How to Create An Author Newsletter

How to create an author newsletter involves a lot of steps. To be honest, I started to write this three times, and then had to try again, mainly because I can’t convey just how important it is to start a newsletter.

At any stage of your writing career, even if you’re only the first chapter into your book, you NEED AN EMAIL LIST!

Building a direct connection with your readers is priceless. Creating an author newsletter is your secret weapon for fostering lasting relationships beyond the fleeting interactions of social media. Think of it as your personal storytelling platform, your chance to connect, engage, and build a loyal tribe of superfans who care deeply about your journey and work.

This isn’t just another marketing tool; it’s a relationship-builder and community-builder rolled into one. And it will take time, but it will be so worth it. So read on for everything you need to know about how to create an author newsletter…

Small note – this article contains some affiliate links at no cost to you at all, just letting you know.

Key Takeaway

An author newsletter is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a writer. It helps build meaningful relationships, fortifies your audience, and creates a loyal group of engaged readers. Haven’t started one yet? No worries. By the end of this how to create an author newsletter guide, you’ll have all the tools and tips you need to begin.

Why You Need an Email List as an Author

In a world where algorithms dictate visibility, owning your audience is more vital than ever. Your email list is a golden opportunity, a direct, unfiltered line to your readers. Learning how to create an author newsletter will be your secret sauce into making sure every one of your books lands with a bang.

Here’s a few other reasons why you need one:

Owning Your Audience

Social media platforms come and go (remember Vine? MySpace?). Even on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, you’re at the mercy of algorithms that can shift overnight.

But your email list? That’s yours forever.

No one can throttle your reach or suddenly make you disappear from your readers’ inboxes.

I hold mine on Substack, it’s where I can share a newsletter as well as host a private membership for ambitious creatives like you, sharing marketing tips and social media hacks, and I love it.

I’ve also got an email list on Mailerlite, just for my author news and would also recommend them. But to be honest, learning how to create an author newsletter on any platform is worth it. I can only recommend what I have used and how I’ve found it.

But before we get to the tech side, let me remind you why this stuff is so important.

Engagement and Connection

Newsletters allow you to connect on a deeper level. Whether you’re sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into your writing process, exclusive sneak peeks, or personal anecdotes, your newsletter can feel like a warm chat over coffee, it’s a world away from the impersonal scroll of a newsfeed.

Marketing and Promotion

From book launches to beta-reader recruitment, newsletters are marketing gold. Emails land in inboxes, people have asked to see them, unlike social posts that might get buried in a deluge of content. Your message feels personal, timely, and directly impactful. Understanding how to create an author newsletter can transform your marketing efforts, giving you a direct line to your readers without relying on social media algorithms.

When learning how to create an author newsletter, choosing the right platform is a crucial first step, it’s the foundation for managing your subscriber list, crafting beautiful emails, and building lasting connections with your readers. Sounds scary, but it’s pretty straightforward with the right tools and strategy.

Let’s break it down:

Choosing the Right Platform

The first step is selecting a platform that fits your needs. Here are some options to consider:

MailerLite: Ideal for beginners, it offers excellent features like automation and segmentation—perfect for sending tailored content to different audiences.
MailChimp: A popular choice for scalability, though its free version has limitations.
ConvertKit: Known for its user-friendly interface and creator-focused tools.

If you’re just starting out, try MailerLite. In my opinion, it’s affordable and professional without being overwhelming.

A great newsletter starts with a compelling signup form. To entice subscribers, offer a freebie in exchange for their email address. Popular options include:

A short story exclusive to subscribers
A downloadable guide (like “10 Writing Prompts to Beat Writer’s Block”)
Early access to a sample chapter or behind-the-scenes content

Need ideas? Check out Jane Friedman’s guide on creating irresistible offers for newsletters here. It really is worth reading for all the ideas on how to create an author newsletter that people really want to open.

Crafting Compelling Content

Your subscribers are here for you—so make it worth their while. Share:

Personal updates: Share your writing wins and struggles; readers love authenticity.
Behind-the-scenes: Give a peek into your writing process or your creative space.
Book recommendations: Readers often want to know what inspires you.
Exclusive content: Share excerpts, cover reveals, or giveaways to keep things fresh.

The key? Balance personal and professional updates.

You’re not just marketing, you’re building trust. Don’t just sent emails full of ‘buy my book’ type vibes, that never works, once you’ve mastered how to create an author newsletter you need to master what to put in it so that all your readers really look forward to opening it!

Promoting your author newsletter is just as important as creating it, after all, even the most engaging content won’t shine if no one knows about it.

Learning how to create an author newsletter is only the beginning; the next step is making sure it reaches the right audience, and then you need to get that audience to subscribe.

Here’s how to make it irresistible to sign up:

Create teasers for Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter about the value of joining your newsletter. For example:

“Want an exclusive sneak peek at my next book? My newsletter subscribers get it first! Sign up [here].”
“I just shared my favorite writing tip in this month’s newsletter. Missed it? Join now to get next month’s inside secrets!”

Consider Instagram Stories with a swipe-up link or use a bio link tool like Linktree to direct followers to your signup form.

Optimize Your Website

Your website is your home base. Use pop-up forms, banner ads, or embedded widgets to capture visitor attention.

Optimizing your website is essential when learning how to create an author newsletter, as it ensures your signup form is visible and enticing to potential subscribers.

Use Events and Offline Opportunities

When attending book launches, festivals, or conferences, take a QR code linking to your signup form. Make it easy for people to subscribe on the spot, no pens required!

Collaborate with Others

Partner with other authors for cross-promotions. Share each other’s newsletters or run a joint giveaway to expand your reach.

Monitoring and adjusting your newsletter strategy is a key part of understanding how to create an author newsletter that consistently engages your audience and drives results.

Once you’ve sent a few newsletters, check your metrics. Track:

Open rates: Are people reading your emails?
Click-through rates: Are they engaging with links or offers?
Unsubscribes: Are you losing people, and if so, why?

Use this data to refine your approach. Experiment with subject lines, content types, or email frequency to see what resonates best.

Best Practices for Author Newsletters

When learning how to create an author newsletter, following best practices like consistent scheduling, personalized content, and clear calls-to-action can make all the difference in building reader loyalty.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key when figuring out how to create an author newsletter that keeps your readers engaged and excited for every update you send.

Pick a schedule you can stick to, whether that’s monthly, bi-weekly, or even quarterly. Consistency fosters trust and keeps your name fresh in readers’ minds.

Be Personal

Address readers by name and let your personality shine through. Think of your newsletter as a letter to a friend, not just another sales pitch.

Include Clear Calls to Action

Every email should have a purpose, whether it’s pre-ordering your book, following you on TikTok, or replying to share their favorite character from your latest story.

What’s Next?

Learning how to create an author newsletter is just the start. Once you start getting subscribers you need to nurture your community, provide value and share your journey in a way that feels authentic and personal so that when it comes to marketing your books, you have a committed audience.

If you want to join a community of like minded writers, with a private discussion area and weekly ideas and inspiration, sign up to The Writer’s Guide To… hope to see you there!