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CW 132 W — How to Substack: Create a Newsletter Readers Love

Quarter: Winter
Instructor(s): Christine Sneed
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Online
Date(s): Jan 25—Mar 8
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Mondays
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 12:00—1:00 pm (PT)
Please Note: No class on February 15
Tuition: $520
   
Refund Deadline: Jan 27
 
Unit(s): 1
   
Enrollment Limit: 25
  
Status: Registration opens Nov 30, 8:30 am (PT)
 
Quarter: Winter
Day: Mondays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 12:00—1:00 pm (PT)
Date(s): Jan 25—Mar 8
Unit(s): 1
Location: Online
 
Tuition: $520
 
Refund Deadline: Jan 27
 
Instructor(s): Christine Sneed
 
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
 
Enrollment Limit: 25
 
Recording Available: Yes
 
Status: Registration opens Nov 30, 8:30 am (PT)
 
Please Note: No class on February 15
 
 
Substack offers writers an accessible way to publish and connect with readers. Some authors use the platform to serialize creative work, while others build newsletters around their particular obsessions. Susan Orlean writes about fashion, Kelcey Ervick creates whimsical visual narratives, and Elizabeth McCracken chronicles her early-morning swims. This course will help you turn your own creative work or compelling idea into a distinctive Substack publication. Guided by an instructor who publishes regularly on the platform, you’ll define your focus, identify your ideal readers, and develop a clear, compelling voice. You’ll also create your newsletter’s name, description, visual identity, About page, and welcome email. We’ll explore how to craft engaging posts, develop relationships with readers, and make thoughtful use of Substack’s community and publishing tools. Through targeted writing exercises and supportive feedback, you’ll sharpen your concept and produce three polished posts. You’ll leave with a launch-ready Substack and practical strategies for sustaining and growing your newsletter.

CHRISTINE SNEED
Author

Christine Sneed writes the Substack Bookish and is the author of six books, including Little Known Facts and The Virginity of Famous Men. She received the Grace Paley Prize, a Society of Midland Authors Award, and the Chicago Public Library Foundation's 21st Century Award, among other honors. Her work has appeared in The Best American Short Stories, The O. Henry Prize Stories, Ploughshares, The New York Times, and elsewhere. She is the faculty director of Northwestern's School of Professional Studies' graduate writing program.

Textbooks for this course:

There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.