Substack Cofounder Hamish McKenzie’s Memoir-Manifesto Makes a Lofty Case for the Platform’s Cultural Ascendance

Substack cofounder Hamish McKenzie has released a new memoir cum manifesto that argues for the platform’s philosophical importance as a sweeping cultural force. In an interview with Vanity Fair, McKenzie says the book is “backing up the gospel that I’m trying to preach,” positioning Substack not just as a newsletter tool but as a movement reshaping media and public discourse. The book arrives as Substack has grown from a niche publishing service to a major player in the creator economy, with thousands of writers earning income directly from subscribers. McKenzie’s central claim is that Substack offers an alternative to ad-driven media, allowing writers to build independent businesses and foster deeper connections with readers. While critics question whether Substack can truly “save” journalism, the platform’s influence on how news and commentary are produced and consumed is undeniable. The memoir serves as both a personal narrative and a strategic argument for why Substack matters now, as traditional media faces economic headwinds and trust in institutions declines. For media watchers, McKenzie’s book is a window into the mindset of a company that has become a lightning rod in debates over free speech, platform responsibility, and the future of journalism. The takeaway: Substack’s rise signals a shift toward reader-funded media, but the long-term impact remains an open question.