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[…] Learn about the various types of email newsletter that are sent by authors—with pros and cons of each—plus how to choose which type YOU should send.  […]

Chris Syme

Thanks Kirsten–authors need to know there is more than one way to do a “newsletter.” Excellent tips here.

Kirsten

I feel like this is really hard for ALL of us! We know that our own inboxes are crowded with things we don’t read or don’t want to read. And yet, it’s so important to have that connection with our people! Sometimes we just need to think outside the box and create our own. Or study and find one that we can use as a springboard for our own idea. 🙂

Michael LaRocca

I’ve read for years that the email newsletter is dead, but I know it’s not true. (It is true that MY email newsletter is dead, but never mind.) What’s dead is the newsletter that is devoid of content, that doesn’t add value, that keeps to a schedule but never says anything new. As this article clearly demonstrates, the useful newsletter is alive and well. Including, fortunately, one that I’ve been editing for ten years and counting.

Kirsten

The great thing is that you can breathe new life into it and warm that list up. It’s really hard to come up with this content. Some of it is, I think, a mental block, as we are all creative people and make content all the time. Some of it is the fact that we know too well how tired we are of getting emails that don’t matter. I hope you can find your groove and get to emailing! 🙂

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[…] sure if the book is for you? I have a guest post up on Jane Friedman’s blog where I share a whole chapter from the book! Go read and you can see for […]

Marcy McKay

Fantastic, Kirsten! I just bought your eBook and have already started reading it.Thank you!

Kirsten

Thank you! I hope it’s really helpful. Please let me know if you have questions!

Marcy McKay

Will do, Kirsten. Many thanks and good luck with the success of your book.

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[…] What Should You Put in Your Email Newsletter? (Jane Friedman) If you struggle with what to write in an email, you’re not alone. You may be publishing two to three books a year, or writing blog posts three to five times a week, but email seems to build a crazy mental roadblock to creativity. The self-doubt and negativity shifts into overdrive. […]

Roxie Munro

Helpful piece. I’d add that it is important to make your newsletter visually interesting, user-friendly, and easily approachable, regardless of your content. Make it accessible and personal, as has been mentioned. Use images. Break up dense blocks of text. Most people now read on small mobile devices – fancy or complicated fonts do not reduce well, so use a clean clear easy-to-read font.

Kirsten

Yes!!! I think the mobile thing is huge. I up my font to 16 or 18 point, which seems huge…until you try to read an email on your phone. I won’t read them if I have to turn my phone or make it bigger. So increase the font! Experts are torn on images, as the data seems to show that those emails without images have a better deliverability rate and open rate, but I love some pretty emails, so I think people should just do pretty emails if it works for them. And yes, short blocks of text. White space is your friend! Great suggestions!!

Alice Orr

Thanks Kirsten and Jane. This came at the absolutely perfect time for me. I’ve skipped around the edge of the email newsletter pool, uncertain whether or not to jump all the way in and risk a downer drowner. I needed clarification of how I should be thinking re: this project. e.g. The frequency question. I’d been emailing at launch only. One of your companion posts, Kirsten, told me what’s so very wrong with that approach. Many other crucial up-front queries are answered here also. I’ve already sent Email Lists Made Easy for Writers to my Kindle. I think that’s the stick-my-toe-in stage before I actually plunge. Would somebody please have a towel ready? I have a feeling I’ll be in the swim soon. Alice http://www.aliceorrbooks.com.

Kirsten

I’m so glad to hear that it’s been helpful and hope that the book is also a great guide to help you find the perfect email content and audience for YOU!

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[…] What Should You Put in Your Email Newsletter? by @kikimojo via @janefriedman […]