Starting an author newsletter is one of the most effective ways to connect with your readers, build a loyal fan base, and promote your work. Whether you’re an established author or just starting, a newsletter offers a direct line to your audience, allowing you to share updates, insights, and exclusive content. But how do you begin? What should you include? This guide will walk you through the process of creating your first author newsletter, from planning to sending your first email.
WHY START AN AUTHOR NEWSLETTER?
Before diving into the "how," let’s explore the "why." Why should you start an author newsletter?
- Direct Connection with Readers: Unlike social media, where algorithms can limit who sees your content, a newsletter reaches your subscribers directly in their inboxes. This ensures that your most loyal readers get your updates and content consistently.
- Build and Maintain a Fan Base: A newsletter allows you to nurture relationships with your readers. You can engage with them personally, which helps build trust and loyalty over time.
- Promote Your Work: Whether you’re launching a new book, running a promotion, or announcing an event, your newsletter is a powerful tool to inform your audience and drive sales.
- Exclusive Content: Offering exclusive content, such as sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes stories, or special deals, encourages readers to subscribe and stay engaged.
STEP ONE: DEFINE YOUR NEWSLETTERS PURPOSE & AUDIENCE
The first step in creating your author newsletter is to define its purpose. Ask yourself:
- What do I want to achieve with this newsletter?
- Who is my target audience?
- What type of content will I include?
Your newsletter’s purpose might be to keep readers updated on your writing progress, share personal stories, offer writing tips, or promote your books. Defining your audience is equally important. Are you targeting fans of a particular genre, aspiring writers, or a broader readership? Knowing your audience helps you tailor your content to their interests and needs.
STEP TWO: CHOOSE A PLATFORM
Several platforms are available to help you create and manage your newsletter. Some popular options include:
- Mailchimp: A user-friendly platform with free and paid options, Mailchimp offers customizable templates, automation features, and audience segmentation.
- Substack: A popular choice for writers, Substack allows you to publish newsletters and even monetize your content through paid subscriptions (this is our personal favorite!)
- MailerLite: Another user-friendly option, MailerLite offers drag-and-drop editors, automation tools, and analytics.
- ConvertKit: Known for its simplicity and effectiveness, ConvertKit is geared towards creators and offers robust tagging and segmentation features.
Choose a platform that fits your needs, budget, and technical comfort level.
STEP THREE: DESIGN YOUR NEWSLETTER TEMPLATE
Your newsletter’s design should be clean, professional, and aligned with your author brand. Most newsletter platforms offer customizable templates, making it easy to create a design that suits your style. Here are some design tips:
- Keep It Simple: Avoid clutter. A clean design with plenty of white space makes your content more readable.
- Use a Consistent Color Scheme: Stick to a color palette that matches your author brand. This creates a cohesive look and feel across all your communications.
- Include Your Branding: Add your author logo, a professional photo, and links to your social media profiles and website.
- Make It Mobile-Friendly: Many readers will view your newsletter on their phones, so ensure your design looks great on all devices.
STEP FOUR: PLAN YOUR CONTENT
Content is the heart of your newsletter. Here are some content ideas to get you started:
- Personal Updates: Share what you’re working on, insights into your writing process, or personal stories that resonate with your readers.
- Book Announcements: Promote upcoming releases, book signings, or special events.
- Exclusive Content: Offer your subscribers something they can’t get elsewhere, like early access to chapters, short stories, or behind-the-scenes insights.
- Writing Tips: If your audience includes aspiring writers, share your best writing advice, tips, and tricks.
- Reader Q&A: Encourage your readers to ask questions, and answer them in your newsletter. This can help foster a sense of community.
- Recommendations: Share books, movies, or other content that you’ve enjoyed and think your readers might like.
- Contests and Giveaways: Run a contest or giveaway to encourage engagement and attract new subscribers.
STEP FIVE: SET A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT
Consistency is key when it comes to newsletters. Decide how often you want to send your newsletter—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—and stick to that schedule. Consistent communication helps build a relationship with your readers and keeps your audience engaged.
STEP SIX: GROW YOUR SUBSCRIBER LIST
To make your newsletter successful, you’ll need subscribers. Here are some strategies to grow your list:
- Add a Signup Form to Your Website: Place a signup form prominently on your website, making it easy for visitors to subscribe.
- Offer an Incentive: Give away a free resource, like an eBook, short story, or guide, in exchange for signing up.
- Promote on Social Media: Use your social media platforms to promote your newsletter and encourage followers to subscribe.
- Leverage Your Books: If you have published books, include a link to your newsletter signup page in the back matter.
- Collaborate with Other Authors: Partner with other authors in your genre to cross-promote each other’s newsletters.
STEP SEVEN: WRITE AND SEND YOUR FIRST NEWSLETTER
With everything in place, it’s time to write and send your first newsletter. Remember to keep your tone authentic and conversational—your readers want to hear from you, not a marketing robot. Personalize your emails as much as possible, addressing your subscribers by name and thanking them for being part of your journey.
STEP EIGHT: ANALYZE AND IMPROVE
After sending your newsletter, take advantage of the analytics provided by your email platform. Track open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber growth. Use this data to refine your content, subject lines, and overall approach. Experiment with different types of content and see what resonates best with your audience.
CONCLUSION:
Starting an author newsletter is a powerful way to connect with your readers and grow your audience. By defining your purpose, planning your content, and consistently delivering value, you’ll build a loyal readership that’s eager to hear from you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your unique voice—after all, your newsletter is an extension of your author brand. With time and effort, your newsletter can become a valuable tool in your author journey.
Interested in signing up for our CEO's newsletter? Subscribe to The Write Blend on Substack.
Looking for more marketing tips? Check out our Marketing Magic For Authors e-book.