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BookBubvsSubstack

BookBub Author Websites builds a book-first site and simple newsletter for authors. Substack is the simplest way to write a newsletter, grow it through its network, and get paid.

How BookBub and Substack compare

BookBub Author Websites is made for writers who would rather be writing. Import an ebook from Amazon or BookBub and its cover, description, and retailer links fill in, and each book gets its own page that you update in one place. Templates are designed around genres, the Author Bio, Blog, and Contact pages are ready on day one, and a built-in newsletter pulls your book details into every email. Pro adds series pages, a press kit and events, and reader magnets that trade a free download for a signup, and the Free plan has no time limit.

Substack made paid newsletters normal. You write, it sends, and readers can subscribe or pay in one click. The network effects are real: recommendations, Notes, the app, and discovery bring new readers you did not have to find. There is no monthly fee, and for a writer who wants to write rather than run software, that is a gift.

Where they are different

BookBub

  • BookBub's book pages send readers to Amazon, Apple Books, and other retailers, with no checkout on the site.
  • BookBub's newsletter sends 1,000 emails a month on Free and 10,000 on Pro, from a no-reply address on your domain on Pro, and replies go to your personal email.
  • BookBub's blog has an RSS feed but no comments, and its only automation is a welcome email.
  • BookBub's Events page lists your appearances.

Substack

  • Substack is a network you publish into.
  • Substack takes a percentage of paid subscriptions.
  • Substack chat and comments live in its app.

Choose BookBub when your books sell through retailers, you want a polished author site in an afternoon, and a simple monthly newsletter is all the email you need.

Choose Substack when you want to write, get paid, and be discovered with the least possible setup.

Compare features

What's on BookBub and Substack

A check means that capability is available. BookBub and Substack are marked only when the offer is comparable, not the same product.

Site and brand

  • Workspace site
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Included
  • Custom domain
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Included
  • Theme and fonts
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Included

Public content

  • Blog
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Included
  • Reader engagement
    BookBub: Not included
    Substack: Included
  • Showcase pages
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Not included
  • Shop pages
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Not included

Reach and quality

  • SEO
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Included

Audience and email

  • Audience
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Included
  • Marketing emails
    BookBub: Included
    Substack: Included
  • Bulk email workflows
    BookBub: Not included
    Substack: Included

* Note: This table does not capture every feature of BookBub or Substack, and is not intended as a comprehensive list. We keep this page current, but BookBub or Substack may add or remove features that are not shown here.

BookBub vs Substack pricing

Compare plans, prices, and what it costs to get started.

  • BookBub

    Current plans and prices

    See what BookBub charges on their pricing page.

  • Substack

    Current plans and prices

    See what Substack charges on their pricing page.

Cardel: An alternative to
BookBub and Substack

You don't pay until you publish.

Cardel provides a home for your craft. Share and sell your work, grow your audience, and bring your community together on a site of your own.

Common questions

  • Is Cardel an alternative to BookBub or Substack?

    Cardel is a home for your craft: a site of your own with a blog, newsletter, shop, community, and one inbox. It can replace BookBub or Substack when you want your work, audience, and sales in one place. The feature list on this page shows where BookBub and Substack are marked.

  • Can I use Cardel with BookBub or Substack?

    Yes. Cardel pages can link out to other products, so you can keep BookBub or Substack for what it does best and bring the rest of your work to Cardel.

  • How much does Cardel cost compared with BookBub and Substack?

    You don't pay for Cardel until you publish. Choose Starter, Pro, or Studio when your site goes live. BookBub and Substack set their own prices, so check their pricing pages on this page for current plans.

  • How do I switch from BookBub or Substack to Cardel?

    Start with Build Your Site, set up your home, and bring your work over at your own pace. You do not have to move everything on day one.