How Authors Can Grow Their Newsletter in 3 Simple Stages

From Edie: Learn how authors can grow their newsletter in three simple stages by engaging readers, making signup easy, and reaching new audiences to build lasting connections. I also want you to know how excited I am for Kate's new project: The Wandering Words. I signed up for it as soon as she opened it and it's something I look forward to!

How Authors Can Grow Their Newsletter in 3 Simple Stages

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Authors are repeatedly told to "grow your platform" and build their newsletter subscriber list. It can feel overwhelming at times, right? Sure, let’s add that to a list of things to do while also being alive, maintaining a household, and trying to write a book.

Let's break it down into three stages to hopefully make it a little easier. And yes, the order matters!

When Should Writers Start a Newsletter? Why You Should Begin Before You’re Published

From Edie: Kate Huff shares why writers should start a newsletter before publication and how building reader relationships early can grow an engaged audience for future books.

When Should Writers Start a Newsletter? Why You Should Begin Before You’re Published

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

“I don’t have a book yet.” 

“What would I talk about?” 

“Why would anyone sign up for my newsletter?” 

These are all things I’ve heard on my journey to become a newsletter guru. I’ve heard every excuse in the book! (Pun intended!) And my answer remains the same. Yes, you do need a newsletter before you’re published. 100% yes. I say that as a pre-published author myself!

How to Create a Welcome Email Automation for Your Author Newsletter

From Edie: Kate Huff shares how to create a welcome email automation for your author newsletter that engages new subscribers, builds trust, and turns readers into buyers.

How to Create a Welcome Email Automation for Your Author Newsletter

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

You did it. You got your email platform set up. Congrats, that's a big task to check off the list.

Now it's time to grow your subscribers. And that's where a welcome automation comes in.

How to Write Email Subject Lines That Get Opened: A Guide for Authors

From Edie: Kate Huff shares how to write email subject lines that authors can use to increase open rates. Discover proven formulas, real examples, and simple tips to create subject lines readers can't resist opening.

How to Write Email Subject Lines That Get Opened: A Guide for Authors

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

You have half a second to convince someone to open your email. That's it. The good news is that learning to write email subject lines that actually get opened isn't about being a marketing genius. It's about sounding like a friend, not a salesperson.

Think about your own inbox. Do you open every email that slides in? Is there one that causes you to open it quicker than the others?

Author Newsletter Legal Requirements: What Every Writer Needs to Know About CAN-SPAM Compliance

From Edie: Kate Huff shares the CAN-SPAM requirements every author should know, including email list permissions, unsubscribe rules, and newsletter compliance best practices.

Author Newsletter Legal Requirements: What Every Writer Needs to Know About CAN-SPAM Compliance

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Most authors don't start writing because they love marketing. In fact, if you're anything like me, the business side of being an author came as a bit of a surprise. There's always a new list of things to learn, tools to try, and rules to follow.

Here's what I've found to be true: you don't have to do it all, and you don't have to know it all. What matters is finding people you trust in the lanes that aren't yours—and listening to them.

Why Consistency Matters More Than Ever for Author Email Newsletters

From Edie: Kate Huff shares why writers need to send consistent email newsletters. Learn how regular newsletters improve inbox placement, increase reader engagement, strengthen your author platform, and help keep your emails out of spam folders.

Why Consistency Matters More Than Ever for Author Email Newsletters

by Kate Huff @KateOlivaHuff

Buckle up y'all. I've got news today and some of you might not like me after you read this. I'm sorry in advance. But please, don't shoot the messenger!

On average, 170 billion spam emails are sent every single day.

Daily, y'all. Not weekly. Not monthly. DAILY.

Of those 170 billion spam emails, 3.4 billion are phishing emails. If you're not familiar with phishing, you've probably been a recipient without realizing it. Phishing is a type of online scam that targets consumers by sending them an email that appears to be from a well-known source — an internet service provider, a bank, or a mortgage company, for example. In the author world, phishing emails also include those impersonating people in the publishing industry and those from the infamous "book clubs."

These emails are wreaking havoc in our inboxes! I'm sure you feel the pain of these emails daily, as we all receive them.

Your Words Matter Today: Encouragement for Writers with a Small Platform

From Edie: Feel like your platform is too small to matter? Discover why your words have value right now and how to faithfully steward your message, no matter the size of your audience.

Your Words Matter Today: Encouragement for Writers with a Small Platform

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Have you ever felt like your words don't really matter yet?

Like you need a publishing contract or a couple of books on a shelf before anyone will take you seriously? Honestly, before you take yourself seriously?

Or maybe you've stared at your subscriber count and felt the slow leak of discouragement that comes when the numbers don't match your effort. You pour yourself into the words, hit send, and then... silence. A low open rate. Maybe a few replies. Does anyone care?

Why Author Newsletter Replies Matter (and How to Get More Reader Responses)

From Edie: Discover why reader replies are the most powerful signal for a successful author newsletter. Learn simple strategies to encourage responses, strengthen reader relationships, and improve your email deliverability.

Why Author Newsletter Replies Matter (and How to Get More Reader Responses)

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Most authors think of newsletters as something they send. The best newsletters, however, are conversations.

Yet many writers will spend a lot of energy thinking about open rates, click rates, and list size. But there's one engagement signal that quietly outranks all of them—and most authors completely ignore it.

Email List Segmentation for Authors: How to Reach Readers and Increase Sales

From Edie: Email list segmentation helps authors improve deliverability, reach the right readers, and boost book sales. Learn a simple, practical system you can start today.

Email List Segmentation for Authors: How to Reach Readers and Increase Sales

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

"Grow your email list." No matter what stage of your writing career you're in, you've probably heard these words. Odds are, you've heard them more than once.

But the reality is that a large list doesn't automatically equal more book sales. A healthy, organized list does!

If you're sending the exact same email to everyone, including people who haven't opened a message from you in two years, you could actually be hurting your ability to reach the readers who do want your books. And thanks to recent changes from major email providers like Gmail and Yahoo, this isn't something to put off for "someday." It's a right-now issue.

Be Wanted in the Inbox: What Outlaws Can Teach Authors About Email List Health

From Edie: Want better email open rates and fewer spam problems? Discover what outlaws can teach authors about email list health, deliverability, and keeping your newsletter wanted in readers’ inboxes.

Be Wanted in the Inbox: What Outlaws Can Teach Authors About Email List Health

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Do you find that January is a natural reset for you as an author? For me, the first few days of the year bring time to pause, take a deep breath, and look forward to what's ahead. Maybe you're the same. I set a few goals, think about what writing I want to get done and the marketing that comes with it. I might clean my desk and do a few resets to figure out something new that might work. Have you ever considered that January might be a good time to give your email newsletter a refresh?

How Writers Can Finish the Year Strong: Simple December Newsletter Tips That Actually Work

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.

Substack vs. Traditional Email Platforms: What Writers Need to Know Before Making the Switch

From Edie: Discover the key differences between Substack and traditional email platforms. Learn what writers need to know before switching, and how to protect your author platform, reader relationships, and long-term marketing strategy.

Substack vs. Traditional Email Platforms: What Writers Need to Know Before Making the Switch

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

With recent changes to traditional email platforms, like MailerLite's new 500-subscriber threshold and Kit's pricing overhaul, many authors have been asking me if Substack might be a better option. I get it. The appeal of "free and simple" is strong, especially when you're watching platform costs climb.

But here's what you should understand before you make the switch: Substack looks like an email platform, but it behaves more like social media. And that difference matters more than you might think.

Email Marketing for Authors: How 2025 Platform Changes Impact Deliverability, Costs, and Growth

From Edie: Email marketing is evolving fast. Learn how 2025 platform changes—MailerLite, Kit, and more—impact authors, deliverability, and your email strategy.

Email Marketing for Authors: How 2025 Platform Changes Impact Deliverability, Costs, and Growth

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Email Platforms Are Changing. Why Does It Matter to Authors?

The world of email marketing isn’t static, and platforms are evolving fast. If you haven’t checked your email provider lately, now’s the time—especially as your list grows.

Recently, I’ve had a lot of questions about changes at MailerLite. But what most people don’t realize is that a shift started last year, and it’s important to recognize the technical changes happening on all email platforms. Here are a few things for authors to consider as we walk through the changes.

Writers: How to Read Email Reports to Improve Your Newsletters and Book Sales

From Edie: Learn how to read email reports as a writer. Discover what open rates, clicks, and unsubscribes reveal—and how they can boost your book sales.

Writers: How to Read Email Reports to Improve Your Newsletters and Book Sales

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

When you hit “send” on your newsletter, it’s tempting to check the “send newsletter” box and move on to the next thing on your list. But don’t forget about the little report your email platform generates after your email is sent. 

That’s golden information, you shouldn’t ignore it! (Or forget about it.) 

Your email reports are like a quiet conversation with your readers. They may not always reply directly, but their clicks, opens, and even their unsubscribes are speaking louder than you think. If you learn how to listen, those numbers become the key to writing better emails, building stronger relationships, and even growing your book sales.

Help Us Spread the Word: Join the Mountainside Novelist Retreat Influencer Team!

by Kate Huff & Edie Melson

Calling all authors, aspiring authors, writers—and even those who simply love the written word.

That’s all of us, right?

We’re excited to announce the Mountainside Novelist Retreat—and we’d love for YOU to be part of the team helping us spread the word! Think of it like a book launch, but instead of promoting a single story, you’ll be sharing about an event designed to change the trajectory of countless writers’ journeys.

How a Writer Can Turn Passive Newsletter Subscribers into a Thriving Community

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Have you ever written a newsletter you feel really great about…only to hear crickets?

No replies. No clicks. Not even a “Loved this!” from that one aunt who always replies or a “Got your newsletter today” from your bestie? 

If you have, you know it’s frustrating. And you’re not alone. A lot of time and effort go into putting together a newsletter. If you’ve written one for a while, you may wonder why your readers aren’t engaging like they used to. If you’re new to the newsletter world, you may wonder why your readers aren’t engaging like you thought they would. 

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? 

Reasons to Grow Your Author Subscriber List Through Your Newsletter

Edie here! Today I'm excited to introduce you to our newest columnist on The Write Conversation, Kate Huff. Kate is a good friend and someone who has a passion to help writers grow their visibility through newsletters and subscription marketing. I know you'll enjoy her valuable contributions. Please give her a warm TWC welcome! 

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

“Grow your newsletter subscriber list.”

These words are heard by every aspiring author at some point in his or her writing career. Usually, it’s heard fairly early in that career and can often cause many to wonder if writing is what they are called to do. 

When facing this question, you may ask yourself, “Why do I really need a newsletter, much less a certain number of subscribers? I don’t even have a book to promote!”