When an author writes a book, it usually is done with a target in mind. Your readers. But ask yourself this … do you really know your readers? What do you know about them?
With the amount of books out there, it is an author’s job to connect with readers in any way possible. With this in mind, Christian Writers Promo will be writing blog posts on different ways to connect with readers.
Today’s feature is AUTHOR NEWSLETTERS.
What’s so special about an author newsletter? First and foremost, if a reader is signed up to your newsletter, you know they are interested in you as an author. They are already bought in. This is your primary target market!
Secondly, a newsletter allows you to make a personal connection with your readers, in essence, becoming “friends.” Friends can be reached. Friends buy your books.
Additionally, the newsletter is yours. Yours to create. Yours to manage. You can include anything you want and send it anytime you want. You are in control.
Even better, once you’ve sent your author newsletter, it is in your reader’s possession, sitting in their inbox. Gone are the social media posts being covered by other social media posts, long forgotten. This time the email sits there until the reader takes action.
Another great tool is that you can get feedback from your readers. Ask for reviews, see if the readers like a book cover, find a beta reader, or ask a general question for the book you are writing. This engages your readers and makes them feel like family. You are gaining readership and won’t lose their interest.
So where do you start? Below you will find a few email newsletter sources that are easy to use, free and even kind-of fun!
Create marketing campaigns, mailing lists, newsletters, and other advertising options.
Free up to 2,000 followers
Easy-to-use templates
Integrates with social media
Easy-to-understand reports
App integrations ability
Create marketing campaigns, mailing lists, newsletters, and other advertising options.
Free up to 1,000 followers
Easy-to-use drag and drop features
Easy-t0-read reports
App integrations ability
User-friendly/more open rates
Free trial for 60 days
Customizable templates
Easy-to-load email lists
Real time tracking reports
App integration ability
6,000 emails a month free
Pay as you grow
Unlimited contacts
Advanced email editor
Advanced statistics
Full API access
Now before you go check these sources out, here are a few tips:
Don’t stress out! Take it easy and learn as you go.
Only send to readers who signed up themselves. In other words, don’t sign up someone without their consent.
The purpose of the newsletter is CONNECTIon, so don’t just advertise your book. Post stories from your blog, tell stories about your writing adventures, show pictures of events you’ve attended. A good rule of thumb is to advertise every third newsletter.
Send at least monthly so that you’re in the readers mind. On that note, don’t send too often, as it can be seen as spam and you’ll get unsubscribers quickly.
The ultimate goal of author newsletter is to gain dedicated readership and to sell books! Take your time in the learning process and remember it takes time to grow. You can do it!
Did I miss a free newsletter option? Please let us know below in the comment section.
Stay tuned! Next week I will give ideas about what to put in your newsletter!
