For a time, newsletter went by the wayside as social media took its place as the way to build platform. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and many more new sites give writers opportunities to reach new readers.

But now that social media has algorithms and only a percentage of the people you want to reach see our posts each day it has become a challenge to keep the attention of your readers. Some of our fans live on social media and others who are barely there. How do you keep all of them in the loop?

Author pages don’t seem to do much either, at least not for me. I have more followers on my personal page than my author page. I get more comments on my personal page as well. But so many miss my post because of the algorithms.

Why a newsletter?

A newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with your readers. Those who sign up for your newsletter are happy to open it in their email and enjoy reading about you. If written well, it makes the reader feel like they are getting news from a friend.

What to include in a newsletter.

Newsletters are great ways to keep your readers informed about new releases. It’s also a time for them to get to know you. Your letter should be friendly and fun. Offer free things like short stories, recipes and giveaways to encourage your readers to open your email and read it. Share special tidbits about your books that are for their eyes only as a subscriber. It builds momentum for sales.

Share pictures of your pets, your vacation or the new grandbaby. A fellow-author is a weaver, she shares her creations in her newsletter. I am not crafty, so I post some of my husband’s nature photographs. Candid shots of an author doing other things show us as more than what we write.

Feature other authors work when you have no new release. This introduces your readers to new to them authors and shows the reader it’s not all about buy my book.

Check out the book Newsletter Ninja, How to Become An Author Mailing List Expert by Tammi Labrecque.

Do you have a newsletter? What’s in your newsletter?

Comment for a chance to win a copy of Newsletter Ninja, either the ebook or paperback version. Winners choice. The winner will be contacted on Friday.