Why Authors Need an Email List
Retailers and social platforms control who sees your books. An email list is yours: a direct line to readers who've chosen to hear from you. When a new book comes out, you can tell them directly.
It also builds a relationship between books, so readers stay engaged during the long gaps between releases.
We'd offer a free short story or bonus chapter, send a short welcome sequence introducing your books and keep a monthly newsletter going between releases.
Reader Magnets That Work
- A free short story set in your world.
- A bonus chapter or epilogue for readers of a book.
- A prequel novella for series readers.
- Character profiles or a map for fantasy and series fiction.
- A resource guide or checklist for nonfiction authors.
Include an invitation in the back matter of your books, linking to a landing page for the magnet. See AWeber landing pages.
A Welcome Sequence for New Readers
- Deliver the reader magnet and thank them.
- Introduce yourself and what you write.
- Recommend where to start with your books, especially for a series.
- Invite replies: ask what they love reading.
What to Send Between Books
- Writing updates and progress on the next book.
- Behind-the-scenes stories: research, inspiration, deleted scenes.
- Recommendations of books you've enjoyed.
- Cover reveals and first looks.
- Events, signings and interviews.
- Reader questions answered.
A monthly newsletter is a good rhythm for most authors. See email newsletter ideas.
Planning a Launch by Email
| Timing | |
|---|---|
| Several weeks before | Cover reveal and release date |
| A few weeks before | Advance reader copy sign-ups for reviewers, if you offer them |
| One week before | First chapter or excerpt |
| Release day | "It's here" with links to every retailer |
| A week after | Thank you and a gentle review request |
See product launch email sequence for more launch ideas.
Grow Your List Further
- Back matter links in every book.
- Group promotions with other authors in your genre.
- Newsletter swaps where authors recommend each other's books.
- Events and signings with a QR code to your signup page.
- Social profiles and your website, linking to your reader magnet.
Tools for Authors
You need a landing page, a welcome automation and simple templates. Segmenting by series or genre helps if you write in more than one. AWeber includes landing pages, automations and tags, and its templates and Canva integration make cover reveals quick to design. See AWeber templates.
Create a reader magnet landing page and welcome sequence with AWeber, starting free for up to 500 subscribers.
Author Email Marketing FAQs
Why do authors need an email list?
It lets you reach readers directly when new books release, without relying on retailers or social media.
What is a reader magnet?
A free story, chapter or bonus offered in exchange for an email address.
How often should authors send newsletters?
Monthly is common, with extra emails around launches.
How do authors grow their email list?
Back matter links, reader magnets, group promotions and newsletter swaps.