I’ve counseled writers to not post book content, based on my direct experience on multiple occasions, with multiple imprints. Big 5 and mid.
Just recently a Big 5 cookbook imprint turned down a book whose author has a big following because they were posting recipes on their blog—and not the recipes in the book. The editor asked me why people would pay for what the author is giving away for free.
I’ve worked at big houses who do books with online influencers. The book may have posted content but it also has a lot of new. There’s an argument for and against previously published books as well.
All this to say: writers should do what they feel is best. There’s pros and cons to both sides. Results may vary.
This is timely for me. I'm using Substack to write short fiction based on the larger world of my novels. This is all material that will not make it into any of my books, but that occurs in the same fictive universe. I'm enjoying the learning curve and having great fun.
With only 6 post in the last two months, I realise Substack has allowed me to find my voice and confidence as a relative new writer. Both, quite needed as I’m starting my second novel…
Thanks for this. I’ve often wondered about these legal issues and haven’t taken the time to research them (even though I am also a lawyer.) You’ve done Substack writers a great service!
Great advice here. Look at Seth Godin, who has definitely made fantastic books from his blog posts. Of course, Big 5 publishers might get antsy. More importantly, you might need more of a through-line for the book chapters than the blog posts. (Personally, my punctuation is more restrained in a print book than online posts. But the blogging , on Substack or elsewhere, can certainly prime the pump.
Great advice here. Look at Seth Godin, who has definitely made fantastic books from his blog posts. Of course, Big 3 publishers might get antsy. More importantly, you might need more of a through-line for the book chapters than the blog posts. (Personally, my punctuation is more restrained in a print book than online posts. But the blogging , on Substack or elsewhere, can certainly prime the pump.
As a prolific Substack poster hoping to reuse some of the material in book form one day, I appreciate the legal clarification and reassurance. I believe--I hope?--this also holds true for Medium, where I (and I'm sure others) have posted in the past. That said, it's unfortunate that in my experience, many literary magazines consider posting on Substack (or Medium, or even a website blog) to be "previously published" and therefore disqualified from that magazine.
I’ve counseled writers to not post book content, based on my direct experience on multiple occasions, with multiple imprints. Big 5 and mid.
Just recently a Big 5 cookbook imprint turned down a book whose author has a big following because they were posting recipes on their blog—and not the recipes in the book. The editor asked me why people would pay for what the author is giving away for free.
I’ve worked at big houses who do books with online influencers. The book may have posted content but it also has a lot of new. There’s an argument for and against previously published books as well.
All this to say: writers should do what they feel is best. There’s pros and cons to both sides. Results may vary.
Well said! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
This is timely for me. I'm using Substack to write short fiction based on the larger world of my novels. This is all material that will not make it into any of my books, but that occurs in the same fictive universe. I'm enjoying the learning curve and having great fun.
I’m glad it was timely for you, Susan. Great to hear you are having fun!
With only 6 post in the last two months, I realise Substack has allowed me to find my voice and confidence as a relative new writer. Both, quite needed as I’m starting my second novel…
Good luck with your second novel!
Thanks for this. I’ve often wondered about these legal issues and haven’t taken the time to research them (even though I am also a lawyer.) You’ve done Substack writers a great service!
Ah, thank you so much, Sarah. I appreciate that.
Great advice here. Look at Seth Godin, who has definitely made fantastic books from his blog posts. Of course, Big 5 publishers might get antsy. More importantly, you might need more of a through-line for the book chapters than the blog posts. (Personally, my punctuation is more restrained in a print book than online posts. But the blogging , on Substack or elsewhere, can certainly prime the pump.
"Prime the pump." I love that, Anne.
Great advice here. Look at Seth Godin, who has definitely made fantastic books from his blog posts. Of course, Big 3 publishers might get antsy. More importantly, you might need more of a through-line for the book chapters than the blog posts. (Personally, my punctuation is more restrained in a print book than online posts. But the blogging , on Substack or elsewhere, can certainly prime the pump.
"Prime the pump" - that's nice, Anne.
a relief, if anything; ty for sharing
That's good, Sam.
As a prolific Substack poster hoping to reuse some of the material in book form one day, I appreciate the legal clarification and reassurance. I believe--I hope?--this also holds true for Medium, where I (and I'm sure others) have posted in the past. That said, it's unfortunate that in my experience, many literary magazines consider posting on Substack (or Medium, or even a website blog) to be "previously published" and therefore disqualified from that magazine.
Yes, indeed, Amy. There is a difference between what's legally correct and what an individual publisher may require.