The title of this blog sounds like a topic for the comedy show “Just a Minute”, where panel members try to talk for sixty seconds without hesitation, repetition, or deviation. That programme is fun and educational at the same time. That’s the effect I aim for when I’m writing my reader newsletter, so I’ve got my fingers firmly crossed today!
Writing My Reader Newsletter
I can’t say this often enough – technology is not my friend (apart from my Alphasmart Neo).My website exercises the sum total of my technical expertise. It is at least a permanent base online. Technical hitches, or the whims of Social Media giants such as Amazon or Facebook can’t deprive me and my readers of the safe space called christinahollisbooks.online.
Several of my friends have had problems with accounts run by those media giants. If you lose access to your accounts through no fault of their own, it can be very difficult to get it back. An online following built up over years can be lost overnight. Contacting a human so you can explain your problem is practically impossible. Writing a regular reader newsletter is a way to keep a firm foothold online. I am in sole charge of my list of subscribers, whatever happens.
Subscribers to my newsletter get to see extra content and extracts from my works in progress. They see my new covers as soon as they are designed, too, such as Joanna Maitland’s lovely cover for my newest release, Royal Risk (you can find out more about Royal Risk here). That means they don’t have to wait for my cover reveals on social media.
Those are the practical reasons for having a reader newsletter. The fun part is in actually writing it, and keeping in contact with my lovely subscribers!
Writing My Reader Newsletter – How It Began
I subscribe to quite a few newsletters. Most are writing-related, although I also follow several artists, some cookery sites, and my local beekeeping group for regular updates. I studied them all before I started writing my own reader newsletter, and made a note of all the things I liked, and those I wasn’t so keen on.
After reading up on the subject online, I chose Mailerlite as my newsletter distribution service. They have loads of very short videos to walk you through every step of the process. I use the paid option, but there is a free alternative. You can upgrade at anytime. I’m very happy with Mailerlite, although other newsletter distribution sites such as Mailchimp and HubSpot.
How My Newsletter Works
Subscribers to my newsletter see behind the scenes here at Tottering Towers, get details of my writing life and developments in the Victorian cottage my family and I call home. They see extracts of my works in progress and are always first to see cover reveals. I often include recipes, links to free book offers, and competitions.
Recent competition winners have included EsCeeGee and Sally. EsCeeGee sent me this photo of an empty shelf hanger where my Pocket Novel had sold out (if you bought a copy, thank you!).
As a thank you for signing up to my newsletter, readers get a free copy of Royal Rivals, the prequel to my Royal Romances series.
Now It’s Your Turn!
My next monthly newsletter will be going out soon. Subscribe here, and join in the fun!