Substack Forum
Monthly Support, Insight, and Connection to Keep Growing Together
March–June Series
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 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 and strategies, Dana Kennedy, co-instructor of Substack Success, is offering 1-on-1 coaching sessions. For details, contact dana@kennedyconner.com.
What you'll receive...
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Ongoing support and encouragement
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Continuing education with updates on new developments within Substack
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Connection to other Story Summit Substack writers to build your audience and networking
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New ideas, perspectives, and strategies
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Help in staying engaged and moving forward over time
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 series. Specific topics may shift slightly based on participant feedback, guest availability, or timely opportunities.
March — Deep Dive Topic
Making Substack Work for You: Writing, Growth, and the Roles No One Warned You About
Substack is built for writers—but writing is only part of the work. In this March Deep Dive, we’ll explore the five roles every Substack creator steps into and how to navigate them with intention. You’ll gain clarity on what to focus on, what to release, and how to build your Substack to support your specific goals.
April — FAQs with Julie and Dana
A full 60-minute session FAQ. We’ll ask you to submit questions ahead of class to make the hour meaningful for everyone. Live questions will also be addressed as time allows. The Q&A format allows us to address real-world challenges and updates, refine strategies, and offer thoughtful, practical guidance grounded in current experience.
May — Guest Speaker or Featured Summiteer Column
An inside look at how other writers are navigating Substack—through a guest speaker conversation or a spotlight on a successful Summiteer column, including creative choices, strategy, and lessons learned.
June — Deep Dive Topic
A deeper exploration of a timely topic such as monetization, audience engagement, sustainability, or long-term growth—shaped by insights gathered throughout the Forum series.
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.
Looking Ahead
The Substack Forum will continue as an ongoing offering.
Beginning in July, the Forum will shift to a 6-month series (July–December). Details and enrollment for the next series will be shared with Forum participants first.
Our Faculty
4 Monthly Sessions
Non Members: $197
Story Summit Member: $157 (20% savings)
Story Summit Membership subscribers receive a 20% discount for this offering. 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.
