Good morning, everyone. Audra here. Help yourself to waffles and fruit salad, and I’ve got coffee and tea for this morning with lemonade and iced tea cooling for this afternoon. I want everyone comfy and fed as we attack my topic of the day:
The author newsletter.
If you’re anything like me, I’m excited to receive newsletters from authors I enjoy. I look forward to the announcement in my email box every few months notifying me that there’s news from the important authors I follow—many are reading this post right now!!!!! As I conducted my research on writing newsletters, Julie Lessman directed me to a couple of great posts on author newsletters right here in Seekerville.
Valerie Comer compiled some wonderful advice in her post: http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2013/01/guest-blogger-valerie-comer-where.html
Myra Johnson gave us tips on the construction of a newsletter in her post: http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2012/07/author-e-newsletters-for-dummies.html
Pop over and check out their posts…I’ll wait…and come back and finish our visit!!
So, like I was saying, I’m writing a newsletter. I really didn’t think this was going to be tough. One of the responsibilities at my day job is compiling a monthly newsletter to send out to our 4-H families. The average length of one of my newsletters is about 20 pages. How difficult could a single page update on my writing career be?? As I stared at my blank screen, I realized I hadn’t a clue what to include and how to be brief about it. Others made it look so easy. I’ve received newsletters from authors with great content that kept me informed of books and events and other special “extras” they offered, all wrapped up in an artsy newsletter layout. Their newsletters looked GREAT. But, how did they do it? How did they know what to include?
It’s not about me. It’s about the reader.
Number One thing to keep in mind when compiling a newsletter is it’s all about the reader. What do your subscribers want to read about in your newsletter? They want to get to know YOU and they want it personal. A newsletter’s first and foremost purpose is to get the reader involved with your brand. Make sure you include any or all of the following:
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Announcements for the release of your latest book
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Promotions you’re offering and special deals on your book
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Are you running a special contest? Get the word out!
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Special awards and “warm your cockles” reviews you’ve received
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What’s coming up next?
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Events you’ll be attending; blog appearances; special interviews
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Direct folks to book trailers and other cool marketing ideas you’ve developed
Remember, it’s all for THEM.
Make YOU memorable in your newsletter.
I know you’ve heard it before, but in all ways of marketing, stay true to your brand. Are you a suspense writer? Then you probably don’t want to include clipart of cute magnolia blossoms or a comforting cup of tea. Ideally, you’d like your newsletter to reflect the theme of your website to build author recognition. If possible, use your website header on your newsletter. Readers need to associate you with all your branding elements. Missy Tippens offers an excellent example of branding as she projects the warm Southern manner of her website onto her newsletter. 
Platform building…one board at a time.
I write about “cowboys who haven't a clue about relationships rescued by ladies who think they have all the answers.” I love all things farm, ranch and cowboy… and I hope my readers do, too! My platform includes information about the agriculture industry, and the intrigue of the lifestyle of the West…and maybe… the occasional recipe. I want people to know that the honor of the American cowboy is still alive and doing well on the ranches of Colorado.
Keep in mind some do’s and don’t’s:
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DO write your newsletter in the first person. There’s nothing more personal than letting your readers know you are sharing directly with them.
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DO include a variety of content in your newsletter. You can touch on many areas of interest and include link for your readers to click through to get more information.
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DO include your book cover (and a link to buy the book) in the newsletter. After all, that is our primary reason for creating a newsletter, right? To let our followers know we have a book and there are more to come!
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DON’T put long, wordy pieces in a newsletter. Give your readers blurbs of your content, not entire novels (save that for the bookshelves!).
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DON’T make your newsletter static. Give your fans the opportunity to take action, like enter a contest, friend you on Facebook or buy your book.
Of course, I asked the Seekers if they had any tips to share:
Myra Johnson:
I attended a webinar recently that highly promoted auto-responder to communicate with new subscribers and let them know what's happening between now and the next newsletter, which I also try HARD to do quarterly, plus the rare special announcement.
I've also read that you should put signup links everywhere you can, including email sig lines, to make it as easy as possible.
My newsletters include something personal (travel, family news generic enough to share, etc.), recent novels I've read, latest release info, and other book news, plus upcoming appearances in person or on blogs.
Don’t miss Myra Johnson’snewsletter. It’s always packed with great info.
Missy Tippens:
I aim for quarterly [newsletters] but sometimes wait until I have a new cover to share or some news. I've been building my list since my first book signing. I have a signup form on my websites and blog that is double opt-in so I know people won't consider me spam. I usually have a short personal greeting, then a section of book news. I sometimes share a recipe or photo. And I've also shared upcoming Seeker releases with links.
Check out Missy Tippens’swebsite and sign up for her newsletter.
Pam Hillman:
I put out 4 very simple, short newsletters a year: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter during the months of March, June, Sept, and Dec. I try to just give them 2-3 bullet points for what's on my agenda for the upcoming months. In each section, I try to include a writing update and a personal update. At the bottom of all of them, I include a photo of something that makes me smile: old barns, puppies, calves, wildflowers, etc. I'll be sending my June newsletter out soon, and I'll give an update on what all I'll be doing this summer in June/July/August.
If you haven’t signed up for Pam’s newsletter, go to www.pamhillman.com
Mary Connealy:
I try and do what I'm calling eblasts. A straightforward email as each book releases using the Yahoo group I've created.
Contact Mary Connealy and become a member of her Yahoo group!
There’s so much more to creating newsletters than we’ve discussed here such as distribution, building a mailing list, etc. What I wanted to share today was the actual content of the newsletter since my very first one will launch the middle of this month!!!! Have you signed up for my newsletter? I’d be honored if you did. And I look forward to receiving comments through my website www.audraharders.com on what you thought of it. What would you like to see in future issues? I’m a lump of clay in the newsletter world and I’d love for you to help shape me : ) My promotion this Summer Issue (June) is a $25 Amazon Gift Card for just subscribing, the winner will be announced in the newsletter. Click here and sign up for my newsletter!!
AND, those leaving comments today will be in a drawing for one of two copies of Second Chance Ranch – one Kindle copy and one paperback. If you have a preference, please leave that in your comment. Winners will be announced in the Weekend Edition.
Until next time, blessings to you!!!!!!!!
Once high school sweethearts, Jennifer and Zac have wounded each other, and the scars run deep. Jennifer is forced to reveal a secret she’s protected for twelve years. Will past mistakes jeopardize the future of both of their dreams or give them a second chance?