Please ask current subscribers for permission before transferring them to your Substack mailing list. 

And conversely, when Substack speeds up and starts using ads, and you leave Substack and begin your own list again, it's a great plan to get consent to transfer your Substack people to your personal email list. 

It could be argued that Blue Sky is absolutely still in its heyday as of this writing in 2026. 

Bluesky is social media. Therefore, it's fast-paced and approval-based. BUT- unlike Substack, Bluesky enforces a strict anti-hate-speech policy. I admire that.

Bonus material from other artists and writers I respect to help you decide. 

Here is a piece by artist Heather Murray about how to sell your art on Substack vs Etsy.

And a good short piece on making money as an artist from Katie Stack's Substack.

Check out The Calm Creative's My results after 1 1/2 years on Substack (And why I'm leaving).

She has since re-joined Substack. This is a comprehensive, heartfelt take that most artists will benefit from watching. She grew her mailing list exponentially, and her art is very cool. :)

Do you consider yourself a writer and not an artist? 

Here's a solid YouTube interview of Jane Friedman which answers the question, Is Substack the Best Platform for Writers?

For info on one-on-one writing coaching with Thea go here.

This blog is produced by The Charmed Studio Blog and Podcast™, LLC.

And when you get scared about writing and want to relax, remember what Anne Lamott says.

"100 years, all new people."

You can do this. 

Occasionally, my show notes may contain an Amazon affiliate link. This means if you buy books or stuff via my podcast link, I may receive a tiny commission and do a happy dance. There is no extra fee for you. I only link to items I personally use and love: products I feel help heart-centered artists and writers. Thank you. :)