Substack Forum
A 4-Month Beta Series
Ongoing, Support, Insight, and Connection to Keep Growing Together
March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern (3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific)
Story Summit’s Substack Forum is a monthly one-hour live Zoom gathering for writers who are already publishing on Substack and want ongoing support, encouragement, and connection as they continue to grow.
If you've taken Substack Success Level 1 or 2, launched your column, started building momentum, and now find yourself with deeper questions, evolving goals, or a desire to stay connected, you’re in the right place. This is a live discussion Forum, not a step-by-step class, designed for writers already publishing on Substack.
The Substack Forum is designed for writers who:
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Have taken Substack Success Level 1, Level 2, or both
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Have begun publishing and managing their Substack
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Want continued guidance
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Value thoughtful conversation, shared experience, and community learning
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Are ready to keep growing at a sustainable pace
If you consider yourself a beginner or you're looking for step-by-step guidance on setting up, navigating, and learning the basics of Substack, we recommend starting with Substack Success Level 1 or Level 2 before joining the Forum.
If you're looking for individualized support, including devoted time to focus on your specific Substack column, strategies, and goals, you can schedule 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Dana Kennedy. For details, contact dana@kennedyconner.com.
What you'll receive inside the Forum...
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A place to ask evolving questions
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A space to deepen your understanding of Substack
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Encouragement when momentum dips
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Exposure to new ideas and strategies
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Connection with other writers actively publishing
The Forum exists to support the next phase of your Substack journey, providing education, support, and encouragement to keep you moving forward.
How the Forum Will Unfold
Each Substack Forum centers on one clear area of focus, with sessions rotating among:
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Deep dives into more advanced Substack topics
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Devoted Q&A sessions to answer your questions
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Guest speakers sharing practical insights and experience
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Spotlights on successful Summiteer columns and creative approaches
We'll choose topics based on questions and themes emerging from the Substack Success classes, input from Forum members, updates to the platform, and the real-world experiences of writers actively publishing.
If you want ongoing support and engagement as you grow your column, the Forum is here for you. Below is a tentative outline for the March–June beta series. Specific topics may shift slightly based on participant feedback, guest availability, or timely opportunities.
March — Making Substack Work for You: Writing, Growth, and the Roles No One Warned You About
Substack may be built for writers, but writing is only one of the roles you’ll learn to embrace if you want sustainable growth on Substack.
In this March Deep Dive, we’ll unpack the five roles that shape a thriving publication, and how to step into them with clarity and intention.
You’ll gain clarity on where to focus your energy, what to release, and how to build your Substack in a way that supports your specific goals.
April — A Full 60-Minute FAQ Session
Throughout the Forum, you’ll be invited to submit questions in advance. We’ll prioritize high-interest topics, recurring themes, and issues that can benefit the group as a whole.
Live questions will also be addressed as time allows.
This dedicated Q&A format gives us space to tackle real-world challenges, respond to platform updates, refine strategy, and offer thoughtful, practical guidance grounded in current experience.
May — Guest Speaker or Featured Summiteer Spotlight
Step inside another writer’s Substack journey.
Through a live guest conversation or a featured Summiteer spotlight, you’ll get an inside look at how others are navigating the platform—from creative decisions and growth strategy to lessons learned along the way.
Real examples. Real strategy. Real experience.
June — Deep Dive Topic
This session will explore a high-impact topic, either building further on concepts introduced in Substack Success or diving into new and timely areas relevant to your growth.
Expect deeper strategy, clearer frameworks, and actionable insight you can immediately apply to your publication.
Why the Forum Matters
Like any writing endeavor, publishing on Substack is an ongoing practice. The Substack Forum will support you in that middle space:
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After launch
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After the initial learning curve
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As you think of new ways to use Substack in your writing career
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When you’ve spent more time in the platform and discover new questions
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As you build momentum and focus
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When staying connected makes all the difference
With the monthly Forum, you can recalibrate, reconnect, and remember the power of Substack and all the ways it can support you as a writer.
Facilitator
4 Monthly Sessions
Non Members: $197
Story Summit Members: This Beta Series Is Included at No Additional Cost
Story Summit Membership subscribers receive this class at no additional cost. Just register and the discount will be applied automatically. Please make sure you're logged in to receive the discount. Not a subscriber yet? Join here.
Please note: These Forum sessions are designed specifically for live participation, so your attendance is important. If you need to miss a class for any reason, you’ll receive a passcode-protected link to watch the recordings after the course is over.
