Newsletter comparison
The Online Writing Club vs SoulStack by Beth Kempton
Short answer: Choose The Online Writing Club when you want readers, reach, and a path to income. Choose SoulStack when the practice itself and a reflective community matter most. Keep both only if you can protect the private work from the pressure to publish everything.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
An independent guide. Scottie isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Online Writing Club and SoulStack by Beth Kempton. Each publication owns its name, writing, and subscription terms.
A brief from both newsletters · July 31, 2026
See both newsletters in one brief
See what made the brief, what didn't, and the original links behind every included story.
In this brief: Scottie kept the selected stories separate because they added different value.
Reader priorities
A writer wants a regular practice and a supportive community, with craft, reflection, and a sustainable publishing rhythm taking priority over platform status.
These are illustrative priorities, not a customer’s data.
What made the brief
- The Online Writing Club2 read · 1 included
- SoulStack by Beth Kempton2 read · 2 included
Scottie
Scottie example brief
July 31, 2026 · Executive brief
01 / The rundown
- Substack introduced an AI text detector and updated publisher terms, giving writers control over how machine assistance is flagged.
- Author Beth announced a free online writing sanctuary for August alongside news of her upcoming book manuscript approval.
02 / The briefing
01 / main
Author Announces Free Summer Sanctuary and Manuscript Milestone
The takeaway: Author Beth shared that her editor approved her latest book manuscript with zero changes for the first time ever. Ahead of its February 2027 release, she is hosting a free, human-made Summer Writing Sanctuary running online from August 17 to 23.
Concrete details
- The free online Summer Writing Sanctuary runs from August 17 to 23 with daily content released at 5am UK time.
- Beth's upcoming book manuscript remains under wraps until August pre-orders before launching in February 2027.
Why it matters for this reader: For a writer seeking reflective community and craft over metrics, this free seasonal sanctuary offers dedicated space to nourish your personal practice.
Original sourcesSoulStack by Beth Kempton
02 / main
Substack Launches AI Detector and Updates Writer Terms
The takeaway: Substack introduced an optional AI detector powered by Pangram to evaluate content over 100 words. Alongside the feature, Substack updated its Publisher Agreement on July 20 to permit automated text scanning across posts, comments, and notes.
Concrete details
- The free detector scans text over 100 words across posts, notes, replies, and comments for AI usage split percentages.
- Updated terms allow Substack automated content analysis rights, though Pangram cannot retain data or train external models.
Why it matters for this reader: If you publish online, knowing how platforms evaluate human voice ensures your intentional writing process remains clear and protected.
Original sourcesThe Online Writing Club
03 / main
SoulCircle Publishes New Journal Note Titled Prayer
The takeaway: SoulCircle has published a brief new journal entry titled prayer. While the full text requires clicking through to read, it offers a quick pause for reflection within a contemplative writing routine.
Concrete details
- SoulCircle published a reflective journal note focused on prayer for its reader community on July 27.
Why it matters for this reader: Taking a quick pause for quiet reflection can anchor your personal journaling practice before you sit down to write.
Original sourcesSoulStack by Beth Kempton
Action items
- Register for the free online Summer Writing Sanctuary running August 17-23 to refresh your creative practice.
- Review your Substack settings to decide whether to display or disable AI detection on your upcoming posts.
See every issue behind this brief
Reflections on Summer and Handmade Books
- A buck moon and a box full of wishesSoulStack by Beth Kempton · Included
Journal Note on Prayer
- {SoulCircle} Journal Note: PRAYERSoulStack by Beth Kempton · Included
Substack Rising List
- I Hit #1 Rising on Substack: 30 Substack Perks That Get You Paid SubscribersThe Online Writing Club · Read, not included
Substack Adds AI Detector and Updates Contract
- Substack Just Added an AI Detector (and Changed Your Contract)The Online Writing Club · Included
The useful difference
The difference that matters
The Online Writing Club is outward-facing, with subscriber growth, visibility, books, and independent income in view. SoulStack is inward-facing, using prompts and community to sustain reflective personal writing.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
What each is best for
The Online Writing Club
The Online Writing Club contributes platform updates, audience-building tactics, and examples from writers trying to be seen online.[1][2][3]
SoulStack by Beth Kempton
SoulStack contributes prompts, ritual, and a gentler community structure for keeping a meaningful writing practice alive.[4][5][6]
When it’s worth reading both
Reading both can help a writer separate what needs an audience from what needs attention. Scottie should keep the growth tactic and the reflective prompt distinct rather than forcing every idea toward monetization.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Sources and official links
- The Online Writing Club official publication
- How to Get More Subscribers With Substack’s (New) Growth Engine
- Substack Just Added an AI Detector (and Changed Your Contract)
- SoulStack by Beth Kempton official publication
- What is wrong with me? A vulnerable share about friendship
- {SoulCircle} Journal Note: PRAYER