by Marilyn Levinson
For the longest time, every book-promoting guru I listened to insisted an author needed a newsletter. A newsletter was essential. It was the best way to communicate with one’s readers. And for the longest time I refused to take the plunge. What did I have to say, I wondered, that I couldn’t put in a blog or on my Facebook page? Besides, weren’t newsletters a lot of trouble to set up and distribute?
Then three years ago I realized time had come to update my website. A website is a necessity in every writer’s promotion arsenal, and mine—which had well served its purpose—was now a Model-T Ford among SUVs and hybrids. Since the person creating my new website used WIX, I thought it only logical to use WIX to send out my newsletters, which they now call an email campaign.
It took quite a number of lessons to learn how to compose a WIX newsletter, and I certainly haven’t taken advantage of all of the bells and whistles. Still, I now manage to put out a newsletter every six to eight weeks. Much to my surprise, I’ve discovered this is something I enjoy.
Basically, my newsletter consists of three parts
In the first part, I post a picture that reflects the season and write about what’s happening in my personal and professional life.
The second part I devote to news regarding my books, book-related events, and giveaways. (I did my first giveaway in the latest newsletter.)
In the third section I list and sometimes comment on books I’ve read, movies I’ve seen, and series and shows I’ve watched on TV, Netflix, and Prime. Then off it goes—to subscribers as well as to my Facebook page, Pinterest board, and Twitter account.
The best part of sending out a newsletter is hearing back from readers. Many write to let me know how much they enjoy receiving it. They like hearing updates about my books and often share what they’re reading and watching. WIX gives you detailed statistics of how well your campaign went, and I’m pleased by the high percentage of people who open my email campaigns.
If you’re an author and thinking of starting a newsletter, I say go for it! I think the secret of having one that’s effective is to be yourself and share your thoughts and aspects of your life with your readers.
You might want to include some thngs in your newsletter to make it unique: photos of trips, recipes, your pet’s escapades. And, of course, keep readers up to date on your writing life.
A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes novels for kids, mysteries, and romantic suspense. Her books have received many accolades. As Allison Brook she writes the Haunted Library series. Death Overdue, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. The fourth, Checked Out for Murder, will launch in September 2020.
