does send, it includes open U.S.-based journalism and content jobs, with hybrid and remote options. Whether you’re looking for a new position because you’re ready to move on and try something else or you’ve been the victim of one of the many, many layoffs hitting the media industry as of late, this newsletter may bring you a lead.
Talking Travel Writing
Are you a travel writer? Subscribe to this newsletter for notes on commissioning editors, industry tips, interviews with fellow travel writers, and more.
Writing Prompts for Weird Times
Sharpen your craft with this newsletter from journalism veteran Amy Guth. Most of the writing prompts are designed for non-fiction writing and the rest of the content coming from Guth is all about how to make your writing stronger and how to confidently take charge of your career.
Inside the Newsroom
Covering journalism job postings and how to handle all that comes with the career (rejection! layoffs!), this newsletter is a great one for those on the lookout for a new opportunity. It arrives every few days, meaning there’s always something to check out.
Black Freelancer Insider
This newsletter—sent weekly—includes tips for Black freelancers looking to craft a successful career. From news and trends to advice, this newsletter provides important tips and information for Black freelance writers.
Freelancing for Journalists
From tips on pitching to discussions about pay, working with PR pros, resources freelance journalists need, and more, this newsletter exists to help freelance journalists (or aspiring freelance journalists) build their career and succeed.
A Bunch of Paid Writing Opps
Looking for more freelance opportunities or want to take on freelance work in addition to your regular gig? This newsletter—like some others—compiles open freelance jobs around the internet, making it easy for you to find more paid opportunities (along with writing resources and the like).
Ready to work on a new story or find content for an upcoming pitch? Post your queries in the Press Hook Source Requests feature and get instantly-generated recommendations, along with submissions from the brands and experts on the platform.
