Join the No-Fluff Book Club for Substack Creators
Where game-changing ideas meet practical growth
Where One Book Can Transform Your Substack Journey
I just closed "Marketing: A Love Story" by Bernadette Jiwa, and I can't stop thinking about this line:
"The secret to reaching people isn't trying to find new ways to make them listen—it's to tell stories they want to hear about themselves."
Doesn't that just hit differently when you're building a publication? It's like Bernadette reached through the pages and spoke directly to every creator who's ever wondered how to build something truly meaningful on Substack.
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve read this book, pages are dogeared and full of marginalia as well as listening to the audible version (great for a 2 hour car journey)!
This book changed how I think about Chatterbox, and it might just transform your newsletter too. That's why it's the perfect first pick for our new Chatterbox Book Club.
Why This Book Will Light Up Your Creative Spirit
Imagine sitting down with a brilliant friend who tells you: "Forget everything you think you know about marketing. Let me show you how to make people feel something." That's what reading Bernadette Jiwa feels like.
She shares stories that make you nod along, thinking "Yes! That's exactly what I want to do with my publication!" but then she shows you exactly how to do it. No fluff. No jargon. Just crystal-clear insights that make you want to open your Substack and start writing immediately.
Some gems that stopped me in my tracks:
Why the best marketing never feels like marketing at all
How to make every post resonate deeply with your readers
The simple secret to building a newsletter people can't wait to open
Why most creators focus on the wrong things (and what to focus on instead)
A Different Kind of Book Club
This isn't about assigned reading and homework. It's about:
Getting inspired by ideas that actually work
Sharing those "aha!" moments that change everything
Learning from creators who are figuring it out alongside you
Taking action while the inspiration is fresh
How It Works (Because Inspiration Loves Simplicity)
Grab the book (it's a quick, energizing read)
Join our monthly chat thread (kicking off next Monday!)
Share what lit you up and what you're trying in your newsletter
Connect with fellow creators who are just as excited to grow
No pressure. No rigid structure. Just great conversations about ideas that matter.
Why Start With This Book?
I could tell you about Bernadette's impressive background or her way with words, but here's what really matters: this book makes you want to write. It makes you excited to connect with your readers. It makes you believe in the power of your publication again.
Every time I open this book, I find something new that makes me think differently about Chatterbox. And I can't wait to hear what it sparks for you.
Join the Chat
Haven't read the book yet? No worries.
The chat will be filled with enough inspiring ideas to make you want to grab a copy immediately.
And if you have read it, come share the passages that made you stop and rethink everything.
Sometimes the most powerful insights come from casual conversations with people who are just as excited about building something meaningful as you are.
Ready to get inspired?
See you in the chat!
Emma
P.S. Want a taste of what's in store? Here's another quote that might change how you think about your next post:
"The truth is that people don't fall in love with ideas.
They fall in love with how those ideas make them feel."
...Did I *really* just get this book at your suggestion?... I DID, I *did* just get this book!