Guides for Authors
Tertulia for Authors vs Substack
· 2 min read
Short answer: Substack is excellent for a paid newsletter, but it isn’t an author website—it’s a publication on a platform you don’t own, and it sells subscriptions rather than books. Tertulia for Authors is a site you own, with direct book sales and an email list you control.
| Feature | Tertulia for Authors | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $7.99/mo (Basic), $15.99/mo (Pro) | Free (takes a % of paid subscriptions) |
| A website you own | Yes | No—a page on Substack |
| Direct book sales | Yes—ebooks, audiobooks, print (Pro) | No—subscriptions only |
| List-building (Basic); campaigns (Pro) | Core feature | |
| Best for | Selling books + owning your audience | Paid newsletters |
Choose Tertulia if you want to sell books and own your site and list.
Choose Substack if a paid newsletter is your main goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my books on Substack?
Substack sells subscriptions, not books directly. Tertulia lets you sell ebooks, audiobooks, and print directly on the Pro plan.
→ See the full comparison: Best Author Website Builders, Tested & Compared (2026).
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