Writer's Platform Path

Build a Personal Brand

Elective. Foundation step — define your niche, develop a consistent voice, and publish 20 pieces in public. Proof requires external reach evidence: a piece that received press, shares, or a brand collaboration from outside your network (follower count alone is not sufficient).

Write and Publish an Essay

Elective. First public proof of your written voice. A single essay published at a URL that can be shared.

Publish 10 Essays (Consistent Theme)

Elective. Consistency at scale — 10 pieces under a coherent theme. The point at which readers follow you for a topic, not just a piece.

Launch a Newsletter

Elective. Direct subscriber relationship — the most durable platform for writers. 500 subscribers who chose to receive your work is better than 50,000 social followers who scroll past it. Proof: newsletter URL with published issues and subscriber count screenshot.

Build Newsletter to 10,000 Subscribers

Elective. Scale milestone — 10K subscribers with 30%+ open rate. Proof: analytics screenshot showing subscriber count and open rate.

Launch a Podcast

Elective. Audio format branch. Many writers find podcasting expands their audience to people who don't read long-form. Parallel to newsletter, not dependent on it. Proof: RSS feed or podcast platform link with 10 published episodes and creation dates.

Get First Paid Writing Client (Creative)

Elective. Commercial validation specifically for literary or creative writing — a short story accepted for publication, a personal essay commissioned by a magazine, or creative nonfiction. Invoice paid. Distinct from content marketing or technical writing, which belong in the Communication path.

The most writer-friendly newsletter platform with built-in discoverability. Paid subscriptions built in from day one. Free to start — Substack takes 10% only when you monetize.

David Perell's free archive on online writing. The essays on finding your niche and building an audience are the most practically useful free resources for the newsletter and essay tracks.

Free, comprehensive guide to podcast setup from a hosting company that has no interest in selling you anything you don't need. Equipment, recording, distribution — all covered.