Write Your First Substack Post —
with a Chance to Win $200!
Get ready to write!
Specifically, your first Substack post.
Why?
Because we believe every writer should be writing on Substack (more on that here).
But when starting something new, most writers get stuck in the “prep phase.”
They research the “right” topic… study successful newsletters… read every writing guide out there…
But they never hit “publish.”
And that’s where momentum dies.
But not today!
Today, you’re going to write something simple, genuine, and good enough to share.
Because after working with thousands of writers, here’s the truth:
Your first post doesn’t need to be perfect.
It just needs to exist.
The Challenge
Write your first Substack post using our simple three-part formula:
✅ The “First Post” Framework
Opening:
Start with a question or observation (about 15 words).
- “Have you ever noticed that… ?”
- “Here’s something most people don’t realize about…”
Body:
Share one insight, tip, or story (about 170 words).
- Something you learned
- A mistake you made
- A unique observation
Close:
Ask your readers a question (about 15 words).
- “What’s been your experience with this?”
- “Have you noticed this too?”
That’s it. No fancy headlines. No deep expertise needed. Just one interesting, human idea — shared simply and honestly.
🍅 Example: Tomatoes (Yes, Really)
Opening:
Have you ever noticed that the tomatoes at the grocery store taste like… well, nothing?
Body:
Last summer, I decided to grow my own tomatoes for the first time. I figured it would be simple — plant the seeds, water them, wait for tomatoes, right?
Wrong. My first batch died within two weeks.
Turns out, I was watering them every single day because I thought more water = better tomatoes.
But here’s what I learned from my neighbor (who’s been growing tomatoes for 30 years): Tomatoes actually prefer to be a little stressed. When you water them too much, they get lazy.
Their roots don’t go deep, and the tomatoes end up bland and watery. Now I water deeply just twice a week, and let the soil dry out in between.
My tomatoes last year were so flavorful that my kids actually asked for seconds at dinner. When’s the last time that happened with a vegetable?
Close:
Have you tried growing your own tomatoes? What surprised you most about the process?
See how simple that is? It’s not trying to be the ultimate tomato-growing guide. It’s just sharing one useful lesson learned through experience. And people who are interested in gardening would absolutely want to read more from someone who shares insights like that.
💰 The Prize
- $200 cash prize to the winner
- And your post will be featured in The Writer’s Life and published on our website!
📬 How to Enter
- Write your post using the framework above.
- Keep it to 200 words.
- Make it conversational and genuine.
- Submit it here by midnight, July 31.
One entry per person.
Make sure your submission follows the guidelines — because that’s part of being a professional writer.
First rule…
Play fair. Don’t copy text from the web or use ChatGPT. Not only will it not help you become a better writer, but “seen before” copy never works again… and AI can’t bring the “human element” only you can.
Don’t get me wrong… AI is a great tool. And we teach you how to leverage it in all of our training programs, including The AWAI MethodTM.
But understanding the core principles of writing, marketing, and knowing your reader is key to creating copy and content that actually works. (And it’s why AI will never replace human writers!)
So please — make this all your own work.
Remember, the real value here lies in the practice and in having a piece of writing for your portfolio.
Second rule…
Copywriters usually have a deadline. For a project like this the client will likely want the copy fast — like that day!
This one will end July 31 at midnight.
And just so you know…
We’ll email you if you win, and we always announce the winners in our daily e-letter The Writer’s Life and here on the website.
🎉 Whether You Win or Not…
You’ll have done what most writers never do:
You’ll have started.
You’ll have a real post.
And real momentum to keep going.
So go write.
We can’t wait to read it!