How I Went from Zero Subscribers to 1000 in Less Than One Year Without Being a Featured Substack Publication

Part two of two. What Substack has given me, what's worked for me, what's next, but mostly, a full and grateful heart and lots of love for all of you.

Hello and welcome to Notes from the Town Hermit, a haven for the overthinkers and deep-feelers who search for reasons why life should be worth living. I write so you feel seen by giving words to the unspeakable. These letters are a labour of love, so if you have the means and want to sponsor my writing, please upgrade.

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PLEASE NOTE: this letter may be truncated by your email provider. Open on a browser or in the app to read the whole thing.

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Dear Inklings,

I’m celebrating the first birthday of Notes from the Town Hermit! This is part two of my anniversary reflection.

Thank you,

Julia Wellham

, Kim, Merpug, Sara C., Joyce L., Aaron Lee for upgrading to paid this week. You guys are awesome. Thank you,

Jason

for recommending Notes from the Town Hermit.

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Read part 1 here:

Unexpected Insights From My 1 Year Substack Experiment

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In this post, I’ll be breaking down what I did over the past year—what I tried, what’s worked for me and what hasn’t, and why I think so much has to do with luck.

Before we get started, this publication is now my job and how I pay for groceries to feed the mini gluttons in my house. If you value my writing, your financial support would mean a lot to me and help this publication continue.

Should you choose to sponsor my writing, these are some bonuses you get:

• My more vulnerable and personal essays.

• I choose a random patron once a month to send a photo print + typewritten letter to.¹

• Our secret society where we talk about everything from what we’re reading, to what makes life worth living, in the discussion threads and chats.²

Pay what you can, starting at $10/year

I’m introducing a sliding scale this year, inspired by

Kathryn Vercillo

’s model. While my goal is to earn a living wage with my writing, I also acknowledge currency differences and financial challenges, and I don’t want money to be a barrier.

These discounts are valid until September 20, and are offered on an honour system. Please be honest about what you can pay and what you feel my writing is worth. I will never question why you chose the rate you did.

Choose your rate:

• Full price ($50/year)

• 10% off a monthly or annual subscription for 1 year ($45/year)

• 20% off for 1 year ($40/year)

• 30% off for 1 year ($35/year)

• 50% off for 1 year ($25/year)

• $10 flat rate for 1 year

• One of my 1000 true fans ($100/year - choose Fellowship Member)

You can also make a one-time contribution here.

Here comes the paywall!

Principles I embrace and what I’ve found works well on Substack