So, you’re launching a writing or publishing startup? First of all — kudos! That’s a bold and exciting move. But here’s the thing: picking the right platform can make or break your journey. With so many tools out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
TL;DR: Choosing the right platform helps you publish faster and connect with your readers better. Tools like Medium, Substack, and Ghost are perfect for getting started. If you’re selling books or other digital products, Gumroad and Shopify are fantastic. Start simple, test fast, and grow from there!
1. Substack: Email Newsletters with a Splash of Community
Substack is one of the hottest tools for writing entrepreneurs. It’s simple: you write a newsletter, people subscribe, and you can either offer it for free or charge.
- Great for: Bloggers, journalists, or authors who love emailing stories or insights.
- Money model: Readers can subscribe for free OR pay for premium content.
- Bonus feature: Built-in audience tools and comments for community engagement.
In short — you write, send, and grow a loyal fanbase. No tech headaches.
2. Medium: Where Quality Writing Finds Readers
Medium has been a favorite for writers for years. Why? Because it looks gorgeous, it’s easy to use, and people are always browsing for fresh content.
- Great for: Thought leaders, essayists, and those who want to gain a following.
- Money model: The Medium Partner Program pays based on how much time members spend reading your stories.
- Bonus feature: No setup needed — just focus on writing!
Pro tip: If you publish smart, high-quality pieces, you’ll gain traction fast.
3. Ghost: A Polished Platform Just For You
If you want your own branded site but still enjoy the features of Substack or Medium, Ghost is fantastic.
- Great for: Startups wanting full control over branding and audience.
- Money model: You can charge for memberships, newsletters, and digital content.
- Bonus feature: SEO tools, integrations, and clean, lightning-fast design.
Heads up: Ghost requires some setup, especially if self-hosted. But there’s also a paid hosted version that makes it easier.
4. Revue (By Twitter/X): Built for Social Writers
If your audience lives on Twitter (now X), Revue is a natural home. It lets you publish email newsletters and share them directly on your profile.
- Great for: Writers with strong Twitter/X followings.
- Money model: Paid subscriptions directly via newsletter.
- Bonus feature: Seamless Twitter/X connection and simple interface.
Note: Twitter has had many changes lately, so make sure Revue is still active before diving in.
5. Gumroad: Great for Selling eBooks & Digital Content
Gumroad is perfect if you’re selling digital goodies. Think eBooks, PDFs, audiobooks, or writing courses. It’s super simple. Upload your product, set a price, start selling!
- Great for: Authors, poets, and writers with something to sell.
- Money model: One-time or subscription sales without needing a full website.
- Bonus feature: Built-in payment checkout and delivery for digital files.
Gumroad makes you feel like an eCommerce boss… without the tech stress.
6. Shopify: Full-Scale Storefront for Books & More
Want a full online store? Shopify is the gold standard. Yes, it’s a bit more advanced, but if you’re thinking long-term brand, it’s worth checking out.
- Great for: Writers and publishers selling physical + digital books.
- Money model: Sell products directly with integrated inventory management.
- Bonus feature: Fully customizable storefronts and marketing tools.
Tip: You can also plug in tools like Printful to sell merch or signed copies.
7. Wattpad: A Playground for Creative Writers
Wattpad is a whole community of readers and writers — especially great for fiction, fantasy, and YA authors. It’s social, it’s fun, and it’s full of potential fans.
- Great for: Fiction writers, serial storytellers, and fan-fiction authors.
- Money model: Wattpad Paid Stories lets readers buy your stories — plus it’s a fishpond for publishers scouting new talent!
- Bonus feature: Real-time feedback, comments, and a massive global audience.
Plus: Many Wattpad stories have become movies and TV shows. Seriously!
8. Blurb: Professional-Grade Publishing
Ready to go big? Blurb lets you create beautiful print books, magazines, and more. It’s got tools for layout, cover design, and even working with bookstores.
- Great for: Coffee table books, photo essays, and polished self-published works.
- Money model: Sell directly, through Amazon, or partner with bookshops via Ingram.
- Bonus feature: Professional printing and shipping options built-in.
Best part: Your book will look like it belongs in a bookstore. Because it just might!
9. Leanpub: Write While You Build
Leanpub is unique. It lets you publish a book in-progress and get feedback (or sales!) as you write. Great for how-to guides, tech books, or business content.
- Great for: Writers working on educational or nonfiction material.
- Money model: Pay-what-you-want sales or set pricing.
- Bonus feature: Instant publishing and version updates as you write.
Real talk: It’s fantastic for writing-driven startups who want to test ideas and monetize early.
How to Pick the Right Platform?
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- If you want simplicity: Try Substack or Medium.
- If you want control: Go with Ghost or Shopify.
- If you’re in the fiction game: Wattpad is your playground.
- If you’re selling: Gumroad or Leanpub are great choices.
- Need a combo of all that? Use a few together!
Let’s Wrap It Up
Startups in writing and publishing have more tools than ever. Whether it’s blogging, selling books, or building communities — there’s a platform out there for you.
Here’s the secret sauce: Just start. Grab one platform, post your work, and watch what sticks.
You’ll learn fast. And that’s how the great publishing empires begin — with one good post, one brave step, and the right tools.