A one-link, once-a-weekday email for writers who want to newsletter better.
Each issue of Read This links to an article, blog, video, or other resource that provides helpful insights into building a better readership using an email newsletter.
Abnormal hobbies (that don’t scale)
Is it possible to normalize doing useless things just for ourselves?
The two types of value
Or: Why we struggle to explain ourselves to others.
The audience shortcut
How the right people paying attentionchanges everything.
Five email newsletter must-haves in 2025
Understanding this key difference.
Algorithmic vs. non-algorithmic marketing
Understanding this key difference.
What if you couldn't reach anyone new?
Growth vs. Retention.
Acceptable artistic compromises?
Thoughts on compromising your art to satisfy the platforms' desires.
Make something heavy
We're creating more than ever, but it weighs nothing.
Build a labyrinth, not a funnel
Kening Zhu on prioritizing process, adventure, and pathways — over metrics and conversions.
Everything I know about self-publishing
Kevin Kelly shares his experience.
The defense against slop and brainrot
What one writer is doing prevent himself from stagnating and rotting.
Things worth measuring
Or: How to find content market fit
3 hot tips for writing a newsletter
... that people actually read.
A thousand new email sign ups in a week?
One way to get there.
5 years of newsletter writing
Matt Rutherford offers lessons from five years and 250 attempts at newsletter-ing.
The newsletter now
Is it still worth the effort?
Ad-Free Search
A way to clean Google search without ads and AI overview.
Staying curious is the most dangerous thing you can do
On the importance of keeping your curiosity alive.
The 10 laws of great newsletters
Beyond best practices.
What should I use to make a website?
Some lesser known tools, platforms, and services.
Should I publish my newsletter to my blog?
Redundant or required.
How to return from a newsletter hiatus in style
... and minimize unsubscribes.
11 design ideas you should steal for your newsletter
Small design tweaks for a bigger impact.
The social media mirage
... and the humble email.
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