As usual, your advice is spot-on. Before I leave to fix the stupid name I attached to my Substack I want to thank you for sharing so generously. I'll never be a fraction of the writer that you are, but I do appreciate your wisdom. As for "History of Women", it's a gem. You could maybe just add a subtitle like "and other true stories".
Once again, you've got me thinking, lol. I am now contemplating new names for my Substack, because you're right, "Snale Racing" doesn't mean anything to anybody! Happy Friday to you!
Jan 27, 2023·edited Jan 27, 2023Liked by Linda Caroll
Hi Linda; first of all, my apologies for not having subscribed before to "History of Women". It's wonderful!
My first Substack was called "Ramona's News from the Blogfront", which was limiting as hell, I discovered, and, after much thought, I changed it to my old blog name, Constant Commoner. I can't say it's drawing in readers like flies, but I like it, and when I'm sitting down to write I remember the name and I become the constant commoner. Just me.
I agree that too many titles say nothing or are off-putting, and I agree that blog titles should be like marquees. Unless that writer has a huge, built-in audience already, the only thing they'll have going for them at first is their name.
Writer Everlasting, my second blog, came easier. I wanted something that gave my new blog a sense of permanence and continuity, with just the right light touch, and I'm happy with it. If I weren't, I would change it--even in midstream.
But about your dilemma: Your blog is called "History of Women" but you don't always want to write about the history of women. But you've also built a following with "History of Women". I get it.
You could add a section called something like "The History of Other Things" or even "Other Things" to get around it. I don't think everything should be written in stone and it might be kind of fun to veer off into something else after you've drawn your readers in. Expansion can't be a bad thing, can it?
The things you've found to write about so far are delightful and infinitely interesting, but if you feel there's more you want to talk about, well, guess what? It's your blog. Go for it!
My first 'stack, I named "Brace Yourself", with the point being, brace yourself for what's coming and increase your self-sufficiency.
My second 'stack I'm not certain is named so well. "Fantastical Library". Various thoughts on the fantasy genre, subgenres, authors, essays on various aspects of writing fantasy...you get the idea. But I don't think it's a horrible title, either. Now I just need to reach the fantasy readers.
I look forward to your big post next week, because I always learn something from you!
So funny!!! I just changed my substack newsletter name last week! I want to start focusing more on my writing and publish more consistently- I’m not sure the new name “Dame of Disarray” is much better, but at least it’s no longer “KristinWritesMuch!” LOL *I suck at titles!*
I also started a new substack specifically for a local interest (local breweries) and gave that one a very specific title “The QC Brew Scene” - I live in the Quad Cities. I’m hoping to market that one and actually get paid subscriptions - so I can’t wait to read your advice on the startup!
I named my newsletter "Inspiring Your Best." I started with MailChimp but realized I didn't want or need all the sales funnel features. I moved the newsletter to Substack because I simply wanted a way to reach readers. I want to offer my thoughts and stories to create some positivity in the midst of the angry noise that permeates the space around us.
Every now and then, I second guess the name I chose, but when I ask myself, "What do I write about?" I have the same answer. I focus on stories that give readers a bit of hope, or cause them and me to think , or ask a question. I suppose for now, that is the best name. I may not inspire readers every time or everyone, but my small band of readers give me enough feedback to stay the course.
I'm looking forward to your guide and appreciate your advice and insights. I'm still thinking about my website and know it needs to evolve as I have evolved as a writer. That's a major project.
Looking forward to a copy of your book. I recently started Talking to Spirit on Substack but reading your article I think somebody looking for it would expect sermons. It's about a slightly deranged menopausal psychic who talks to dead people and occasionally goes on a rant about something or other. Yes, new name coming. (Channeling funny...as I was writing this reply, somebody in Spirit suggested I add, "slightly" to deranged above. Help from everywhere.
Spot-on! I totally agree. My first newsletter was called June's Newsletter lololol. Now it's Social Critic and Bitchy. By the way, what do you think of a newsletter called Bitchy? Does it say what it's trying to say? It's essays about identity, culture, and gender through the feminist lens.
Thanks for the tip, Linda. I started a Substack about three weeks ago, and really enjoy seeing the comments. The name is probably lame, but it seems to be getting some readers from Medium.
Great advice. Same is happening to me, but that was my own fault for not settling on a niche. Now, just having written that I am going to be changed the name and format, I am getting new subscribers. (One of the newsletters had the new name in the title and that grabbed some attention.) I am excited to read what you'll publish next week about getting started on Substack.
As usual, your advice is spot-on. Before I leave to fix the stupid name I attached to my Substack I want to thank you for sharing so generously. I'll never be a fraction of the writer that you are, but I do appreciate your wisdom. As for "History of Women", it's a gem. You could maybe just add a subtitle like "and other true stories".
Once again, you've got me thinking, lol. I am now contemplating new names for my Substack, because you're right, "Snale Racing" doesn't mean anything to anybody! Happy Friday to you!
Hi Linda; first of all, my apologies for not having subscribed before to "History of Women". It's wonderful!
My first Substack was called "Ramona's News from the Blogfront", which was limiting as hell, I discovered, and, after much thought, I changed it to my old blog name, Constant Commoner. I can't say it's drawing in readers like flies, but I like it, and when I'm sitting down to write I remember the name and I become the constant commoner. Just me.
I agree that too many titles say nothing or are off-putting, and I agree that blog titles should be like marquees. Unless that writer has a huge, built-in audience already, the only thing they'll have going for them at first is their name.
Writer Everlasting, my second blog, came easier. I wanted something that gave my new blog a sense of permanence and continuity, with just the right light touch, and I'm happy with it. If I weren't, I would change it--even in midstream.
But about your dilemma: Your blog is called "History of Women" but you don't always want to write about the history of women. But you've also built a following with "History of Women". I get it.
You could add a section called something like "The History of Other Things" or even "Other Things" to get around it. I don't think everything should be written in stone and it might be kind of fun to veer off into something else after you've drawn your readers in. Expansion can't be a bad thing, can it?
The things you've found to write about so far are delightful and infinitely interesting, but if you feel there's more you want to talk about, well, guess what? It's your blog. Go for it!
Once again, you're right.
My first 'stack, I named "Brace Yourself", with the point being, brace yourself for what's coming and increase your self-sufficiency.
My second 'stack I'm not certain is named so well. "Fantastical Library". Various thoughts on the fantasy genre, subgenres, authors, essays on various aspects of writing fantasy...you get the idea. But I don't think it's a horrible title, either. Now I just need to reach the fantasy readers.
I look forward to your big post next week, because I always learn something from you!
So funny!!! I just changed my substack newsletter name last week! I want to start focusing more on my writing and publish more consistently- I’m not sure the new name “Dame of Disarray” is much better, but at least it’s no longer “KristinWritesMuch!” LOL *I suck at titles!*
I also started a new substack specifically for a local interest (local breweries) and gave that one a very specific title “The QC Brew Scene” - I live in the Quad Cities. I’m hoping to market that one and actually get paid subscriptions - so I can’t wait to read your advice on the startup!
I named my newsletter "Inspiring Your Best." I started with MailChimp but realized I didn't want or need all the sales funnel features. I moved the newsletter to Substack because I simply wanted a way to reach readers. I want to offer my thoughts and stories to create some positivity in the midst of the angry noise that permeates the space around us.
Every now and then, I second guess the name I chose, but when I ask myself, "What do I write about?" I have the same answer. I focus on stories that give readers a bit of hope, or cause them and me to think , or ask a question. I suppose for now, that is the best name. I may not inspire readers every time or everyone, but my small band of readers give me enough feedback to stay the course.
I'm looking forward to your guide and appreciate your advice and insights. I'm still thinking about my website and know it needs to evolve as I have evolved as a writer. That's a major project.
Thanks, Linda!
Looking forward to a copy of your book. I recently started Talking to Spirit on Substack but reading your article I think somebody looking for it would expect sermons. It's about a slightly deranged menopausal psychic who talks to dead people and occasionally goes on a rant about something or other. Yes, new name coming. (Channeling funny...as I was writing this reply, somebody in Spirit suggested I add, "slightly" to deranged above. Help from everywhere.
Spot-on! I totally agree. My first newsletter was called June's Newsletter lololol. Now it's Social Critic and Bitchy. By the way, what do you think of a newsletter called Bitchy? Does it say what it's trying to say? It's essays about identity, culture, and gender through the feminist lens.
Mine was originally called “Epistemic,” because I wrote about things I wanted to learn more about. That doesn’t work at all for music. Lol.
This must happen a lot, because the Substack team was more than happy to hold my hand while I switched everything (I’m not tech savvy. At all.).
I just got 100 followers on mine. I imagine, like in the case of yours, most of them are people who know me already from Medium.
Possibly, this might help me once I'm able to set up my paid tier. Because people who would pay to read my writing must be really....easily amused.
Thanks for the tip, Linda. I started a Substack about three weeks ago, and really enjoy seeing the comments. The name is probably lame, but it seems to be getting some readers from Medium.
"Tom's World of Stories" tells it all.
Great tutorial
Thanks so much for this Linda! :)
Great advice. Same is happening to me, but that was my own fault for not settling on a niche. Now, just having written that I am going to be changed the name and format, I am getting new subscribers. (One of the newsletters had the new name in the title and that grabbed some attention.) I am excited to read what you'll publish next week about getting started on Substack.
You are appreciated. Thank you.
You're the person I listen to the most. I'll be sitting on my hands til then... ;)