How a Practical Book by Dr. Yildiz Introduced Me to Substack, Transformed My Progress, and Introduced me to 80+ Leading Newsletters from the Substack Mastery Community
Book Review and Inspiration
By Dr Michael Broadly at Substack: Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly
Writing, reading, and volunteer editing in my retirement years is a joy to me. A few months ago, my mentor, Dr Mehmet Yildiz who is a Substack expert, approached me with an intriguing request. He asked if I could review the drafts of a manuscript he was working on. As someone already interested in re-purposing my content on Substack which I heard a lot about, I eagerly agreed to serve as an editor, proofreader, and beta reader for his evolving book.
From the moment I read the Preface of his book I was hooked. Each day, I found myself eagerly anticipating the next chapter, keen to put into practice what I had learned. Within a month, he completed the first draft, and during that time, I bombarded him with questions. Recently, he announced the book’s release and generously started sharing it across multiple platforms for free.
What surprised me most was his decision to publish the book using a hybrid model — something I never knew was possible. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, when I published my scientific books, the traditional route was the only option, and frankly, it didn’t bring much financial gain. Self-publishing existed back then in small scale, but we didn’t have the global tools like Amazon or Kobo that we have today. I wish we had.
The good news is that his book is now available for presale on Amazon, and it reached bestseller status in just five days, thanks to his network, generosity, and the community he’s built across multiple platforms. I left a brief review with 5 stars on Goodreads today, feeling pride, nostalgia, and hope for the future.
If you missed the free chapters, you can still access them through the links provided below. He wants more beta readers to fine the book and make it helpful for a broad audience.

If you missed the free chapters, you can still access them through the links provided below. He wants more beta readers to fine the book and make it helpful for a broad audience.
Preface of “Substack Mastery” for Beta Readers, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19…
I am pleased to let you know that the book titled Substack Mastery, which is now available in popular online bookstores. It was well received by readers and now it trends as a best-selling book in its categories. Here is the link to find it in different bookstores. The paperback of this book is also available through Amazon.

You can read the summary by ILLUMINATION-Curators.
Substack Mastery Book Summary: A Detailed Guide for Freelance Writers and Book Authors
Options to purchase this newly published educational and empowering book to read in different devicesmedium.com
A week ago, I shared my first month’s progress on Substack in a story titled My First Month Update for Substack and How Community Engagement Made Me Feel Confident.
A week ago, I shared my first month’s progress on Substack in a story titled My First Month Update for Substack and How Community Engagement Made Me Feel Confident.
Today, when I checked my dashboard, every metric was green — a sight that filled me with joy and renewed hope as I continue to find my voice on this new platform. I owe much of this success to Dr. Yildiz’s Substack Mastery book. Here’s a glimpse of my dashboard today enhancing my joy in my late years.

In addition I am pleased that 24 Substack newsletters recommend mine.

Our Ambitious Goal for Next 5 Years
As a founding member and sponsor of of Substack Mastery intiative, under the strategic leadership of Dr. Yildiz, our chief editor, and his team of 10000+ industry leaders on LinkedIn, we will be crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy. Our ambitious five-year goal is to grow to 5 million members, establishing ILLUMINATION Connect as a premier network for creators.
Dr Yildiz committed to invest 80% of his content marketing efforts to Substack as he explained the reason in this story on Medium.com. He has been supporting Medium writers since 2019 through his leadership for ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications.
As editors of Substack Mastery publication, we will continue providing free services to creators. However, to support freelance writers who want to earn money from their content on Substack by increasing their paid subscribers, we will offer a premium service through an optional $5 monthly subscription. This means that we will still support non-paying members with complementary content to guide them in building their newsletters and will give marketing support to freelance writers and content entrepreneurs.
This $5 membership for ILLUMINATION Premium through our freelancer library on Substack or Substack Mastery of ILLUMINATION Community will provide extra valuable resources in all our Substack newsletters, including educational opportunities, promotional support for newsletters of creators, and amplification of content on Substack, Medium, blog sites, other content platforms, and our tailored social media tools.
We will design a comprehensive service for content entrepreneurs using our founding membership price. We invite you to join Substack Mastery on Medium and Substack to become part of a collaborative movement that celebrates and empowers Substack creators. Together, we can create a supportive ecosystem where your voice is heard, your stories are shared, and your success is celebrated.
80+ Leading Newsletters Inspired Me
Now, starting with mine, I’d like to share some eclectic newsletters I discovered and explored last month and I recommend all of them to my readers.
Technology, Gaming, Movies, and Social Media Aiden (Owner of Illumination Gaming)
Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Cardiology Made Easy by David Mokotoff, MD [see the Interview]
Silver’s Substack by Michelle Mariscal [see the Interview]
THE BHIVE BUZZ by Elle [see the Interview]
Changing Lives Wendi Gordon [see the Interview]
Joshua Mason Weekly Joshua Mason [see the Interview]
Gabriella’s Addiction and Wellness. The Nurse’s Voice Dr. Gabriella Korosi
Integrated Healthcare by Dr. ADAM TABRIZ [see the interview]
Unfiltered by Tim Denning [see the Interview]
Above The Middle, Joe Gibson by Joe Gibson, Above The Middle
Michael Goitein’s Upstream, Full-Stack Journal Michael H. Goitein
Desi Slice — Seize Opportunities in India’s Race to $5T! Sridhar Pai Tonse — Startup Coach
Your Next Decision Nika Kabiri, JD PhD
I also read several stories from the Substack Mastery publication. I link them as examples for the beginners. To guide you on Substack, our chief editor wrote a comprehensive guide for writers. How to Start Substack Instantly & Own Your Content/Audience Effectively
My Technology Excellence and Leadership Site on Substack Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Tech)
Finally Joined Substack: A New Chapter in Supporting My Readers Mike Broadly, DHSc
A New Beginning: Join Me on My Writing Journey on Substack Dr. ADAM TABRIZ
Transitioning to a Focus on Newsletter Growth: My Shift from Five Years of Medium Publishing to… Lawson Wallace
After A Month On Substack, Here Are 5 Things I Have Discovered. Sompa Mensah
Here’s The Ultimate Reason Why Substack Is Far More Rewarding Than Medium Raveen
Two Weeks Ago, I Decided To Get Serious On Substack. Sompa Mensah
The Substack Learning Curve — As Told By A 3x Substack Editor Ellen “Jelly” McRae
Introducing My Substack Newsletter on Medium Waleed Mahmud Tariq
Substack rival Ghost federates its first newsletter James David
Dear Medium, I Have Avoided Substack Long Enough Le Voir N. Lewis
Introducing My Substack Newsletter on Medium 😀 Patrick OConnell
My stats after writing for 2 months on Substack and Medium Sonaakshi Sinha Jamwal
Dancing Elephants Press Magazine on Substack Dr. Gabriella Korosi
The Substack Learning Curve — As Told By A 3x Substack Editor Ellen “Jelly” McRae
Medium, Substack & Mailchimp — A Canonical Debate Sana Uqaili
Not in the Regular Direction Julie Chavanu — The Idea Compass
The Great Purpose of the Great Reality Newsletter on Substack Chandni Challa
My Substack Journey: If You Want to Change Your Life, This Will Help Wendi Gordon
Here’s Why I’m Growing Fonder of Substack Every Day Sana Uqaili
Why I Decided to Add Publishing on Substack to Medium for My Writing David Mokotoff, MD
I’m Publishing on Substack (again), and on Medium. Bill Petro
Safe and Sound: A First Aid and Safety Newsletter on Substack Gill McCulloch
Why Writing Exclusively on Medium or Substack is a Mistake Joshua Mason
Thrive in Your 50s and Beyond Because it Can Be the Best Time of Your Life Jerry Keszka
Do You Even Read the Newsletters You Subscribe To? Susie Winfield
My Time Management and Productivity Site on Substack Selda Seyfi
A Clarion Call to Substackers: Let’s Collaborate! Chandni Challa
Join us at ILLUMINATION’s Substack Mastery, where your creativity meets a supportive network dedicated to helping you shine. You can send your Medium ID via our writer registration portal.
I have just started blogging on DigitalMehmet site as invited by Dr Yildiz. If you are interested to share your blog posts you can contact him via this portal.
Thank you for reading my story. I wish you a healthy and long life with your loved ones. If you missed my first month progress here is the link.
My First Month Update for Substack and How Community Engagement Made Me Feel Confident
Now, I enjoy repurposing my content both on Medium and Substack to reach a broader audience and share some featured…medium.com
I am a retired healthcare scientist in his mid-70s, and I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a giveback activity, I volunteered as an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many new writers. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. You may subscribe to my account to get my stories in your inbox when I post. You can also find my distilled content on Subtack: Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly.
Lessons Learned from My Personal Stories
Edit descriptionmedium.com
Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly.
This story was originally published on DigitalMehmet content ecosystem by the kind invitation of my esteemed mentor Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Newsletter), as a guest author on his insightful blog. You can read more blog posts like this on the DigitalMehmet website and its blogs, empowering writers and readers globally through the ILLUMINATION-Connect network.



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