ANEW: Writing for a Life
Writing for connection: Substack vs. Medium
The fastest-growing social media platforms aren’t the ones dominated by memes or fleeting trends — they’re spaces for readers and writers who find inspiration in the written word. Substack and Medium are two such platforms, offering unique ecosystems where writing communities thrive. While headlines often highlight the financial success of top earners, the true magic of these platforms lies in their ability to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among writers.
Substack: More Than Just Numbers
Substack’s statistics are impressive. As of 2024:
Over 20 million monthly active subscribers.
2 million paid subscriptions.
Top writers collectively earning more than $25 million annually.
But beyond the revenue lies something equally valuable: connection. Substack has become a haven for writers who might otherwise toil in solitude. Its format encourages long-form, thoughtful engagement, allowing writers to cultivate relationships with readers who genuinely care about their work. For most, the payoff isn’t monetary — it’s the joy of meaningful dialogue and the discovery of kindred spirits.
Medium: A Global Writing Village
Medium boasts an even larger user base, with over 100 million active monthly readers. It’s a platform where anyone can publish, and readers can easily stumble upon a post that feels like it was written just for them. Writers often join Medium’s Partner Program with dreams of making a living, but only 6% earn more than $100 monthly. The vast majority write for reasons beyond profit: to share their voice, to explore ideas, and to connect with a global audience.
Writing for Community, Not Just Cash
Both platforms demonstrate that while it’s possible to earn a living through writing, most users are drawn by something more profound. Writing on Medium or Substack often feels like participating in a modern-day salon — a place where ideas are exchanged, challenges are debated, and creativity is celebrated. Whether you’re publishing essays on politics, sharing personal memoirs, or diving into niche topics, these platforms remind us that writing is as much about community as it is about craft.
The Writing Life: Beyond Metrics
In many ways, writing on these platforms mirrors other creative pursuits. Just as people gather at paint bars or glass-blowing studios to create and connect, writers come to Medium and Substack to do the same — albeit digitally. The metrics can be motivating, but the heart of the experience lies in the relationships formed and the growth achieved.
A Call to Write
Whether you’re an established author or someone just beginning to put pen to paper, platforms like Medium and Substack offer an open invitation to join a vibrant writing community. While a few will strike it rich, most will find something even more enduring: a place to belong and a purpose in the act of writing itself. And isn’t that what every writer ultimately seeks?
Curated Listening:
I love to get myself writing by listening to a little jazz. If you love jazz trumpeters and drummer combos, who better than Clifford Brown and Max Roach?! Listen to their bright, effervescent brilliance on Jordu HERE. Cool, Cats. That’s it!