Crafting serial fiction part 4: Finding readers

You’ve planned what you’re doing, you’ve started putting words to the page, and you’ve published some chapters of your serial fiction project.

So…where is everyone?

Part 4 of our Crafting serial fiction mini-series attempts to grapple with that exact question. In here you’ll find:

• Finding readers:

  • Figuring out your publishing model

  • Whether to mix non-fiction and fiction

  • The reality of newsletter growth timescales

  • Algorithms and how to not go mad

  • How to get noticed on Substack Notes

  • BookFunnel, collaborations, podcasts and more

• Handling feedback:

  • Most readers are quiet and that’s fine

  • When and how to dive into your comments sections

  • Responding to positive comments

  • How to manage rude and abusive comments

  • What to do about constructive criticism and polite negativity

• Community:

  • The snowball effect

  • Using Substack Chat, Discord

  • Discussion posts

  • Livestreams

  • Recognising names and faces

Plus some other bits and pieces. You know me and S.E. Reid.

You can catch up on previous episodes of this mini-series here:

Crafting serial fiction part 1: What is it?

Crafting serial fiction part 2: Planning & Prep

Crafting serial fiction part 3: Writing & Publishing

Thanks for watching!