"The most value and most support in any class I have ever had! Highly recommend. 🚀 " —Marni Battista

You have so much to share...

There's a lot of Substack advice out there...

But you want a framework and a Substack expert to help you launch (or relaunch) your Substack to:

  • attract engaged subscribers (not just lifeless email addresses),
  • produce work that stands out (so you're not posting into the void),
  • monetize in a way that feels genuine, and
  • not get bogged down by all of Substack's tech and features.


"This course opened up the world of creative possibilities available on Substack and the tools to make that world of possibilities a reality." 

—Cherry Damianoff


This is the same process I reserve for my private clients

📈 Using my proprietary Substack Growth System:

Kate Hill increased her revenue from $21,000 to $26,000 in just 6 weeks.

Jeannine Ouellete’s paid subscriptions (at $50/year) increased from 560 to 953 in 70 days.

David Roberts became a featured Substack, a Substack bestseller, and grew by 4000 subscribers in just one year.



The 4-week strategic framework for lasting Substack growth:

  • Week 1: Your Substack DNA (the key to Substack)

    • Identify what makes you unique on Substack
    • Match your gifts and talents to what actually works on the platform
    • Communicate your Substack DNA clearly in your short description, title, and bio
    • Get the expert guide to the Substack ecosystem

    Leave with: Your complete Substack DNA blueprint, short description, bio, and title

  • Week 2: Standing Out on a Crowded Platform

    • Write an About page that connects to your Substack DNA and draws subscribers
    • Brand Your Substack homepage and profile page to stand out with Substack design guru Nan Tepper
    • Attract engaged subscribers (not lifeless email addresses)

    Leave with: Your About page, Substack website, and profile page linked to your Substack DNA and ready to go

  • Week 3: The Expert Guide to Growth

    • Be your own Substack publicist with marketing expert Brenda Lynch
    • Unlock Notes (Substack's primary growth engine), including the 5 types of Notes that go viral
    • Navigate the Substack dashboard, customization tools, and community features without the overwhelm
    • Tap into the Substack network of writers and creators

    Leave with: Your-first-30-days-on-Notes plan

  • Week 4: Your Substack Launch (or Relaunch)

    • Develop a monetization plan that feels genuine • Sketch an editorial calendar that showcases your best work • Launch! (or relaunch!)

    Leave with: Your Substack launched or ready to relaunch

Guest Expert Sessions

I've brought in two specialists to accelerate your results:


❈ Design a Substack that expresses you with Substack design icon Nan Tepper


❈ Marketing that connects with authentic marketing guru Brenda Lynch

January 23 - February 13
Fridays 12-3 PM CT

+ weekly (optional) office hours with me 3-3:45

Pay in full $1085
Payment options at checkout

Sarah Fay, the leading Substack Strategist


  • The leading Substack Strategist
  • Founder and director, Substack Writers at Work, a top-ten, bestselling, featured Substack
  • Faculty at Northwestern University
  • Creator of two bestselling Substack publications 
  • National bestselling author at HarperCollins
  • Former advisory editor at The Paris Review
  • Freelance writer for The New York Times, et al.
  • PhD, MA, MFA
  • Lover of all things cats and Substack

The Substack DNA Growth Framework™️



Your Substack DNA is the foundation of your Substack growth.

Doors close 1/22 at 8 PM CT →

$1085

Enroll now
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What students are saying:

"Recommend, absolutely! I'm seeing daily subscribers and follower increases." —Linda Naylor


"This course taught me so much! I've gone from knowing nada to being able to launch and grow a Substack. I love the course's nuts and bolts info, the community/collaboration, and the emphasis on authenticity and enjoyment." —Mary Hickman


"This class made it possible for me to actually launch my Substack. It felt overwhelming before. After the class, it seems very possible and fun!"  —Anne Hemplemann


"It has helped clarify my goals and to understand the real potential for growth and income."  —David Sutton


"The course is for people who place a high value on time. It's a good way to move forward quickly and save time. I found it quite valuable in getting my publications up and running in short order. Reduction of trial and error and wasted time. Less work repeated."  — Rodolfo Paiz


"The course has given me a clear vision and a structure to help me make progress."  —Delphine Rose

"Through Sarah Fay's expert guidance through the intricacies of all things Substack, I feel confident that Substack is THE Platform for my writing and any of my other creative endeavors."  —Marni Battista

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m completely new to Substack. Will I be able to keep up?

Absolutely! In fact, some of my most successful students started from zero. The course is designed to take you step-by-step through everything. Plus, you’ll be in a cohort with other beginners, so you’ll never feel alone or behind. One participant said: “I’ve gone from knowing nada to being able to launch and grow a Substack.”

I don’t have time for a 4-week course. What if I fall behind?

I get it: you’re busy. That’s why I designed this to save you time. The live sessions are recorded with clear written overviews and next steps if you don’t have time to watch—plus timestamps so you can watch parts of the course that feel confusing. 

The point is to save you time, months of trial and error, and years of flailing around on Substack trying to figure out what works. As one participant put it: “This class saved me hours of trial and error.”

I’m not tech-savvy. Will I get lost?

We’ve had Substack writers who couldn’t even log into Substack become confident. We cover the tech step-by-step, and there’s time for questions and help from me during office hours. 

What if I already have a Substack? Is this too basic for me?

One experienced Substack writer who took the course said: “I had a lot of the basics down already, but Sarah gave strategic insights, especially tips on what’s working now.”

What if I can’t attend the live sessions?

Everything is recorded. The class that’s most important in terms of attending live is the first class, so you can meet the rest of the cohort, and I can help you find your Substack DNA. 

The implementation replays are designed to guide you between sessions. The community is also there for support 24/7.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes! You can split it into two payments or use one of our payment partners. Just select your preference at checkout: Affirm, AfterPay, etc.

What’s your refund policy?

I want you to feel confident in your investment. Attend the first two weeks and complete the assignments, and if you don’t feel you’re getting massive value, just email me for a full refund.

How long do I have access to the course materials?

Four months. Once you’re in, you have access to all replays, templates, and resources.

Is this only for creative writers/poets/artists?

The framework works for anyone. I’ve used it with business writers, essayists, journalists, thought leaders, life coaches, fiction writers, and more.