Tips for Fiction Writers on Substack

Why You Should Keep Posting—Even If Few People Are Reading (For Now)

Image by Yerson Retamal from Pixabay

I recently came across a post by

Rose J. Fairchild

that echoed something I’ve seen fiction writers ask themselves again and again:

“Fiction is the entire reason I signed up on Substack but it apparently doesn’t do well here (according to many posts I’ve read and what’s happening with my story), so I’m debating whether to post chapters-sporadically instead of sticking to my original once-a-week schedule, or maybe I’ll pull it down and finish it privately. Decisions, decisions!”

The question struck a chord—not just with me, but with many others. The thread lit up with encouragement, doubts, stories, strategies, and a beautiful mix of frustration and quiet determination.

It’s easy to feel invisible here when your stories get only a few reads. Easy to think you’re doing something wrong. Or that fiction “just doesn’t work” on Substack.

But after six weeks of posting a new short fantasy story every day—over 40 stories and nearly 50,000 words later—I’ve discovered that there’s more going on beneath the surface.

Here’s what I’ve learned from my own journey and from listening to dozens of other writers walking the same path:

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1. Short Fiction Works Better Than You Think

Most readers are on their phones. That means:

• 📱 Shorter stories get read more.

• 🧩 Serializing longer works into small, daily episodes builds momentum.

• 🧠 A good title is often your only shot at being seen.

Think snackable, not skimpy. A tightly told 300-word scene can leave a stronger impression than a rambling 1,200-word chapter.

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2. Format Like a Reader, Not a Writer

Use subtitles. Add space. Break up big paragraphs. Drop in an image.

Make it easy to scroll and impossible to get lost. Even the best story suffers when it feels like a wall of text.

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3. Notes Are Where the Magic Happens

Not promos. Not links. Conversations.

I post about three Notes a day. Some ask questions. Some reflect on writing. Some just share the joy or doubt of being a storyteller. That’s where most of my new readers come from—not the inbox, but the ripple effect of a good thought shared at the right moment.

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4. You’re Not Writing for Now. You’re Writing for the Long Tail.

Some of my new subscribers binge their way through older stories like they’ve found a secret archive. That’s the thing: every story you post becomes part of a growing body of work. You’re building something durable.

And one day, when you least expect it, someone might stumble in and stay.

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5. A Few Loyal Readers Are Enough

Many fiction writers on Substack say they have three, four, maybe six people who read every post.

And it’s enough.

It keeps them writing. It holds them accountable. It reminds them that even small stories can land in someone’s heart.

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6. This Isn’t Just About Substack

After 40 stories, I’ve realized something unexpected: I now have the foundation of an anthology. A full book I never planned to write. And I wrote it by showing up each day to post something small.

If nothing else, Substack helped me build a habit I’d been chasing for years.

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So... Should You Keep Posting Fiction?

Yes—if it brings you joy.
Yes—if it helps you grow.
Yes—if it builds your body of work.
And yes—especially if it reminds you why you write in the first place.

Even if your stats are low.
Even if you feel unseen.
Even if your readers are other writers.

Because you’re not just chasing attention. You’re building something far more lasting: practice, voice, rhythm, trust. And that’s the real reward.

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Fiction lives here, quietly but persistently—because we’re writing it.

Tell me—what has posting stories here taught you so far? What keeps you going?

– Father Roderick