I don’t have time.
You don’t have time.
Nobody ever has time.
It’s the world we live in now—high stress, low time, low income, high inflation.
So yeah...
Side hustles are everywhere, and honestly? I don’t blame anyone for wanting one.
Jamie Northrup totally gets this. He’s been trying side hustles since the mid-90s.
But after dozens of experiments—online and offline—he’s finally landed on a system that works, even for people who are super busy. Like, really busy. Like two-kids-while-juggling-a-job-and-trying-to-write busy. Sound familiar?
It’s called the Atomic Newsletter system.
And here’s why I love it:
✍️ What’s an Atomic Newsletter?
You might have heard of atomic essays—popularized by Dickie Bush and Nicolas Cole in “Ship 30 for 30.” One idea, 250 words, written fast. Inspired by “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
Now, take that same idea and apply it to newsletters.
Super short. Easy to write. Easy to read.
Here’s how it works:
You write a 1–2 sentence email with a curiosity-driven headline
It links to something: maybe a curated article, or something you created
You send it off
You check which links people click
That’s it. That’s an atomic newsletter.
And guess what? It works.
⚡ Why The Atomic Newsletter System Works (Especially for Part-Time Writers)
Let’s be honest: Most traditional content systems don’t work for busy people like us.
You’re told to write a 1500-3000-word newsletter post, spend hours editing, formatting, optimizing, and hope it gets picked up or goes viral.
But what if you had a way to test ideas quickly before spending all that time?
Every atomic newsletter is a data point.
Every open and click tells you what resonates.
That’s how tribe member and minimalist side hustler,
, has been writing and sending his daily newsletter at 8:20 am ET—for over 1000 days in a row (!).
That’s also how
, one of Jamie’s friends, used the system to build an audience and monetize smartly with Newsletter Alchemy.
Here are the 4 most important things to know about atomic newsletters:
1. Keep It Tiny on Purpose
They’re short by design.
Sometimes just a sentence and a link. Readers love it because it’s quick. Writers love it because they don’t need to block off an entire afternoon to hit “Publish.”
Example:
"I Sent This Newsletter While My Baby Tried to Eat My Phone" = 1 link. Done.
2. It’s Easier for You and Your Readers
Creators like Jamie and Evan Kelly love this minimalist system because it frees up time and mental energy: no burnout. No empty phrases. Just quick wins for everyone.
3. You Can Monetize from Day One
You don’t need 10,000 subscribers or a huge social media following. Jamie and Evan started with things like:
Affiliate links (Gumroad, Amazon)
SparkLoop for paid referrals
Simple sponsorships (even at $10–$50 per slot)
You can even monetize before your first issue—just add a paid offer to your thank-you page.
4. The Format Is Flexible—but Focused
Here’s what a typical atomic newsletter might include:
A headline with a clear benefit
One sentence about something you made
One link to something useful
One short affiliate or sponsor blurb
That’s it. Most are under 100 words, and they still bring value.
💥 Why This Format Is Perfect for Part-Time Writers
I think traditional advice doesn’t help busy writers and dreamers much.
“Start a newsletter.”
“Write long-form SEO posts.”
“Create content pillars.”
Cool. But… when?
Atomic newsletters flip the script.
You get to test ideas fast, see what clicks (literally), and then go deeper on what actually works. Every issue becomes a mini data point.
It’s like Jamie says:
“This is the easiest one you can start right now. It’s free. You don’t need special skills. And you can scale it as much as you want.”
🎧 Podcast with Atomic Newsletter Writers Jamie & Evan
Listen to today’s podcast interview with Jamie Northrup and Evan Kelly, where they break this all down:
How they got started
What makes the system work
How you can start your own atomic newsletter today
Can’t wait to share this incredible interview with you. Enjoy!
🎙️If you say, “Kristina, let me listen to the show!”…
…now you have the chance to listen to the interview.
You can listen to it as a Substack podcast or on Spotify.
You can also watch it on YouTube.
Enjoy the show!
Curious to Learn More From Jamie and The Atomic Newsletter System?
Join the Online Writing Club today and get access to the recording of our LIVE workshops, too:
Also, get access to “Atomic Newsletters. Make money the easy way!”
We’re still celebrating 12,000 subscribers, and as a thank you, I’m happy to offer you 40% OFF the annual subscription forever!
Let me help you make money on the side with your writing - even if you don’t have your newsletter and everything figured out yet.
🎁 Get 40% OFF (Limited Time!) to Celebrate
We now have a community of 12,000 writers, artists, dreamers, creators, and action-takers, ranging from 18 to 87 years old! Thank you all soooo much for your trust.🙏
Because I know firsthand how hard it is to start an email list and make money with your words, I’m offering 40% off and access to the entire Online Writing Club experience.
✅ Get instant access to:
The Substack Notes Masterclass
The Substack LIVE Masterclass
The Podcasting Masterclass
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The full Substack School course
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Access to 1-2-1
All paid posts
BONUS:
The upcoming LIVE Masterclasses with TEDx speaker, author and integrative physician Tanmeet Sethi, MD and also couple therapist Colette Jane Fehr and yours truly on becoming a Substack BESTSELLER in 2025 (as I know so many of you want to earn a decent recurring income and earn that badge)
✅Finally, Dare to Share Vulnerability in Your Writing with Dr. Tanmeet
✅Reframe Rejections: If Others Say NO, say “Watch Me” with Colette Fehr
✅Why Substack Is Owned By Billionaires And When It Will Go Down, Mr. Anonymous
✅BONUS: Become a Bestseller in 2025!
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I’m not joking! You get this ALL!
Hands-on masterclasses with ALL amazing writers, creators, dreamers, and artists I interview (+ access to all past events, replays).
👉 Click here to celebrate with me + claim your 40% off
So next time you sit down to write, ask:
“How short can I make this and still deliver value?”
Because short doesn’t mean less.
It often means more.
Happy Easter 🐰,
PS 👉Maybe this will make you smile! 🐰
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