So, you’re an author and you’ve finally decided to write that newsletter you’ve been talking about forEVER. Great! You selected a marketing platform, uploaded your mailing list, set time aside to design your newsletter and now you’re ready to tackle the writing.
But what are you supposed to write about?
Here’s a few ideas for your newsletter. I’m sure you’ll have ideas of your own too! After all, you’re creative, you’ve plighted your troth as a non-fiction author and you’re an authority in your field. A newsletter’s a great way to connect with your readers and an excellent way to extend your brand.
So let’s get started!
The first rule of newsletter content is to engage your readers. That means keep it personal. If you don’t make it worthwhile for your readers, they won’t read your newsletter or even open it. And we want them to enjoy the morsels you’re leaving them with.
One place to start is by looking at what other authors who have large followings write about in their newsletters. Do they share stories of their travels, their families or anecdotes about writing? All of these are good topics and allow your audience an opportunity to get to know you better.
You don’t want to fill your newsletter with only personal stories though. You also want your readers to learn about your next book, of if you have a book that was just published, this is a good time to let them know. Make your readers your fans and your partners in your author journey and they’ll reward you by being loyal.
Here’s some ideas for newsletter content. Don’t be limited by this list though. Use your imagination to come up with your own ideas. They’re sure to be a hit!
- Behind the scenes content- a look at your writing routine, or your other daily routines. Complete the post with a picture of you with your favorite latte!
- If you took a trip to say, Jane Austin’s birthplace or just finished reading Malcolm Gladwell’s latest or were on a writing retreat, this is the place to share it with your readers.
- If you’ve been interviewed or recently gave a presentation, your newsletter is the place to share this information. You might include pictures or even a video.
- Answer the most frequently asked questions from your readers. Maybe it’s “Where do you get your ideas?” Or “ How do you decide on a book cover?” Whatever it is, they’ll be interested.
- If there’s a holiday coming up, share content about that. It could be your favorite recipe or a picture of how you’ve decorated your house. Your readers will love you for it.
- If you have an event, a book signing, a talk or a panel coming up, your newsletter is the place to promote it.
- Likewise if you’ve been at an event, share this in your newsletter with your fans. Include any social media posts or posts from the event.
- The publishing industry is rapidly changing. Your readers will enjoy listening to news and your thoughts about any changes in the industry.
- Include a post from a guest author, especially one relevant or familiar to your audience. They may repay the favor!
- Reader testimonials. Here’s your chance to toot your own horn and let the world know how great you are!
These are just a few suggestions. Have fun with them, let your personality shine and remember to send your newsletter out regularly. Your readers will look forward to them!
Author Bio:
Debra Diamond, Ph.D. is a former Wall Street money manager, regular CNBC commentator and Professor at the Johns Hopkins University who left a high profile life to pursue a life of purpose and spirituality. She earned an MBA from The George Washington University and a Ph.D. from the Esoteric Interfaith Theological Seminary. She is a graduate of the Holistic Studies Institute of New York, has completed mediumship training at the Arthur Findlay College in the UK and trained at the Carl Jung Institute in Analytical Psychology in Zurich, Switzerland. Debra is the author of “Life after Near Death: Miraculous Stories of Healing and Transformation in the Extraordinary Lives of People with Newfound Powers” and “Diary of a Death Doula: 25 Lessons the Dying Teach Us About the Afterlife.”
