💌 8 Years of Slant Letter + What's Next

You asked, and today I'm answering.

Slant Letter is a newsletter for writers looking to craft your angle, write like you mean it, and do it in style—from your friendly editor in book publishing.

If that sounds like you, join this kindred community of creatives by subscribing for free, and consider upgrading to access our open studio hours, seasonal intensives, exclusive craft essays + close readings, and more.

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I can hardly believe I’m writing this sentence, but this month marks eight years of Slant Letter (fire the confetti canons!!). From the scrappy beginning and its earliest MailChimp days, this letter has been a passion project of mine, and it means so much to me to have so many of you reading along—some through the years, some new here (welcome!). 

Today’s letter brings big news! But first, some backstory.

I started Slant Letter because, while my full-time work as an editor in publishing only allows so much margin, I craved a small outlet of my own for self-expression as well as a way to expand the work I do with authors to the wider writing community. Because there’s nothing I love more than to join writers in the studio of an early work, and that is how I have come to see Slant Letter: a studio space for writers to find solidarity and expert support for the sometimes-angsty, always-worthy work of the creative process. 

Then and now, Slant Letter is shaped by my burning beliefs that:

• Language is wild and alive and this is as it should be. It is not something to dominate or control, lifeless raw material. For all the talk of “content,” I’m here to tell you that language is creaturely—with a pulse and will of its own, and it is to be respected as a wild thing.

• The writing process is inherently a spiritual practice when you bring your whole self to the work. The work you do is sacred, and the words you shape in turn shape you, if we let them.

• At its best, the editorial process is an expression of pastoral care, in the recognition that to engage anyone’s words is to engage the whole person from which they emerge. This belief is part of what motivated me to start my seminary studies years ago.

• Emily Dickinson was right (naturally): we tell the truth best by telling it slant. This is the heart of my work with authors and with you: helping writers style their “something to say” into a bold, unique angle readers won’t soon forget.

Today, there are over 7,300 of you reading, 182 Substack publications recommending Slant Letter, and the top request I have received over eight years of publication is: send more, please. This has not been easily accommodated since these years for me have held full-time editorial work, part-time seminary studies (now blessedly complete), and becoming a parent twice-over (not a job, but plenty of labor!). 

And yet, I find it good advice to follow one’s creative energy and that’s where mine is landing right now: here, with you. I’m over the moon that you are here and couldn’t ask for brighter minds to be in kindred company.  

So today I’m excited to announce we’re taking our work deeper with more letters and opportunities to learn together, including—for the first time ever—the option to become a paid subscriber. 

Slant Letter has always been monthly-ish, but today I’m making a commitment to you in plain sight, because I love what I do here and I love hearing how much it supports you in your writing process. Because that’s what Slant Letter is for: to help you feel seen in the angst of the creative process while supported into your best work yet. 

What to Expect and When

Craft essays—The monthly craft letter will remain free for all subscribers, with a prayer or blessing to meet you in your creative process.

For $7/month, paid subscribers will receive the following. You can pay less with an annual subscription at $75, or more—if you’re so inclined—as a studio subscriber and essential supporter of this work at $150/year.

Studio hours—For paid subscribers, ask an editor your questions about writing craft, creative process, and the publishing world. Hit reply to this email to submit your question! I’ll select those that will have the greatest benefit to the group and respond in a future letter. We’ll also try our hand at community threads, voice notes, and more.

Seasonal intensives—Four times a year for paid subscribers, we’ll go deep together into a craft practice or close reading of words that work with annotated insights that you can bring to life in your own writing. 

📚When I asked how many of you write personal narrative and are interested in a memoir close reading this spring, 97% of the votes swung for a yes! So starting April 23, we’ll be kicking off a close reading series of one of my new favorites in this genre:

Maggie Smith

’s You Could Make This Place Beautiful. So this is your cue to get your copy now and start underlining—you’re in for a treat. We’ll take our time and read through April and May.

Join the community conversation—Paid subscribers will also be able to post comments and participate in community threads. My vision moving forward is that this space will become less a one-way missive (though you’ll get those, too) and more of a creative exchange that is community-shaped. 

+ Plus—Catch some extras and surprise offerings along the way! 

It’s a full life, for me and no doubt for you. For years, this has been the biggest inhibitor for me against a regular posting schedule. From here on, my publishing rhythm will be 3-4 letters monthly, or nearly weekly. I am indulging myself that inch of “-ish” here in the spirit of sustainability. Put another way, your attentions are a sacred trust to me and quality is my highest commitment to you. You won’t get a rush-job here.

Thank you to

Katherine May

for inspiring this sustainable approach, which I hope we can extend to all creators. 

What Readers Are Saying

“Stephanie Smith is the Internet's writing professor and we'd all be wise to pay attention.” -

Lore Wilbert

“A solid and fruitful read—to experience an editor's mind and compassion. I visit here for the supportive spirit.” -Alison Acheson,

Unschool for Writers

“Stephanie gives not only insightful behind the scenes publishing information but also a master class in how an editor views the work.” -

Shawn Smucker

“By far the most helpful and inspirational thing I get in my inbox.” -Kona

“This is the newsletter that brought me over to Substack. She's the one every writer should follow. It's like your best friend is an editor with all the best advice.” -

CANDID MAMA

“Practical gold for writers. So good, I often print them out and return to as needed.” -Melissa

Hand to heart—

Thank you for being here. We’re eight years in, and I’m so excited about these fresh opportunities for collaboration and kindred community.

If Slant Letter has spoken to you, enriched your work, or kindled your creative energy, I hope you’ll consider becoming a paid subscriber and joining on this deeper level. 

And now for a roll call! I’d love to hear from you in the comments—tell us about who you are, what you write, what brings you to Slant Letter or what you’d like to see here in the future, and drop a link so we can know where to find you! P.S. I’m also writing here on Instagram.

Take heart and stay feisty,