This Historian’s Newsletter Makes More Money than Many Startups - Here’s How!
If you’re looking to build a newsletter that’s more than just a hobby—and make real money—Heather’s story shows exactly how to turn valuable content into a sustainable, reader-funded business.
In 2019, Heather wasn’t even sure what a “newsletter” was.
Fast forward to today—1.7 million subscribers, pulling in over $1 million each month.
Yes, monthly.
Let that sink in.
From Professor to Newsletter Powerhouse
In 2019, she barely knew what a “newsletter” was. Now, her “Letters from an American” dominates Substack with 1.7 million subscribers.
And her audience keeps growing.
She’s not just another voice in the noise. She’s a professor of American history who knows how to make history feel relevant.
So, what’s her magic formula?
She Tells It Like It Is
Heather isn’t just regurgitating headlines. She takes today’s big events and links them to history.
Think of it like a daily history lesson on current events. Today’s news, seen through the lens of what’s come before.
And this isn’t just for history buffs.
She writes so anyone can understand, adding context, simplifying complex issues, and focusing on what matters most.
Her Audience Craves It
People don’t just read Heather’s newsletter; they wait for it.
She sends out a letter every single day. Not some recycled content or filler—just stories that count.
Real analysis, historical ties, big-picture insights.
This daily cadence means people know they’ll get something valuable every night. It’s almost like she’s part of their routine.
No Ads, No Frills—Just Pure Content
Heather doesn’t accept sponsorships or brand partnerships.
It’s not about the money for her; it’s about trust. She wants readers to know there’s no outside influence on what she says. Just her, the news, and a bit of history for perspective.
And it works. At $5 a month for premium subscribers, she’s earning over a million dollars monthly. That’s huge.
The $5 Subscription Model
Heather has cracked the code on paid content.
To be clear. Her newsletter is technically free.
But for readers who want to support her work—and get a little extra—there’s a premium option: $5 per month or $50 a year.
Let’s do the math here.
Even if only a fraction of her 1.7 million readers pay, the revenue adds up fast.
No brand deals. No ads. Just a straight-to-the-reader relationship where her audience funds her work.
And because her voice is 100% authentic, people are more willing to pay.
Plus, it scales beautifully.
Whether 100,000 or 200,000 people pay, she doesn’t have to create extra work or add more products.
She just keeps delivering quality content.
Writing Through the Night
Heather is relentless.
Every night, she dives into the news. Reads up, thinks through the connections, and writes it all down.
Some nights, she falls asleep at her desk and wakes up just to finish that day’s letter.
Since she started in 2019, she’s published over 1,400 letters.
Talk about commitment.
She Chooses Her Stories Carefully
Heather doesn’t cover everything. She doesn’t have to.
Instead, she asks two core questions: “So what?” and “Who cares?” If the story doesn’t pass those tests, she skips it.
Her goal?
To capture the events that will matter years from now.
She isn’t writing for clicks; she’s building a historical record, a document people can look back on in 100 years.
That’s how she stands out.
Why Her Newsletter Is Addictive
Heather’s letters aren’t just news updates. They’re a breath of clarity.
In a 24/7 news cycle, readers feel overwhelmed. Heather gives them an anchor—a calm, reasoned take on what really matters.
She’s showing them that today’s chaos has roots in history.
And people are hooked.
The Real Takeaway
If you’re looking to build a real audience, take notes.
Heather didn’t build a seven-figure newsletter by cutting corners.
She chose a topic she knew inside and out, connected it to people’s lives, and delivered every single day.
Consistency, value, and a story worth reading.
That’s Heather’s formula.
