TO NEWSLETTER OR NOT

Authors like to write. So, why is it that writing a newsletter often fills us with a sense of dread and panic? Perhaps it’s because we know we should be writing on our next book, but instead we’re writing a newsletter. Or maybe it’s because it’s just one more freaking thing we have to do for promotion and we are totally, utterly promotioned-out. Whatever the reason, do authors really need to have a newsletter?

I wasn’t sure, but my publisher finally convinced me it was a good idea. My talented sister set it up for me, so it was a done deal. Mail Chimp was our vehicle of choice to both collect email addresses and create a newsletter template. Thankfully, Mail Chimp wasn’t nearly as scary or daunting as we feared. There was a bit of a learning curve, but luckily not that bad. Luckily it looks like subsequent newsletters will be fairly simple to create and send out. So, after the initial newsletter, it looks like all downhill from here. Whew. So, why do it?

I thought about it and decided to write it to reward my inner core of awesome readers—those people who are excited enough to sign up for my newsletter and buy my books as soon as they come out. I will use my newsletters for special cover reveals, swag giveaways, exclusive excerpts, free books, and so on. It also helps me stay in touch with those readers who are not on social media, but who want to know what I’m writing. It’s a fun and fabulous way to keep your readers engaged and interested. Once I determined for whom the newsletter was intended, I actually had a blast writing it. After I sent it out, I was excited to hear if they enjoyed reading it. Apparently they did! Yay! Right now I have plans for a whopping two newsletters a year, possibly three if I'm ambitious. I'd prefer to start slow and gauge interest.

For those of you who may be interested, here is a little peek at my newsletter which just came out last Sunday.

The bottom line—if you are an author and you decide to write a newsletter, do it to engage your readers and inform your fans. Make it fun. And, by all means, have fun writing it.

By the way, if you want to see my most recent newsletter in all its glory, hop over to my website at www.juliemoffett.com and sign up.