I recently attended a writing conference and sat in on the session of an acquisitions editor from a small press. The session was titled "Book Proposal Pitfalls." When asked how many newsletter subscribers he looks for when authors submit a book proposal to him, he answered, "I would never consider anyone who has under 300-400 subscribers. A larger publishing house would look for even more."
I'm going to be completely transparent with you. Sitting in that room, knowing I had only 21 newsletter subscribers, I was not feeling good about myself. Everyone starts somewhere, but I felt I had never gotten past the "start." I could tell that many others in the room were discouraged by such numbers.
Thankfully, someone asked the follow-up, "What can we do to grow our subscriber numbers?"
While this editor gave us one strong way, which I will share with you in no. 1, I'd like to add four other methods to that list. These are things that I'm working on right alongside you, so understand that you are not alone and that I am immersing myself headfirst in this advice, too.
And even if you aren't seeing results right away, I really think that Aesop's tortoise was onto something: slow and steady wins the race.
1: Freebie
Some of the best advice anyone is going to give you regarding growing your newsletter subscribers is offer an exclusive freebie. For authors, this should be a short story, novelette, or novelella that somehow relates to your books or upcoming book.
There's the kicker. Don't offer just any short story. If you're trying to build newsletter subscribers so you can pitch your sci-fi book, don't write a contemporary romance short story. Likewise, if you're telling your newsletters to get excited about your upcoming fantasy novel, don't give them a historical fiction novella. Give them something that makes them look forward to your other main content.
Does that mean you should never write outside of your genre? Of course not! I believe there is so much value in trying new genres. However, if you're building your subscriber list in hopes of pitching a manuscript, bring in the right audience for your writing by offering them a free story within your genre.
What if you don't have any new ideas? I've got good news for you: you don't need an entirely new idea! I've seen many authors include a prequel to their novel or a spinoff short story with a side character as the main character. There are several things you can do within the universe you already have.
For example, I am writing a historical fiction novel where the main characters are three siblings. For my newsletter freebie, I'm writing a novelette where their parents are the main characters about how they came to live in the Yukon (and the dangers that came along with that journey).
2: Business Cards
Solidify your branding by creating a business card with a QR code to your newsletter. You'll feel so professional! If you already have a logo in your newsletter, feel free to use that. If you don't have one yet or think yours could use an update, create something that you feel portrays yourself and your writing well. Canva is my favorite free software to make one. Then, once you have designed a business card to your liking (you can also use Canva), print through somewhere like Staples. For a front and back color business card, you can get 250 for only $22.99!
By having business cards, it's an easy way to help people follow through on supporting you. When people hear I'm a writer, many say, "Oh, I'll buy your book when it comes out!" or "Keep me updated!" What better way than to actually let them follow up on that by handing them a business card with a QR code to subscribe to your newsletter on it?
3. Share on Personal Platforms
As an author, you should have social media platforms that you upkeep regularly. However, we don't always thinking about directing the our friends and family from our personal social media over to our professional platforms.
I get it. It's daunting. It's vulnerable. Your writing is a work near and dear to your heart. Do you really want people you know in real life talking to you about your writing?
Chances are, theses are the people that really care. These are the people that will really follow through on buying your book when it releases. It's worth it to take that extra step and post on your personal platforms what's going on: you have a newsletter, you're getting your subscriber numbers up for pitching, and you need help! If you already have your freebie or an idea of the content you'll be putting in your newsletter, along with how frequent you'll send out newsletters, let them know that, too.
4. Host a Giveaway
Everyone loves free stuff! Why not host a giveaway on your author platform? Offer a book, stickers, merch, a book off their Amazon wishlist, a Kindle Unlimited subscription, or anything else related to you or your writing. As rules for entering, have people subscribe to your newsletter.
Use relevant hashtags to get your content noticed, and make sure you have the link somewhere in your bio! Whether it can be clicked directly or through Linktree, that's a must. Most people will give up if they have to type in the link themselves.
5. Make it Visible on your Author Website
Right on your homepage, make an easy way for someone to find and subscribe to your newsletter. Whether that be a pop-up form, a link, or a hompage form, let people know you have a newsletter.
If you want to make it even more appealing, let people know your freebie (if you have one yet), what will be in your newsletter, and how frequent it will be (I recommend monthly).
Network, Network, Network
With a bit of bravery and hard work, I believe you can grow those newsletter subscribers. Reach out to your current friends and family, finish that freebie, and print those business cards! You'll be feeling like a professional in no time.
Let me know in the comments how I can help you grow your author platform, and drop the link to your own newsletter subscription form. I'd love to add an extra number to your reach.
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