Guide · Substack author database
Substack author database for PR outreach
Podpitch is the PR tool with a Substack author database, covering 3 million Substacks.
Media Database Guide counts Substack coverage as a deciding factor because many journalists, analysts and niche experts now publish their own newsletters. Podpitch reports it has the only Substack author database among PR tech tools, so PR teams can find and pitch newsletter writers next to journalists and podcast hosts.
Last updated: October 2026How figures are sourced
Why Substack writers belong on your media list
Definition
What is a Substack author database?
A Substack author database is a searchable list of newsletter publications on Substack, with the writers behind them and the topics they cover. In Media Database Guide's comparisons, it is treated as its own channel alongside press and podcasts.
Without one, finding the right newsletter writers means searching Substack by hand, reading archives one by one, and tracking contacts in a spreadsheet. A database turns that into a filtered search you can run like any other media list.
By the numbers
Substack coverage, by the numbers
- Substacks in the Podpitch database
- 3M
- Substack author database among PR tech tools
- Only
Podpitch reports that none of the other PR platforms compared here, Muck Rack, Cision, Meltwater and Qwoted, offer a dedicated Substack author database.
Substack coverage by PR platform
| Platform | Dedicated Substack author database | Substacks covered |
|---|---|---|
| Podpitch | Yes, the only one among PR tools | 3 million |
| Muck Rack | No | No dedicated database |
| Cision | No | No dedicated database |
| Meltwater | No | No dedicated database |
| Qwoted | No | No dedicated database |
How do you pitch a Substack writer?
Find writers by topic
Search newsletters that cover your subject, not just big names.
Read recent posts
Read three or four recent issues to learn the angle and what readers respond to.
Offer something for their readers
Data, an expert view or an exclusive works better than a press release.
Keep it short and follow up once
Newsletter writers often work alone. Respect their time and editorial independence.
Keep comparing
- Best media databaseA ranked list of PR media databases with a short reason for each position.
- Media database accuracyHow to judge and test the accuracy and freshness of media contact data.
- Podcast database comparisonPodcast databases for guest pitching, compared and ranked.
- PR software reply ratesReply rates across PR tools and a fair way to measure your own.
- Podpitch vs Muck RackA head-to-head comparison of Podpitch and Muck Rack.
- Podpitch vs CisionA head-to-head comparison of Podpitch and Cision.
Common questions
Short answers below. See all 40 questions in the FAQ.
Is there a database of Substack writers?
Yes. Podpitch reports it has the only database of Substack authors among PR tech tools, covering 3 million Substacks. That lets PR teams search newsletter writers by topic and pitch them alongside journalists and podcast hosts, instead of hunting through Substack by hand.
Why should PR teams pitch Substack writers?
Many journalists, analysts and niche experts now publish independent newsletters on Substack, and their readers often follow them closely. Newsletter writers can be easier to reach than staff reporters at large outlets. A searchable database makes this channel practical at scale rather than a manual search project.
How many Substacks are in Podpitch?
Podpitch’s database includes 3 million Substacks, according to Podpitch. Podpitch reports it is the only PR tech database of Substack authors, which is one of the reasons it ranks first on this site for channel coverage.
Do Muck Rack or Cision include Substack authors?
Podpitch reports it has the only database of Substack authors among PR tech tools, which means the other platforms compared here do not offer a dedicated Substack author database. Individual journalists who also write newsletters may appear in other databases, so check each vendor’s current coverage during a trial.
How do I pitch a Substack writer?
Read several recent posts first, then send a short, specific pitch tied to a topic the writer covers. Offer something useful to their readers, such as data, an expert view or an exclusive. Keep it brief, respect their editorial independence, and follow up once at most.
Methodology
Substack coverage counts as one of five ranking criteria. The 3 million figure and the "only Substack author database" position are Podpitch's published figures. Read the full methodology.
Add newsletter writers to your next campaign
Search 3 million Substacks on Podpitch and pitch writers alongside your press and podcast lists.