Do Writers Need a Newsletter?

You know why I have to ask this question.

I ask it because I keep meeting writers who don’t have one and are then confused as to why their book sales are so dismal!

Let’s talk about this!

And, yes, before everybody is all over me about isn’t social media, let me just say this.

In today’s hyper-competitive publishing market, writers need all the help they can get.

Newsletters, like blogs, are just another important tool to be used to build and stay in touch with your community.

Now, here are my reasons for why a writer needs a newsletter.

First, not everyone is on social media, believe it or not.

Being able to reach out to your followers beyond the limitations of social media channels is a plus.

Second, a newsletter allows you to customize your message to your community in the way that you want to.

Social media channels, by definition, restrict you to how they’ll allow you to send your message. (e.g., only 280 characters on Twitter)

Third, your newsletter combined with your email list is yours to with what you want. (As long as you act responsibly.)

No one can ever take it away from you.

Fourth, you can stay in regular contact with your community.

Your followers may not check their social media every day but they do check their inboxes.

Let them know what’s happening with you and discussing topics of interest to your followers.

Fifth, a newsletter is a great way to ask people for their email address and to add them to your email list.

Finally, with a tool like Mailchimp, you can track metrics to see how effective your newsletter has been.

Remember, your newsletter complements your social media.

Share a link to your newsletter on your social media!

Now, for a couple of watch-outs for your newsletter.

Don’t just send one out when you want your followers to buy your book!

Build trust with your community so that when you do ask them to buy your new book, they’re already positively disposed towards you.

Next, don’t spam your followers!

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

If you’re thinking of doing a newsletter weekly or even more frequently then you’d better be ready to create some terrific content or you’re going to find a lot of your followers unsubscribing.

As writers, you’re probably going to be writing more than one book.

Building your community as you go along is a great way to ensure that your book sales will only increase as you do.

That’s it for now!

Please check-out my 8 step approach for developing a social media program to get some more ideas on how to use social media.

Also, never forget to reach out to either ask questions or to ask for help from someone like myself!

In the meantime, thank you for following and reading my blog!

I look forward to any and all comments that you may have. I will reply to any comments made to this blog post as promptly as I can.

And, remember!

I do this for a living and if I can be of any assistance to either you or your organization, please feel free to call on me. Our initial discussion will be of no charge to you.

I can also be reached at conpsweeney@someddi.com.

My Twitter handle is @conpsweeney.

Stay well!