Any writer will tell you that having your own newsletter can really boost your sales and help solidify your fanbase. A newsletter can be sent out to your email list on a regular basis, letting your subscribers know about new releases, deals, and giveaways. So why and how do they work? 

Newsletters work because they are going out to your subscribers, people who have signed up to hear about your books. Rather than taking a shot in the dark, these subscribers have shown interest by giving you their email address and are more likely to buy. If they stay subscribed then they are likely a fan and will look forward to reading your newsletter. There are many mailing sites such as MailChimp and Mailerlite where you can send newsletters for free up to a set number of subscribers before you sign up to a monthly plan. They are quick and easy to use.

Each writer differs, but it is important to pick a regular schedule to send your newsletter and stick to it. Some people send it once a week, others once a month. As long as you have new information to add to it, you can send it when you like. 

Newsletter swaps are a great way to expand your audience and show your book to a similar audience to yours. There are many groups on Facebook where you can set these up, but basically, you swap a book to feature in your newsletter with another author who writes in a similar genre. By sharing their book, you offer your audience a new potential book to read too. Cross promotion is a great way to get started.

How can you build your audience when first starting out? Along with newsletter swaps, you can find newsletter builders on Facebook too. These work by a group of authors signing up to promote their newsletters. They offer a prize - a gift card, for example, to encourage people to sign up. Some builders can gain an author several hundred new followers. 

It is encouraged to offer your audience something for signing up too. Perhaps a free book, or sample from an upcoming book to give them a taste for your writing. The first book in a series is usually a good option.

Building a newsletter takes time and builders cost money to join, but with a little effort, you can have your very own fanbase who will be excited to learn about your new books and will promote them too.

If you are stuck on what to include in your newsletter, consider the following:

Latest news - new books, something exciting in your personal life.

Promotions - any deals you have on your books.

Book swaps with other authors.

A giveaway - offer your subscribers the chance to win a gift card or a free book, or something unique which ties to your books.

You can research more ideas online and be sure to sign up to other authors' newsletters to see how they do it. Never let anyone tell you that newsletters are dead; they are an excellent way to reach readers.