Your point about reader exhaustion from AI-generated content hints at something bigger than a marketing opportunity. As content production costs approach zero, the subscription itself becomes the scarce asset. Readers aren't paying for information. They're paying for a filter they trust. Same pattern playing out in open-source AI right now: when the tool is free, value migrates to whoever can prove judgment and provenance. Substack's 10% cut starts looking cheap if what they're really selling is a verified human-to-human channel.
Sinem, I'm wondering if there is any avenue available to reach Followers? Or is posting a good Note the only way these folks might see more of my publication?
This is the part most writers need to hear: monetization is not a switch you flip after writing enough posts. It is an offer, a relationship, and a trust system. The paid tier only works when readers understand what transformation, access, or clarity they are buying — not just that the writer “deserves support.”
My question: I plan to launch my paid tier in June. I currently have 50 subscribers, and some engage regularly.
But I’m not sure yet whether people will want to pay, especially since there isn’t a library of premium content yet.
I’m thinking of creating a pilot group with comped subscriptions during the first month so I can gather feedback, improve, get testimonials, and kick-start the community I want to build.
Your point about reader exhaustion from AI-generated content hints at something bigger than a marketing opportunity. As content production costs approach zero, the subscription itself becomes the scarce asset. Readers aren't paying for information. They're paying for a filter they trust. Same pattern playing out in open-source AI right now: when the tool is free, value migrates to whoever can prove judgment and provenance. Substack's 10% cut starts looking cheap if what they're really selling is a verified human-to-human channel.
Very good analysis for earning money by substack in 2026 .👍
Love this. Substack works when you build trust first and treat content like a long-term asset.
Sinem, I'm wondering if there is any avenue available to reach Followers? Or is posting a good Note the only way these folks might see more of my publication?
This is the part most writers need to hear: monetization is not a switch you flip after writing enough posts. It is an offer, a relationship, and a trust system. The paid tier only works when readers understand what transformation, access, or clarity they are buying — not just that the writer “deserves support.”
Is this free or paid?
This makes perfect sense.
My question: I plan to launch my paid tier in June. I currently have 50 subscribers, and some engage regularly.
But I’m not sure yet whether people will want to pay, especially since there isn’t a library of premium content yet.
I’m thinking of creating a pilot group with comped subscriptions during the first month so I can gather feedback, improve, get testimonials, and kick-start the community I want to build.