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The 2026 Newsletter Playbook: Build a Platform That Supports Your Writing Life
by Writing Workshops Staff
5 hours ago
If you're a writer trying to build a career today, a newsletter isn't optional—it's the backbone of your platform.
At a time when freelance opportunities are drying up, algorithms are unpredictable, and traditional publishing feels more finicky than ever, a newsletter gives you something precious and powerful: a direct relationship with your readers. It's a place where your ideas have a home, where you can develop your voice, and where your work can compound over time instead of vanishing into the scroll.
That's why we're thrilled to offer Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network, and Business—a three-hour masterclass designed specifically for writers who want a newsletter that actually supports their creative life rather than drains it.
Why Every Writer Needs a Newsletter
Let's be honest: the dreaded "platform question" haunts every writer navigating the publishing landscape. Agents want to know your reach. Publishers want to see your audience. And social media? It's a rented space where the landlord keeps changing the rules.
A newsletter is different. It's owned media—a direct line to readers who have actively chosen to hear from you. When it comes time to pitch that book proposal, query agents, or launch your next project, you'll have a warm list of people who already trust you and want to support your work.
The numbers speak for themselves. Business newsletters like The Hustle have sold for an estimated $27 million. Morning Brew grew from a dorm-room experiment to a $75 million media firm. But beyond the splashy tech headlines, writers are leveraging newsletters to transform their careers.
"The truth is they would've never let me in the room if I didn't have an email list of hundreds of thousands of people. That's the thing that got me in the door."
— James Clear, author of Atomic Habits
James Clear's newsletter didn't just help him hit The New York Times Best Seller list—it got him the book deal in the first place. Writers like Delia Cai (Deez Links) and Sari Botton (Oldster) have built thriving Substack communities that have elevated their careers and opened doors to mainstream media attention.
Meet Your Instructor: Courtney Kocak
Courtney Kocak is a writer, podcaster, and comedian who splits time between Austin and Los Angeles. She wrote for Amazon's Emmy-winning animated series Danger & Eggs and Netflix's Know It All. She's produced a slew of highly-ranked podcasts—including The Bellas Podcast, which debuted at #1 on Apple Podcasts—and currently hosts three of her own with over two million downloads to date: Private Parts Unknown, about love and sexuality around the world; The Bleeders, about book writing and publishing; and Podcast Bestie, a best friend to podcasters trying to grow and monetize their shows (and a popular Substack).
Her bylines include The New York Times, The Washington Post, LA Times, Cosmopolitan, Slate, HuffPost, Business Insider, InsideHook, and more. She's the author of the memoir Girl Gone Wild (Trio House Press).
Courtney has grown her Podcast Bestie newsletter from zero to thousands of subscribers, generating direct revenue while using it to promote courses, host sponsored events, and attract well-paid freelance assignments based on her newsletter writing. In this class, she'll share what she's learned—including the mistakes she made along the way—so you can skip the trial and error.
What You'll Learn
This masterclass focuses on building a flexible, future-proof creative hub—one that helps you answer the dreaded platform question in a way that doesn't make you want to scratch your eyes out. Courtney will walk you through:
Defining Your Newsletter Concept
You'll learn how to develop a newsletter direction that feels true to your work and compelling to readers—without feeling unnaturally niched. Whether you're an essayist, memoirist, journalist, novelist, or multi-hyphenate, you'll leave with a concept that positions your newsletter at the center of your creative ecosystem.
Sustainable Editorial Strategies
Time and energy are finite resources. Courtney has a whole philosophy on putting out an awesome newsletter without it taking over your life and diverting your precious writing bandwidth. You'll develop a realistic cadence and content plan you can actually sustain—one that protects your book-writing time.
Expanding Your Reach
The class covers how to experiment with audio and even podcasting, regardless of your skill set. You'll learn how to use Substack Live, its relationship with YouTube, and how to leverage both for discoverability. Plus, you'll discover how Substack Notes functions as a powerful (and surprisingly fun, relatively non-toxic) social platform for writers.
Collaboration and Growth
Courtney will share collaboration strategies that help you grow your network, not just your list. You'll learn from inspiring examples of writers who are doing this well, with practical insights you can apply immediately.
Monetization Beyond Subscriptions
A newsletter can generate revenue in many ways. Courtney will candidly discuss the different approaches she's used to monetize her newsletters over time—going far beyond paid subscriptions to show you the full range of possibilities.
Ready to build a newsletter that supports your writing life?
Enroll in the Newsletter Workshop →What You'll Walk Away With
By the end of this three-hour class, you won't just feel inspired. You'll leave with a narrowed, confident newsletter direction that doesn't feel unnaturally niched, a realistic cadence and content plan you can actually sustain, and clear next steps for positioning your newsletter at the center of your creative ecosystem while still protecting your book-writing time.
You'll also receive a PDF containing a recap and resources, and the workshop will be recorded and available for 60 days afterward—so if you can't attend live, you won't miss a thing.
What Past Students Are Saying
"Courtney Kocak's Starting a Newsletter seminar exceeded my expectations. Courtney provided concrete advice and information—and it was so nice to have someone talk about writing in a more practical, functional, and business-oriented way. The class was truly useful."
— Former Student
"The thoroughness of Courtney Kocak's Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business seminar was highly impressive and inspiring, as was the way in which she gave time for our brainstorming with examples. I will definitely recommend this class."
— Former Student
"If you find this platform-building thing mystifying, scary, or just need encouragement, you should sign up."
— Former Student
"Some of the best cash I've spent this year."
— Former Student
Who This Class Is For
This workshop is explicitly geared toward writers—essayists, memoirists, journalists, novelists, and multi-hyphenates—but whether you are an author, a podcaster, a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or an aspiring thought leader, this class will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to create a successful and impactful newsletter.
If you've been struggling to get your newsletter off the ground—or feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to grow and monetize—this class is for you.
Join Courtney Kocak for a three-hour masterclass on building a newsletter that works for your writing life.
View Upcoming Dates & Enroll →Continue Your Platform-Building Journey
Looking to develop your platform beyond newsletters? Explore our full range of nonfiction classes, including workshops on essay writing, memoir craft, and the business of publishing. And be sure to read our in-depth interview with Courtney Kocak on how a newsletter can help your writing career.
WritingWorkshops.com is an independent, artist-run creative writing school and the official education partner of Electric Literature. Since 2016, we've helped writers strengthen their voice, develop a greater understanding of craft, and forge a path to publication.
