Library of Workshop Replays
» Monthly replays for all paid subscribers
Each month, paid subscribers get access to the two most recent monthly workshops. Watch them before they’re archived!
» If you prefer not to subscribe, you can also purchase any individual workshop for $25 each here:
Workshop 5: Serialize Your Novel or Memoir on Substack with Artistry and Ease Workshop
Watch now (50 min) | In this workshop, you’ll get clarity on your serialization goals and whether you want it to lead to an agent and a book deal; an understanding of how craft “rules” (character, plot, voice, structure, point of view, dialogue, etc.) function differently on Substack; a plan for your writing process; insight into Substack’s tech; a profound acceptance of why your novel or memoir isn’t enough; and guidance on how to create “extras” that keep people reading and attract publicity and subscribers.
We cover serializing novels, memoirs, and classics.
Workshop 4: Publicize Your Substack (without feeling icky)
Watch now (64 min) | Once you learn the ins and outs of publicity, it will feel much less icky and overwhelming and confusing. It can actually be enjoyable. Promise. Doing publicity can also teach you a lot about your work, strengthen your writing, and help you discover what you really want from your writing career.
» Replays for full-access members
Full-access members get everything in the monthly and annual paid subscription (live monthly workshops, exclusive weekly posts, interviews, and mini-courses to help you master Substack), plus all workshop replays and the chance to have your Substack featured on Writers at Work.
Become a full-access member. You can also purchase any individual workshop for $25 each here:
Monthly and annual subscribers, upgrade to full-access here. Scroll to your subscription to Writers at Work and click on it.
Free subscribers, choose the full-access option:
Workshop 3: "Getting" Subscribers on Substack
Watch now (78 min) | I’m pretty sure this workshop is the key to life for writers on Substack. Notice that “getting” is in scare quotes. I give you all sorts of ways to find and draw readers, but this workshop is really about sharpening your Substack and your writing, so you can reshape your relationship with your readers from one of graspiness to one of connection.
Workshop 2: Write Your About page, Short Description, Title, and Bio to Attract Potential Subscribers
Watch now (86 min) | » Full-access members, scroll down. The PDF from the workshop with all prompts is below. Enjoy! Whether we read or subscribe to your Substack is based entirely on these four, and maybe the post that attracted us—that’s it! Make sure it represents you, has integrity, and reaches people.
Workshop 1: How to Build a Substack that Gives You the Writing Career You Want workshop
Watch now (105 min) | This workshop is crucial for writers on Substack. Whether you’re just starting out or your Substack isn’t gaining traction, it will give you the perspective you need to succeed on the platform. Highlights!
Work better 1-to-1?
Book a meeting with Writers at Work with Sarah Fay
I save you from spending years flailing around on Substack, trying to figure out the platform, and not getting any traction.
Each 30-minute Zoom meeting with me gives you an expert set of eyes on your Substack, so you can use the platform to leverage your career. I help you
focus your Substack and your goals and achieve them,
determine how your talents and expertise can best be expressed in your Substack, and
increase your subscribers.
I share with you the advice the folks at Substack gave me and all my experience as an author at HarperCollins; the creator of two bestselling, featured Substack publications; a former advisory editor at The Paris Review; and a creative writing professor at Northwestern University.
» A 3-meeting package is how I give you the precise way you and your Substack will succeed.
It demands personalized advice you can’t find on the internet or with those simply teaching writers to be online. Substack is its own universe.
We cover how to
sharpen the value you offer,
produce your very best work to draw readers and agents and editors,
get paid subscribers,
build community,
generate publicity,
master the art of the perfect Substack post (write less, go deep, use your voice),
design your Substack to reflect you as a writer, and
hone your long-term vision.
» A 3-meeting package includes an additional $25 off + 10% off paid subscribers and 20% off full-access members
Book a meeting with Writers at Work with Sarah Fay
*Outside the U.S.? Book here under INTERNATIONAL.
Here’s what Substack writers say about working with me:
“Within 24 hours of executing Sarah’s suggestions, my subscription base expanded to include countless new readers who not only pressed the “subscribe” button but also took the time to engage with the material and write encouraging and insightful comments on the posts. Sarah helped me see a more holistic, comprehensive vision of my work on Substack. She provided clear, actionable steps to bring this expanded vision into reality.” —
“Sarah has decades of experience and insider knowledge of what it takes to make a Substack newsletter work. Since working with her I’ve revamped my entire newsletter and started seeing results in just a few days with a large increase in subscribers.” —Leon MacFayden,
“Sarah is an expert coach, sounding board, and cheerleader all in one! She has a sharp eye, tons of practical advice, real insight from the Substack team and dozens of examples to inspire. She helped me see my newsletter with renewed clarity and gusto!” —Madeleine Dore, On Things
What qualifies me to do this?
(You should always ask this of anyone you work with.) My experience as
someone who’s received advice from the people at Substack and shares it with you;
someone who specializes in helping writers discover who they are and how to leverage Substack, which is unlike any other platform;
the creator of two bestselling, featured Substack publications;
an author at HarperCollins;
a former advisory editor at The Paris Review; and
a creative writing professor at Northwestern University.