The Optionist alternatives: newsletters like it

SubstackSeveral times a week · last post 13 days ago

A twice weekly newsletter chock-full of guidance and support from publishing industry insiders. Expect author interviews, guest blogs, giveaways, and more!

Likely audience: Published authors

1 shared topic

SubstackSeveral times a week · last post 11 days ago

Making sense of the writing world.

Likely audience: Established authors

1 shared topic

SubstackSeveral times a week · last post 10 days ago

Philosophy for everyday life.

Likely audience: Philosophy enthusiasts

1 shared topic

Substacklast post May 18, 2026

From recent posts: Jen Hamilton publishes a rotating mix of personal essays, industry analysis, and professional advice from the perspective of a nurse turned author. The content covers her transition from a charge nurse to a NYT…

Likely audience: Aspiring authors

1 shared topic

SubstackWeekly · last post yesterday

From recent posts: David Perell's How I Write publishes weekly interviews with bestselling authors, screenwriters, and literary figures discussing their specific writing processes, craft techniques, and the intersection of technology and…

Likely audience: writers

1 shared topic

SubstackWeekly · last post 15 days ago

Real talk about the writing + publishing industry from an author who doesn’t want you to feel confused, bewildered, or alone. Plus: craft tips, reading recommendations, writing support + solidarity (unless you are a…

Likely audience: Aspiring authors

1 shared topic

SubstackEvery two weeks · last post 14 days ago

From recent posts: Chapter Break publishes interviews with authors, literary agents, and industry professionals focusing on the publishing process, writing habits, and creative challenges. The publication targets writers seeking practical…

Likely audience: Aspiring authors

1 shared topic

SubstackWeekly · last post 14 days ago

From recent posts: This publication offers practical guides for aspiring novelists on craft, including narrative pacing, query letter strategies, and manuscript formatting. It targets writers seeking actionable advice on story development…

Likely audience: Literary agents

1 shared topic

SubstackSeveral times a week · last post 12 days ago

From recent posts: Emmareadstoomuch publishes weekly lists of book reviews, reading habits, and niche literary recommendations for avid readers seeking curated fiction. The publication mixes personal essays on reading strategies with…

Likely audience: Book lovers

1 shared topic

SubstackEvery two weeks · last post 15 days ago

From recent posts: The publication focuses on horror comics and graphic novels, regularly covering Kickstarter campaigns for new releases, convention announcements (particularly New York Comic Con), and exclusive merchandise drops. Its…

Likely audience: Comic book readers

1 shared topic

SubstackWeekly · last post 11 days ago

From recent posts: Behind the Balance Sheet publishes a weekly mix of long-form essays, podcast interviews, and industry analysis covering value investing, private equity, behavioral economics, and AI. The publication targets investors…

Likely audience: Authors seeking better revenue terms

1 shared topic

SubstackEvery two weeks · last post 10 days ago

From recent posts: Daniele’s Substack publishes historical fiction, philosophy, and translation projects, including the author's novel about Caravaggio and a booklet of Nietzsche translations. The publication targets readers interested in…

Likely audience: History enthusiasts

1 shared topic

SubstackSeveral times a week · last post 14 days ago

From recent posts: The Creative Shift by Dan Blank publishes essays on writer marketing, publishing industry trends, and work-life balance for authors and creatives. Content mixes strategic advice on audience outreach with reflective…

Likely audience: writers

1 shared topic

SubstackEvery two weeks · last post 31 days ago

From recent posts: Olivia's Substack publishes weekly personal essays, book recommendations, and lifestyle lists covering topics like home design, cooking, and travel disruptions. The publication targets readers interested in the author's…

Likely audience: Authors and writers

1 shared topic

SubstackEvery two weeks · last post 15 days ago

From recent posts: Agent Alert publishes weekly lists of literary agents currently open to manuscript queries, detailing their genre preferences, published titles, and contact links for aspiring authors. The newsletter occasionally…

Likely audience: Aspiring authors

1 shared topic

SubstackWeekly · last post 11 days ago

I am an author advocate, publisher of She Writes Press, co-founder of Memoir Nation, book industry insider, and champion to writers who show up to the page because they must.

Likely audience: Authors

1 shared topic

SubstackEvery two weeks · last post 15 days ago

Think of these as signatures, unbound. Thoughts, explanations, and screeds about the publishing industry by Anne Trubek, founder of Belt Publishing. For the bound version, pick up "So You Want To Publish A Book?" Belt…

Likely audience: Authors

1 shared topic

SubstackSeveral times a week · last post 10 days ago

Welcome to your new favorite writing community! Discuss & demystify publishing with candid interviews, fresh writing tips & industry intel from a NYT bestselling thriller author. (Public posts = book news, Ask a…

Likely audience: Publishing professionals

1 shared topic

SubstackMonthly or less · last post 14 days ago

From recent posts: Citizen Bookseller is a publication that blends author interviews, event announcements, and book promotions across genres including thriller, science fiction, and entrepreneurship. It regularly covers upcoming and…

Likely audience: Book buyers

1 shared topic

SubstackMonthly or less · last post 15 days ago

Monthly newsletter for writers: early access to workshops and retreats, publishing behind-the-scenes, creative insights to sustain your practice, and truly excellent recs.

Likely audience: Aspiring authors

1 shared topic

SubstackEvery two weeks · last post 9 days ago

Likely audience: aspiring writers

1 shared topic

SubstackWeekly · last post 10 days ago

For the girls who'd rather stay home and read a book. Reading lists, curated recommendations, style guides, and tips for romanticizing your everyday.

Likely audience: Book lovers

1 shared topic

SubstackWeekly · last post 14 days ago

Likely audience: Aspiring authors

1 shared topic

SubstackMonthly or less · last post 55 days ago

From recent posts: This newsletter serves as a promotional channel for author Hannah Mary McKinnon (Holly Cassidy), featuring updates on her thriller novels, book launches, and author events. It also includes occasional personal…

Likely audience: Book lovers

1 shared topic