Do authors really need a Substack? Pros & cons and tips for how to make one work for you.

Authors hear constantly that they need a Substack. But is this actually right for you — and is it actually worth the work and time? In this Office Hours session, we sit down with Roberto Ascanio — formerly of Substack, now at Tertulia — for an honest conversation about what the platform is really good for, who benefits most, and how to build something sustainable without burning out. We cover how Substack differs from social media and a traditional website, whether it actually moves books, and what realistic growth looks like for debut novelists, nonfiction authors, and established writers alike. We also hear from some authors in our community about how they are using Substack. If you're weighing whether to start, restart, or finally commit — this is the conversation to watch first.