How to Turn Your Readers Into Contributors for Your Local Substack

Your readers are full of stories—here’s how to invite them to contribute to your Substack newsletter and build a stronger local community.

Hey, Reginaldo Osnildo here again!

If you’ve been publishing your newsletter for a little while now, you might’ve had this thought:

“I wish I didn’t have to do all the writing myself…”

Well, good news: you don’t.

Your readers aren’t just passive consumers—they’re storytellers, neighbors, workers, students, parents, artists, and witnesses to daily life in your community.

And when you invite them to share their voice, something amazing happens:

• Engagement increases
• You discover fresh perspectives
• Your content becomes more diverse and local
• Your workload becomes lighter

So let’s break down how to turn your readers into powerful contributors—even if you’re just getting started.

1. Start With the “Why”

Explain why reader contributions matter.

For example:

“This newsletter isn’t just mine—it’s ours. I want to hear your voice, your story, your point of view. Whether you’re a local business owner, a student, or just someone with something to say, there’s a space for you here.”

When people understand that their voice will be respected, valued, and published—they lean in.

2. Make a Simple Call for Submissions

Use your newsletter or social channels to say something like:

“Want to be published in [Newsletter Name]? I’m looking for reader contributions! You don’t need to be a journalist—just have something honest or helpful to share.”

Then include:

• Word count range (e.g. 300–600 words)
• Topic ideas (see list below!)
• How to submit (email, form, or reply to the newsletter)
• A deadline, if it’s tied to a special edition

Keep the barrier low so people feel welcome—not intimidated.

3. Offer Prompts to Get Ideas Flowing

Some readers want to contribute but don’t know where to start.

Help them with prompts like:

• “What’s something you love about your neighborhood?”
• “Tell us about a local act of kindness you witnessed.”
• “What’s one issue no one is talking about?”
• “Which small business do you think deserves more love?”
• “Share your favorite memory from [City Name].”

These work great for individual posts or themed editions.

4. Create a “Voices of the Community” Section

Dedicate a recurring part of your newsletter to reader submissions.

This could be:

• A short letter to the editor
• A featured photo and story
• A one-question answer roundup
• A longer guest column

Giving it a name makes it feel official—and encourages people to join in.

5. Feature Comments and Replies

Don’t just ask for full posts—turn reader replies into content too.

Example:

“In last week’s issue, I asked about your thoughts on downtown parking. Here’s what a few of you said…”

Even short quotes can make your newsletter feel alive and interactive.

6. Make a Submission Form

Use Google Forms or Typeform to create a simple reader submission portal.

Ask for:

• Name
• Email
• Their story or message
• A checkbox to allow publication

Then link to that form in your newsletter footer or About page.

Bonus: You’ll collect content and build your contact list.

7. Celebrate Contributors

When you publish someone’s work:

• Include their name and (if applicable) a link to their site/social
• Say thank you publicly
• Follow up with them personally

This builds trust—and encourages repeat submissions!

8. Collaborate With Specific Reader Groups

Invite:

• Teachers to submit student writing
• Artists to share sketches or photos
• Business owners to write about their journey
• Activists to share updates
• Elders to tell stories from the past

You don’t just want “user-generated content.”

You want community storytelling.

9. Set Clear Guidelines (Lightly)

You don’t need a legal policy, but do include a few guardrails:

• No hate speech, disinformation, or personal attacks
• Keep it local or relevant to the community
• Be respectful of others’ experiences

This sets the tone and helps avoid moderation headaches.

10. Create a Culture of Participation

The more you publish reader content, the more people will feel:

• Invited
• Safe
• Inspired

That creates a snowball effect.

Before long, your newsletter will become more than just your voice—it’ll be a platform for the whole community.

Want the Tools to Turn Your Substack Into a Local Movement?

If this article got you excited about co-creating with your readers, you’ll love my complete guide to launching and growing a local newsletter:

👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network