From Edie: Discover simple, effective December newsletter tips to help writers finish the year strong without added stress. Learn how to reflect, connect with readers, and set up a purposeful plan for January—all with one thoughtful, manageable email.
How Writers Can Finish the Year Strong: Simple December Newsletter Tips That Actually Work
by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff
December is a hard month for writers, at least it is for me. Schedules are full, routines are disrupted, and creativity often takes a back seat to obligations and celebrations. For many authors, newsletters are the first thing to slip through the cracks.
Let me be the first to remind you that it's okay. My personal author email has been a week late the past two months! And honestly, no one has noticed. It's only late to me.
What's important to remember is December doesn't have to be about doing more. Especially when it comes to your newsletter, this month is really about finishing well and setting yourself up so January feels intentional instead of rushed.
The good news? You don't need a big strategy or a perfectly polished email to end the year strong. Let go of expectations and take a deep breath. You've got this!
How to Finish Strong with a December Newsletter
Think of your December newsletter as one simple, thoughtful conversation with your readers. One simple email is enough. Focus on three things:
1. Reflect (Briefly)
Take a moment to acknowledge the year. This doesn't need to be a list of accomplishments or word counts. A sentence or two about what the year taught you, stretched you, or surprised you is plenty.
Progress matters, even when it doesn't show up in obvious ways.
2. Connect (Personally)
Your readers are real people who chose to let you into their inbox. A genuine thank-you goes a long way.
This is a great time to remind yourself — and your readers — that newsletters are about relationship, not perfection.
3. Transition (Forward-Looking)
Let readers know what's ahead. You don't need details. A simple line that you'll be back in January with fresh focus helps create continuity and anticipation.
What Not to Worry About in December
Finishing strong doesn't mean doing everything. Give yourself permission to let these things go:
- Perfect subject lines
- Fancy graphics or formatting
- Long updates
- Selling or promoting anything
And if you need to skip December altogether and jump straight to January planning? That's okay too. Sometimes the best way to finish strong is to give yourself permission to rest.
Showing up with intention matters far more than checking every box. Simplicity wins in December!
Looking forward - Prep January in 30 Minutes
A little planning now can make January feel calm and purposeful instead of overwhelming. Here's a simple way to prep your next newsletter in about half an hour.
Step 1: Choose One January Focus
Pick a single theme for your January newsletter. Examples might include:
- Writing goals for the year
- A new project you're working on
- Establishing creative rhythms
- Inviting reader engagement
One focus is enough.
Step 2: Decide Your Main Topic
You don't need to write the full email yet. This is important! Just decide what the newsletter will be about:
- What you're focusing on this year
- What's coming next in your writing life
- How readers can follow along
Clarity now saves time later.
Step 3: Choose One Call to Action
Keep it simple. Ask readers to do just one thing:
- Reply to the email
- Visit your website
- Follow you on one platform
- Stay tuned for what's coming next
Step 4: Write Three Subject Line Options
Draft a few subject lines while the idea is fresh. You can always tweak them later, but having options ready removes friction in January.
Step 5: Put It on the Calendar
Schedule a reminder or block out time to write and send the newsletter. Future you will be grateful.
Why This Matters
January newsletters often set the tone for the year ahead. They remind readers you're still here, still writing, and still inviting them into the process.
Consistency builds trust. Purpose builds confidence. And neither requires perfection.
Finish Well, Start Strong
You don't need to overhaul your newsletter strategy this month. One thoughtful December email and a simple January plan are enough to help you finish the year well and step into the new one with clarity.
Your newsletter doesn't have to be complicated to be effective. It doesn't have to be elaborate to be meaningful. What matters is that you show up with authenticity and give yourself permission to keep it simple.
December is for wrapping up with grace. January is for beginning again with purpose. And both start with one small, doable step forward.
Sometimes the strongest starts come from quiet, intentional endings.
Do you have a December newsletter that worked really well in the past? I’d love to hear what you did. Or what you’re going to do this year!
TWEETABLE
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-SIMPLEfor simple tips to take your newsletter from good to great!
Probably should've read this before sending out my December newsletter, but I think I basically did what you recommended. Now I'm definitely ready for January!
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