This was helpful. Thanks. I just cross-posted an article by Julie West, and boy, did I learn a LOT! Yes, I contacted her first (and she didn't know how to do it, either). It's not nearly as straightforward as I had hoped.
First, I had trouble finding the cross-post option. Turns out the only place it shows is when you open the post/article from the pub it was published. Open it anywhere else (and there are lots of places you can do that), and the option is not there.
Next, I learned that when you write the introductory blurb, there's no opportunity to see it afterwards if you'd like to edit it. You're flying blind once the text scrolls from the window. Thankfully, I wrote it without error. (Next time, I'll craft the blurb externally, then copy and paste to the blurb window.)
The email Substack created and sent to my subscribers was formatted beautifully. Cross-post success!
I opted to save it to my pub, so it shows. But when you click it (from my pub), all you see is the title, and it's not immediately obvious that the title is clickable. It also shows my name and today's date as if I wrote the piece. What's worse, the screen is blank underneath. It's very confusing.
When I showed it to my husband, he clicked around and learned that you can edit it. So, I did and added "By Julie West | Published April 24, 2025 on Worth Remembering" as the subtitle. I then added "Click the title to read this cross-posted article by Julie West (her name links to her profile)."
What I learned here is that Substack creates two different url's. This one, https://substack.com/home/post/p-163063890, links to what shows when you click the title from my pub. The other one, https://thehillamblog.substack.com/cp/163063890, is to the actual post that you can then read. Notice one is /p and the other is /cp. Oh, and while editing, I added the section, post. (I have two sections on my pub.)
Like I said...this was a lot more complicated than I expected. But hey, I got there in the end.
What do you think? Did I do the right thing by editing the /post/p post? Do you have any other suggestions as to what I should have done (or perhaps, can even do now after-the-fact)?
I click the three-dot menu, but I don't see the "cross post" option. However, what did work was to click the "copy link" option in the three-dot menu, and then command-paste it into the post where I wanted it. Maybe "cross post" is gone?
Great info Maryan. Question: Do you know how to pin a cross-posted story to my profile? The option isn't there like on my other stories posted directly to my profile. I've noticed I can't see the likes and comments on cross-posts unless I'm in the original pub where it was posted. Annoying. Thanks :)
I think because it isn't your post, Substack does not provide a pin feature. That's the reasoning on the comments and likes, too--when we crosspost, we're kind of just linking to the author's post. Try asking a writer to guest post next time--you have more control.
I'm trying it with this article, and the option just isn't there for me. I've tried from my phone, both in Safari and via the app. I've also tried looking for the option on other accounts and articles.
Fabulous information and I appreciate your combination of practicality and thoughtfulness in emphasizing good communication between all parties involved.
This was helpful. Thanks. I just cross-posted an article by Julie West, and boy, did I learn a LOT! Yes, I contacted her first (and she didn't know how to do it, either). It's not nearly as straightforward as I had hoped.
First, I had trouble finding the cross-post option. Turns out the only place it shows is when you open the post/article from the pub it was published. Open it anywhere else (and there are lots of places you can do that), and the option is not there.
Next, I learned that when you write the introductory blurb, there's no opportunity to see it afterwards if you'd like to edit it. You're flying blind once the text scrolls from the window. Thankfully, I wrote it without error. (Next time, I'll craft the blurb externally, then copy and paste to the blurb window.)
The email Substack created and sent to my subscribers was formatted beautifully. Cross-post success!
I opted to save it to my pub, so it shows. But when you click it (from my pub), all you see is the title, and it's not immediately obvious that the title is clickable. It also shows my name and today's date as if I wrote the piece. What's worse, the screen is blank underneath. It's very confusing.
When I showed it to my husband, he clicked around and learned that you can edit it. So, I did and added "By Julie West | Published April 24, 2025 on Worth Remembering" as the subtitle. I then added "Click the title to read this cross-posted article by Julie West (her name links to her profile)."
What I learned here is that Substack creates two different url's. This one, https://substack.com/home/post/p-163063890, links to what shows when you click the title from my pub. The other one, https://thehillamblog.substack.com/cp/163063890, is to the actual post that you can then read. Notice one is /p and the other is /cp. Oh, and while editing, I added the section, post. (I have two sections on my pub.)
Like I said...this was a lot more complicated than I expected. But hey, I got there in the end.
What do you think? Did I do the right thing by editing the /post/p post? Do you have any other suggestions as to what I should have done (or perhaps, can even do now after-the-fact)?
A lot of great info here -very helpful. Thanks!
I click the three-dot menu, but I don't see the "cross post" option. However, what did work was to click the "copy link" option in the three-dot menu, and then command-paste it into the post where I wanted it. Maybe "cross post" is gone?
Keep in mind, the publication owner can opt out of allowing cross-posting. Contact that person for permission.
It’s my post. I think I figured it out, tho. Thx.
Great info Maryan. Question: Do you know how to pin a cross-posted story to my profile? The option isn't there like on my other stories posted directly to my profile. I've noticed I can't see the likes and comments on cross-posts unless I'm in the original pub where it was posted. Annoying. Thanks :)
I think because it isn't your post, Substack does not provide a pin feature. That's the reasoning on the comments and likes, too--when we crosspost, we're kind of just linking to the author's post. Try asking a writer to guest post next time--you have more control.
Thanks, Maryan. Helpful! :)
I'm trying it with this article, and the option just isn't there for me. I've tried from my phone, both in Safari and via the app. I've also tried looking for the option on other accounts and articles.
I just don't have the option, it's frustrating?
Should clarify, I mean the option to cross-post.
Never mind... found it!!
Where did you find it?
Excellent information. Saving in case I gain more subscribers. Thank you!
Very helpful...Thank you for posting this!
My pleasure, Marcus.
Helpful. Thank you. And also 'saved' for a revisit.
Great advice!
Thanks! and thanks for always being around when writers need validation!
This is so helpful. I meant to explore this in more depth before, but now I know the basics I think I can get started.
There's a learning curve--if you run into snags, DM me.
Fabulous information and I appreciate your combination of practicality and thoughtfulness in emphasizing good communication between all parties involved.
Doing this has expanded my network and my guest writers tell me they inevitably gain subscribers and engagement, not to mention new friends.