Substack is an email newsletter platform. Its simple interface and ability to publish (and monetize) posts on the web have made it a game changer for writers of any skill level. For journalists, the app is alluring because it doesn’t rely on editors or ad sales to get their message across. For thought leaders, it’s a great way to jot down some thoughts and deliver them directly to their pupils. For new writers, it’s a great way to build a portfolio while finding an audience, however niche the topic might be. For creators, it’s a great way to monetize the loyal following you’ve built on social media. Substack is known for its hands-off approach to censorship. While there are still some publishing guidelines (no porn, hate speech or harassment, for example), the platform’s lack of gatekeeping has attracted both ground-breaking journalists and some seriously controversial writers. In other words, the site is simply a tool to facilitate publishing for, well, anyone. And it’s working. There are over 1 million people paying for subscriptions to Substack publications each month.