The main reason is to make my publications platform independent and empower freelance writers to write magnetic newsletters to build a loyal audience anywhere and everywhere.
As a researcher, inventor, and innovator in science and technology, I thrive on experimenting with services and products. My approach combines user feedback with qualitative and quantitative data, guided by design thinking principles, to continually improve and refine ideas for collective benefits.
Recently, I found myself overwhelmed by a workload of my own making — it felt like digging a hole and sinking deeper with each passing day. This struggle even crept into my lucid dreams, prompting me to find practical ways to climb out of the proverbial hole and refocus on what truly matters — to me and the community I lead. I have known for a long time that being busy does not always mean being productive, creative, or profitable.
Earlier today, I rescheduled the publishing date of my upcoming book for advanced freelance writers due to an exciting new experiment that landed me in some unexpected trouble. Now, the book is scheduled for the end of December, which will be a New Year's present to its fans. It is not a textbook but a refined knowledge transfer tool for advanced Substack writers. I am sharing the chapters with my subscribers on Substack.
While I anticipated this beyond-box type of book would stir emotions, I did not expect the overwhelming feedback it received. For example, some beta readers send three thousand words of feedback to a single chapter reflecting their hopes, struggles, and emotions, so I am rewriting each chapter. Although much of it has been positive, the responses have significantly increased my workload, fueling the fire I have been trying to manage.
After a long meditation session, I asked myself: What is one thing I can do today to create a meaningful impact? Reflecting on the data I had gathered about my Medium publication, former Substack Mastery, I realized it was time to focus on making it more effective. However, this publication has caused a few challenges that I needed to address.
The main challenge is the constant influx of new writers contributing to my publications. While I am thrilled and energized by the interest and enthusiasm of these writers, their participation often brings new challenges.
Many members, especially those new to Medium, are unfamiliar with how the platform works. Some do not take the time to read the guidelines or updates shared by publication editors and, instead, submit their stories randomly to any publication they find in their list.
I have noticed that many new writers submit irrelevant content to this publication, inadvertently wasting both their and editors' time. To address this, I plan to update the submission guidelines soon. However, I want to take a moment today to give new writers a heads-up, explain why I created this publication, and share how they can benefit from being a part of it.
Welcome to Magnetic Newsletter Pro
When I first named my publication Substack Mastery, my focus was on helping writers and creators thrive on Substack using the power of Medium.
Over time, I realized that Substack, a fantastic platform, is only one of many tools available to newsletter creators. Platforms such as Beehiiv, ConvertKit, Mailchimp, and others offer unique features and opportunities, broadening the possibilities for creators.
This realization inspired me to expand my mission. I aim to help freelance writers and content entrepreneurs build sustainable, platform-independent growth. The new name, Magnetic Newsletter Pro, reflects this broader vision.
Magnetic represents the power to attract and engage readers through compelling content — regardless of the platform. Pro highlights the professionalism and expertise needed to build a thriving newsletter that stands the test of time.
By rebranding, we commit to supporting freelance writers with strategies that work across platforms. This will enable them to adapt to industry changes and grow without being tied to a single tool.
The future of newsletter success is about flexibility, independence, and creating lasting connections with our audiences. I articulated this in the submission guidelines of Curated Newsletters and SYNERGY (Newsletter Booster).
Magnetic Newsletter Pro is more than just a name change — it is a commitment to helping freelance writers create a newsletter that flourishes, regardless of the platform they choose to host it.
Dealing with Challenges Creatively
Another challenge is that the word Substack does not seem to perform well on Medium. While I do not believe Medium explicitly has issues with it, the algorithm appears to suppress stories or publications containing the word Substack.
This became evident with my book titled Substack Mastery and the stories submitted to my publications, none of which seemed to receive proper distribution. I suspect the algorithm has specific rules affecting this, and it is something we need to address. As a result, I decided to remove the word Substack from the publication name and description.
Some people mistakenly believe that I work for Substack. Similar assumptions were made a few years ago when I passionately promoted Medium. While I still support Medium, I do so more subtly now.
I appreciate both Medium and Substack, but I remain platform-independent. Both platforms are creator-friendly and easy to use for writing and content distribution. Therefore, I dedicate significant time to helping writers leverage their unique strengths.
My goal is to seamlessly integrate these platforms through my publications and services, giving freelance writers a competitive advantage. Both platforms have their pros and cons, and neither is inherently better or worse.
Some unfamiliar with my intentions, background, and strategies mistakenly think I favor Substack while neglecting Medium. This is further from the truth. I actively support both platforms, using them in ways aligned with their strengths.
For example, Medium is ideal for storytelling, while Substack excels in newsletter delivery. Both functions are essential for freelance writers to succeed and thrive in the ever-evolving content landscape.
With the Substack Mastery publication, my goal was to create a strong bridge between Medium and Substack, combining the strengths of both platforms to empower writers in new ways. I invited writers to benefit from our leadership and expertise, helping them grow their audience and gain paid subscribers through collaborative opportunities we would develop as a community.
Now, we are piloting an exciting initiative called the Substack Mastery Boost Pilot, which I lead alongside a team of dedicated volunteers. This program will offer a unique opportunity to amplify our collective growth and meaningfully support freelance writers.
The first tier of this pilot is a new initiative called Friends of ILLUMINATION, which I introduced just two days ago.
This initiative has been very well received, with preliminary findings from a poll sent to Substack subscribers showing that over 80% of our writers are interested in participating. I have already outlined the second and third tiers on my website and plan to refine and articulate them more clearly in the near future.
This new strategic collaboration aims to empower freelance writers and content entrepreneurs to expand their reach, boost productivity, and grow their writing businesses. Together, we are building an illuminating, thriving, synergistic, and serendipitous ecosystem where creators can succeed and realize their full potential.
As a collaborative and inclusive network, we take pride in being a diverse community that welcomes contributions from individuals of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and perspectives. Our ultimate goal is to build a space that illuminates and enriches society through curated, impactful, and valuable content.
This new publication, Magnetic Newsletter Pro, under the ILLUMINATION umbrella, is designed to support Substack creators on Medium by offering curated content tailored for Medium readers.
Our goal is to encourage all writers to start their own Substack newsletter, help them grow their audience through the strength of our community, and amplify their content using our extensive network.
This support is aimed at empowering them to become successful content creators and marketers. Every creator must understand marketing at a fundamental level — it is an essential skill for long-term success.
What is the support structure of Magnetic Newsletter Pro?
ILLUMINATION-Curators, ILLUMINATION editors, Friends of ILLUMINATION Support, and Substack Boost Pilot staff will support and empower Substack creators through this unique publication on Medium.
We have a team of 170 volunteer editors supporting this publication with 30 assigned publishers, as Medium does not allow us more publishers per publication.
Regarding support, we created a virtual Help Desk on Slack workspace to solve issues with the help of a group of volunteer support team. It is on the ILLUMINATION Slack workspace. Currently, 24000+ writers are registered to this channel.
I am leading this publication and donating my public writing income to the Substack Mastery Boost Pilot as I really want it to be successful.
I am pleased that many founding members and sponsors support our activities and associated costs. I will soon provide more details in an editorial bulletin to inform and update our community.
With a vision to expand and to adapt changes in the content distribution market, I created ILLUMINATION Library on Substack in 2020. This monthly newsletter welcomes content developers — writers, journalists, editors, bloggers, digital marketers, YouTubers, gamers, game developers, and freelancers — creating a dynamic and vibrant community that thrives on collaboration and synergy, creating serendipity and fusion!
Summary of Support and Resources for Magnetic Newsletter Pro
Content Promotion on Medium: Through this publication, we will feature and promote Substack content on Medium, introducing it to an engaged audience. Our curated approach will enable high-quality content to get the attention it deserves.
Daily Submissions for Visibility: Writers are encouraged to submit one draft daily to introduce their newsletters and link their new Substack posts. This strategy will help amplify their presence across platforms.
Cross-Promotion for Growth: This publication aims to help writers build a loyal readership on both Substack and Medium by sharing their work within our extensive network. Our cross-promotion and cross-pollination strategy is designed to maximize reach and influence on both platforms.
Editorial Support and Feedback: Our experienced editors provide personalized feedback and editorial support, helping writers refine their work and write compelling stories that connect with readers.
A Collaborative Community: We offer a vibrant community of like-minded creators where collaboration, idea-sharing, and collective learning are welcomed and thrive. Our Slack workspace, Discord channel, and upcoming Substack Notes conversations create a dynamic and supportive environment.
With guidance from consultant editors and publishing experts, we are deeply committed to helping writers grow, succeed, and make an impact. Our dedication is to guide and inspire our community at every step.
What Can You Submit to "Magnetic Newsletter Pro"?
You can write about anything as long as it aligns with Medium's rules and our publishing guidelines. We do not accept harmful, hurting, or misleading content. The main purpose of this publication is introducing your substack newsletters, what they are, why you established them, and how you will be serving your subscribers.
For example, you can submit a summary of your newsletters or articles about your creativity, services, writing style, audience-building strategies, and newsletter details from platforms like Substack, ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or Beehiiv. Every writer needs a newsletter.
Unlike our other publications, this one does not require adherence to boost guidelines, as Medium does not boost this type of content. Instead, we amplify your work through our external networks, increasing visibility for your profile and content and giving them backlinks.
Related to backlinks, I have opened my website to guest bloggers, allowing you to post teasers of your stories and newsletters to attract even more readers.
You can submit all your substack-related videos and podcasts to our Videos/Podcasts publication on Medium and short form them on "Magnetic Newsletter Pro."
We will use the following newsletters by our educators and curators to curate content and support freelance writers on Medium, Substack, and other platforms:
Our volunteer editors will also create several other newsletters. We will integrate them during the Substack Mastery Boost Pilot and refine them by December 2025 as a full-fledged service to the community.
Sample Stories Published on Magnetic Newsletter Pro
My Substack Journey: If You Want to Change Your Life, This Will Help Wendi Gordon
Why Writing Exclusively on Medium or Substack is a Mistake Joshua Mason
Thrive in Your 50s and Beyond Because it Can Be the Best Time of Your Life Jerry Keszka
Why I Decided to Add Publishing on Substack to Medium for My Writing David Mokotoff, MD
I'm Publishing on Substack (again), and on Medium. Bill Petro
Finally Joined Substack: A New Chapter in Supporting My Readers Mike Broadly, DHSc
Safe and Sound: A First Aid and Safety Newsletter on Substack Gill McCulloch
Do You Even Read the Newsletters You Subscribe To? Susie Winfield
A New Beginning: Join Me on My Writing Journey on Substack Dr. ADAM TABRIZ
Transitioning to a Focus on Newsletter Growth: My Shift from Five Years of Medium Publishing to… Lawson Wallace
After A Month On Substack, Here Are 5 Things I Have Discovered. Sompa Mensah
Here's The Ultimate Reason Why Substack Is Far More Rewarding Than Medium Raveen
The Substack Learning Curve — As Told By A 3x Substack Editor Ellen "Jelly" McRae
Dear Medium, I Have Avoided Substack Long Enough Le Voir N. Lewis
Introducing My Substack Newsletter on Medium 😀 Patrick OConnell
My stats after writing for 2 months on Substack and Medium Sonaakshi Sinha Jamwal
Dancing Elephants Press Magazine on Substack Dr. Gabriella Korosi
The Substack Learning Curve — As Told By A 3x Substack Editor Ellen "Jelly" McRae
Not in the Regular Direction Julie Chavanu — The Idea Compass
The Great Purpose of the Great Reality Newsletter on Substack Chandni Challa
A Clarion Call to Substackers: Let's Collaborate! Chandni Challa
Sarah Gall: Greece-loving and living writer and artist Sarah Gall
From Medium to Substack: Mahia's Memos Takes Flight! BowHunting|Math Strategist & MIS Thinker|Uplifts|
I believe these stories might give you an idea of the type of content you can send to Magnetic Newsletter Pro.
New writers, please read our submission guidelines before submitting your first stories so that our volunteer editors can publish them timely. We have a massive backlog, and these volunteers are exhausted.
Here are the links to the updated submission guidelines: ILLUMINATION, Curated Newsletters, SYNERGY (Newsletter Booster), Technology Hits, and ILLUMINATION Book Chapters, Readers Hope.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
Here is an inspiring story for your education:
I have created a new community initiative called Friends of ILLUMINATION, which I introduced in a story yesterday. All ethical and authentic writers are welcome to join this exciting journey.
To this end, I created a support account to be managed by volunteer editors, administrators, and Slack moderators. I also made the account a Friend of Medium to contribute to writers' earnings. This account will be used for curation and featuring stories by Friends of ILLUMINATION. You can follow it to receive updates on Medium and Slack workspace.
I am here to help my readers, so reach out when you need support. You may take a quick taste of some of my inspiring stories in this collection. If you wish, you may subscribe to my Health and Wellness newsletter to benefit from my decades of health, science, and technology experience.
If you are a new writer on this platform, you can join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 33K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories.
I also authored a recent book titled Substack Mastery to guide freelance writers to write insightful content and build their audiences.
You are welcome to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack and our education tool, Substack Mastery, curated by ILLUMINATION-Curators.
You can join my newsletters, where I offer experience-based content on health, content strategy, and technology topics to inform and inspire my readers.
Here is the Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers.