New roles and newsletters
Friends, I may have overextended myself with three major projects. First, I’m one of the principals of a newly-launched small press called Intrigue Publishing. That new company is putting a new literary conference together for next year. And, as one of the author mentors of this new press, I’m rewriting my fiction marketing manual. I know I need to get back to regular blogging so I’ll be sharing all three adventures with you here but I won’t change the title because, despite all these hats I’m wearing, I’m still just Another Writer!
Today I’ll share a slice I’m adding to the marketing book, part of a new section on newsletters.
Each time I prepare my electronic newsletter for release I consider how few authors I know send one out. That’s too bad, because a newsletter is an easy and inexpensive way to stay in contact with your readers.
The physical part is easy. I use Vertical Response but there are a couple other equally good companies like Constant Contact that will supply a template for you to write into, and then distribute your newsletter to the mailing list you designate.
But just having one won’t get you far. Your newsletter needs to be interesting, useful and fun or no one will read it. To get the idea, I suggest you take a good look at what other writers are sending out. Mystery author Brad Parks produces my favorite writer’s newsletter. Rick Robinson also sends out a good example to follow. And naturally you can sign up for mine at my web site.
When you’re sending out a newsletter you need to know your audience. Remember you’re writing for them, not your own ego. If you know who your readers are you can write what they’re curious about and interested in.
And remember that less is more! Most people prefer short emails and the same goes for newsletters. Follow the example of other writers, but however long your newsletter is, make sure it’s packed with interesting and useful content. That “value added” content is what will hold your readers.
I’ll talk a little more about writer’s newsletters later in the week. Meanwhile, with all that's going on I'm always open to guest bloggers who want to talk about THEIR writer's lives.
Today I’ll share a slice I’m adding to the marketing book, part of a new section on newsletters.
Each time I prepare my electronic newsletter for release I consider how few authors I know send one out. That’s too bad, because a newsletter is an easy and inexpensive way to stay in contact with your readers.
The physical part is easy. I use Vertical Response but there are a couple other equally good companies like Constant Contact that will supply a template for you to write into, and then distribute your newsletter to the mailing list you designate.
But just having one won’t get you far. Your newsletter needs to be interesting, useful and fun or no one will read it. To get the idea, I suggest you take a good look at what other writers are sending out. Mystery author Brad Parks produces my favorite writer’s newsletter. Rick Robinson also sends out a good example to follow. And naturally you can sign up for mine at my web site.
When you’re sending out a newsletter you need to know your audience. Remember you’re writing for them, not your own ego. If you know who your readers are you can write what they’re curious about and interested in.
And remember that less is more! Most people prefer short emails and the same goes for newsletters. Follow the example of other writers, but however long your newsletter is, make sure it’s packed with interesting and useful content. That “value added” content is what will hold your readers.
I’ll talk a little more about writer’s newsletters later in the week. Meanwhile, with all that's going on I'm always open to guest bloggers who want to talk about THEIR writer's lives.
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