Why I wrote this book and how freelance writers and content entrepreneurs can benefit from it
Introduction to My New Book for Free
A few months ago, when I publicly announced that I would dedicate 80% of my time to Substack, 15% to Newsbreak, and just 5% to Medium, I received an intriguing call from one of my book publishers. This serendipitous encounter was inspiring, much like one of my stories that also brought serendipity. Whenever serendipity knocks on my door, I answer graciously.
The company’s CEO, who also happens to be a close friend, told me they were looking for a seasoned writer to write about Substack as a trendy topic in the publishing world. With my background and proven track record of publishing best-selling books, she said I was the best candidate for the job. So she approached me first.
She asked if I would be interested. I said yes, but I was clear that I didn’t want to pursue traditional publishing as we had in the past. Understanding my need for freedom, she offered a hybrid publishing model that nicely suited my needs.
However, she emphasized that the market on this topic was growing rapidly, and they wanted the book to be marketed to their clients within a month, so she requested the book proposal within three days. I agreed and sent the proposal with a table of contents. Within a day, they approved it with some additional suggestions.
The key point was that the book needed to be written in an autobiographical format, filled with hands-on experience and evidence-based claims, not just theoretical or motivational content. There are already plenty of such books, and they don’t sell well.
As you may know, publishers are focused on the bottom line, and even though she is my friend, she had to ensure the company’s financial success in this economic climate.
They then gave me one month to complete the first draft for approval. Compared to my technical and scientific books, this was a breeze to write.
After work and daily meditation, I simply talked to myself in a flow state, turned those self-conversations into text, and, with minor self-editing, sent it to a proofreader sponsored by the publishing company. This week, I submitted the manuscript, which will now undergo professional editing.
I have set up preorders for both the digital and paperback versions of my book on Amazon and will soon make my editions available through my syndicated publishing company, which offers a lower commission.
The traditional publishing company will manage its own sales in global markets, but based on my past experience, the commission I receive from them is minimal—essentially pocket money. That’s why I’ve moved away from exclusive traditional publishing, as I explained in a previous story a few years ago.
After this background, here is the first chapter of my book for beta readers.
Chapter 1: Why I Wrote This Book About Substack
Welcome to an exciting virtual journey that could transform your approach to digital content creation, marketing, distribution, and sales.
Imagine diving into the vast ocean of online writing as a freelancer, only to find yourself lost in the waves of noise and competition, causing stress and anxiety.
Finding your voice, growing your audience, and building a sustainable newsletter can feel like solving a complex puzzle. But what if you had a clear map to guide you through this labyrinth? That’s exactly what I have aimed to provide with this new book.
For the past five years, I have been deeply immersed in the Substack ecosystem, weaving together my 42+ years of experience in content development, strategy, and marketing with a background as a scientist, technologist, inventor, and community leader.
This book is the product of this journey, with its ups and downs, written in an autobiographical style. It is a practical, heartfelt guide designed to help freelance writers and content entrepreneurs discover and amplify their unique voices, grow their audiences, earn income from their creations, and build a sustainable newsletter-based content development and marketing business.
As a beta reader, you might be asking, “Why should I invest my precious time in another book about writing?” The answer is simple and personal.
Throughout my career as a now semi-retired technology/science consultant for large organizations and startup companies, I have witnessed countless talented people struggle with the same challenges freelance writers face.
Finding their footing in the world of digital content creation and audience building is a daunting task. As a person with high digital intelligence, strong emotional intelligence, an admirable adversity quotient, and a reasonable IQ, I struggled and even failed multiple times with strong fallback positions. Those who don’t have sufficient levels of these types of intelligence are prone to a more painful failure even before they start.
I witnessed that despite the flashy success stories and grand promises, there has often been a missing piece in the publishing industry: real, hands-on guidance that addresses the everyday struggles of content creators. My new book is my way of bridging that gap.
Although I come from an academic background and know the importance of solid theory behind practice, my new book is not just about theory or abstract concepts.
I offer my struggles honestly and humbly, my true feelings, my triumphs, and failures with practical and actionable insights born from my own experience of growing a Substack to around 30,000 subscribers, my publications to 100,000+ subscribers, and earning the endorsement of 455 fellow Substack writers without even promoting my services.
I have walked the path you are on, and I want to share the lessons I have learned — both the triumphs and the trials — with you.
As you turn the digital or paperback pages of my new book, here’s what you will be surprised by and what you will uncover as unspoken truth:
- You will discover how to unearth and develop your unique perspective, making your content stand out and deeply connect with your readers.
- You will learn proven strategies for attracting and retaining readers, from crafting captivating content to effective promotion techniques that work.
- You will gain insights into creating a content ecosystem that supports long-term growth and engagement, ensuring your newsletters or platforms remain vibrant and relevant.
- You will get practical guidance on transforming your Substack newsletters into a viable income source tailored to your current growth stage.
- Last but not least, you will find real-world solutions to common obstacles faced by content creators like freelancers or content entrepreneurs, including maintaining consistency and managing reader requirements and expectations.
- As a bonus, I will give an opportunity to the readers of my book to be part of my diverse and supportive community and vast network.
My initial consultant editors posed the question, as usual: “What sets this book apart?”
I told them this wasn’t another book filled with flashy promises or theoretical fluff. This is a grounded, hands-on guide distilled from years of practical experience in simple language anyone can understand.
I designed it to serve as a tool that freelance writers or content entrepreneurs can use immediately, offering actionable strategies and real-world advice in a constructive and realistic way.
This book isn’t about quick fixes or passing fads. It covers insights into building a sustainable legacy of professional growth and personal fulfillment through captivating, meaningful, impactful, helpful, memorable, inspiring, and nuanced content creation.
I am excited to start this journey with my fellow writers and editors. By the end of this book, you will have the knowledge and confidence to grow your audience, build thriving Substack newsletters, and make your mark in the world of content creation and distribution.
Thank you for joining my journey. Let’s start the learning process with meaningful engagement for mutual benefit. Together, we can navigate this content labyrinth and build something truly extraordinary.
I look forward to your feedback as a beta reader. I will publish this on multiple platforms for free to give my beta readers the opportunity to refine it and make it a valuable knowledge source and illuminating reference for society
If you want to purchase the book at a reasonable price or gift it to someone you care about, you may preorder it via various Amazon markets. If the editing process is complete on time, I can get it published faster. Don’t judge the book by its cover, as it is temporary and will be designed by a professional with better skills than mine.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
I wrote this story as a give-back to the writing community as I owe my success to my mentors. Mentorship and collaboration can enhance our knowledge, make awareness and skill-building easy, and make the journey enjoyable on different platforms. I wrote several stories like this on this platform for writers and readers and linked them to a list titled Writing, Content Development & Marketing Strategies.
Here is why I resigned from the Boost program on Medium.
Here’s why I closed my best publication, ILLUMINATION-Curated.
If you are a writer on Medium and Substack, we have a new publication called Substack Mastery. You are welcome to join and share your Substack experience with your fellow writers and discerning readers.
Welcome to “Substack Mastery” Publication by the ILLUMINATION Network on Medium
We renamed the previous “Substack on ILLUMINATION” publication to avoid confusion with our other publications.medium.com
If you are a new reader, you may check out some of my topics, including the brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 31K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium.
You can read the distilled version of this story on Substack for free.
You are welcome to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack. Here is the Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
Join me on Substack, where I offer experience-based content on health, content strategy, and technology topics to inform and inspire my readers.
Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights
Health and Wellness by Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Technology Excellence and Leadership
Get an email whenever Dr Mehmet Yildiz publishes. He is a top writer and editor on Medium. dr-mehmet-yildiz.medium.com
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