What to Include in Your Author Newsletter

by Kate Huff @KateOlivaHuff

You’ve finally gotten used to the idea that you do need a newsletter, even if you’re pre-published. You understand the importance of nurturing your subscriber list, and you’re ready to get started. But then a moment of panic sets in… 

What do I put in a newsletter that someone will actually want to read? 

If that feels familiar, you’re not alone! I’ve had to wrestle with the same question. Why would someone want to read my newsletter when I don’t even have a book to sell?

Thankfully, there is good news. People will want to read your newsletter! And it doesn’t need to be long or complicated—it just needs to serve your reader.

How you serve them is up to you. But every time you write, aim to bring value to their day. Showing up with intention makes a difference.

Here are a few simple building blocks to guide you when you feel stuck or have looked at a blank screen for far too long. 

6 Tips on Things to Include in an Author Newsletter

• 1. A Personal Note: Start with something warm and relatable. What’s going on in your world? Readers love behind-the-scenes moments. What are you reading, writing, or baking? (Yes, sourdough counts!) As a reader myself, I enjoy discovering what my favorite authors are doing. Photos are always a plus. Consider this section as a friendly catch-up with a reader, not a formal update. Be yourself!

• 2. Writing Updates: Whether you’re outlining, editing, or waiting for agent feedback, bring your readers along for the ride. You don’t need to overshare, but a simple update makes them feel included. Even “Oops, I haven’t written much this month” is worth sharing. It’s real and relatable.

• 3. Book Recommendations: People trust you and your taste. Recommending books you love, especially those in your genre, will help position you as someone who knows the space. As an author, you should always be reading in your genre, so this shouldn’t be too hard. It’s also a powerful way to build community with other authors.

• 4. A Peek into Author Life: What’s your workspace look like? Have a mood board, character sketch, or playlist you write to? Share it! Don’t overthink it. These small glimpses turn your story into an experience, not just a product. And they help build a loyal audience that’s invested in your journey.

• 5. Something Signature to You or Your Genre: Add a little something you. I love fairytales, so each month I include a quick, themed connection with fairytales. (Want to know what that looks like? Sign up for my newsletter! Shameless plug.) What’s something specific to your brand, your writing voice, and your niche that you could weave in? 

• 6. A Reader Invitation/Call to action: Give your audience a way to engage with you. Ask simple questions. Invite your readers to reply, follow you on social, preorder your book, or forward your email to a friend who’d like your work. Always include clickable links. (Those clicks will tell you what your readers like and don’t like!)

A word of encouragement.

You don’t have to include all of these sections; they are building blocks. What works best for you and your readers? Start with one or two blocks and adjust as needed as you discover what is attainable for you. Remember, the best newsletter is the one that’s sent, not the almost perfect one sitting in your outbox.

The most important thing is to show up. Your newsletter is a conversation, not a checklist. And every email you send builds trust with the people who’ve already said yes to hearing from you. That’s a gift! 

Next time you sit down to write your newsletter, don’t ask: 

“What should I say?” 

INSTEAD, Ask: 

“What would I love to tell a friend?” 

And then write that.

TWEETABLE

What to Include in Your Author Newsletter from @KateOliviaHuff on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Kate Huff is a storyteller at heart and loves finding Gospel elements in all stories, especially fairytales. She believes fairytales that explain the Gospel in clear and captivating ways have the power to change the world, one person at a time. Her first manuscript is currently with an agent, and she’s working on her second fiction novel along with a few non-fiction projects. 

Kate works as a freelance content writer and newsletter specialist. She has over twenty years of experience crafting content, specifically newsletters, across diverse sectors, including non-profits, sales, and fundraising. She helps authors and entrepreneurs create compelling newsletters that connect with their audiences and offers tailored content creation services, as well as training on how to build newsletters and grow subscriber bases.

You can find her at www.kateoliviahuff.com or on most socials as @kateoliviahuff. Sign up for Newsletters Made Simple for Authors at https://rebrand.ly/Newsletters-Made-Simple for simple tips to take your newsletter from good to great!