(Even If You Don’t Have an Audience Yet)
Starting a newsletter can feel like shouting into the void. You sign up for an email service, stare at a blank screen, and think… “Who exactly am I sending this to?”
But here’s the truth: every author starts with zero subscribers. And a newsletter is one of the best ways to grow long-term readers who actually care about your work.
Let’s walk through how to start one that feels easy, natural, and useful — even if you don’t have a book out yet, or a single person on your list.
Why a Newsletter Is Worth It
Let’s be honest. Social media can feel like a moving target. One day your post is reaching thousands. The next day it vanishes into the algorithm void. You try to be consistent, but you’re not a content factory. You’re a writer. And you just want a way to reach people who actually care.
That’s where a newsletter comes in.
A newsletter isn’t just another task on your marketing to-do list. It’s a direct line between you and your readers. No algorithms, no gatekeepers—you don’t have to hope a post goes viral. It’s just a quiet little note from you to the people who signed up to hear it.
And just like The 3 Stages of Editing breaks down revision into smaller, doable steps, starting a newsletter becomes much less overwhelming when you see it as a series of simple actions instead of one giant, mysterious project.
It’s Personal (In the Best Way)
When someone joins your newsletter, they’re not doing it because they stumbled across a trending sound or got served a random ad. They’re doing it because something about your words made them want more. That is huge.
These are your people. Your early readers, potential superfans, and future street team. They’re the ones who are curious about your process, excited about your updates, and rooting for you to finish that book you keep talking about.
And unlike a “like” or a follow, a subscription is active. It means they want to stay connected. It means they’re inviting you into their inbox, which is a pretty sacred space these days. That kind of access is gold.
You Own the List
Your newsletter list belongs to you. If Instagram disappears tomorrow or TikTok bans author content or your Facebook page gets randomly disabled, your list stays put. You’re not renting space. You’re building something you actually control.
That means:
- You can take your readers with you wherever you go
- You can talk to them when it matters most (like during a launch)
- You’re not dependent on platform updates or third-party decisions
This is especially important if you’re planning a long-term author career. Your email list becomes your reader base. And it grows with you.
It Builds Trust Over Time
Social media is great for quick connection. But email is where the deeper stuff happens. It’s where you get to show up as a whole person—not just a reel or a caption.
Your newsletter can be casual or polished, long or short, silly or sincere. There’s no one right format. What matters is that it sounds like you.
Over time, this builds trust. And trust is what makes someone preorder your book, show up to your launch party, or recommend your work to a friend.
That kind of connection is built in the quiet spaces. In the newsletters that say, “Here’s what I’m working on” or “Here’s something I’ve been thinking about” or “Here’s what made me laugh this week.”
You don’t need to sell in every email, but it really helps if you can be real.
You Don’t Need a Huge List
It’s easy to feel like your list has to be in the thousands to “matter.” It doesn’t.
A small, engaged list is worth so much more than a giant list of people who don’t even remember signing up. If you have twenty readers who consistently open your emails, that’s a full classroom of people who care. That’s a cozy little book club. That’s a seed you can grow.
Many bestselling authors started with a few dozen subscribers. The magic is in showing up. Not in hitting some made-up number that someone on YouTube said you need.
It’s Easier Than You Think
You don’t have to write long, monthly essays or build fancy templates. A newsletter can be:
- A quick update on your writing
- A short list of things you’re loving lately
- A behind-the-scenes look at your creative process
- A first peek at a new chapter or cover
- A note of encouragement for fellow readers or writers
The format is up to you. The frequency is up to you. There are no rules, just connection.
Pick a schedule that feels doable. Once a month is great. Every two weeks is great. Even quarterly is fine, as long as you’re showing up consistently and sending something with heart.
It Pays Off in the Long Run
When it’s time to launch your book, your email list is where the magic happens. These are the people most likely to:
- Buy on day one
- Leave early reviews
- Share your book with their friends
- Cheer you on through the inevitable stress
And the best part is you don’t have to shout into the void—you only need to write one thoughtful email and send it to people who already care.
You don’t need viral content or trend-chasing; what matters is a list, a clear voice, and a little trust.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a newsletter, this is your sign.
You don’t need a fancy lead magnet or a full launch plan—just a sign-up form, a kind welcome email, and the promise to show up now and then with something real.
You’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re building community. And the sooner you start, the sooner those readers start finding you.
So open that free MailerLite or ConvertKit account. Write a simple “Hey, I’m writing a book and here’s what I’m learning” email. And let the magic begin.
Your future readers are out there. Give them a way to find you.
Step One: Choose a Simple Email Platform
You do not need a complicated tool. Just pick something designed for beginners. Two solid choices:
- MailerLite (free up to 1,000 subscribers)
- ConvertKit (free plan available, easy to use)
Both let you create signup forms, send newsletters, and automate a few basics without needing to be tech-savvy.
Step Two: Create a Signup Form That Makes Sense
Don’t overthink it. You just need a short, clear invite.
Example:
“Want updates about my writing, behind-the-scenes peeks, and book news? Sign up here.”
You can put this on:
- Your website
- Your social media bio
- The back of a bookmark or business card
- Your email signature
Don’t worry if only two people sign up at first. You’re practicing. You’re building. It counts.
Step Three: Decide What You’ll Send (and How Often)
You don’t need to be a content machine. Just be real.
Here are some things you can share:
- Updates on your writing process
- A funny moment from your week
- A book recommendation
- A peek at your writing space
- A short story or deleted scene
Start with once a month. That’s enough to stay connected without burning out.
Step Four: Write Your First Email
Here’s a loose structure for your first one:
Subject Line:
Something simple like “Hey, I started a newsletter!” or “Welcome to my little writing corner.”
Intro:
Thank them for signing up and tell them what to expect.
Body:
Share a little about what you’re working on or why you’re writing this book. Keep it personal and low-pressure.
Closing:
Invite them to reply. Ask a question like, “What kind of stories do you love reading?” or “Have you ever wanted to write a book?”
This turns your newsletter from a broadcast into a conversation.
Step Five: Give It Time
It will feel weird at first. That’s normal.
You’re writing to a small group — maybe just your mom and one curious friend. But over time, that group will grow. And because you’re starting early, those readers will feel like they’re growing with you.
That connection is priceless.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to have a book finished, a website perfect, or a massive audience to start an author newsletter.
You just need a story worth sharing and a willingness to send one honest email at a time.
Focus on simplicity, favor personal connection, and show up consistently.
The readers will come.
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