If you had to choose one platform to promote your books, build loyal fans, and keep sales going between launches—it wouldn’t be social media.
It’d be your author email list.
Email isn’t just alive—it’s thriving. And for authors, it’s still the most direct and effective way to reach readers who care about your work. But too many writers either ignore it or send boring blasts that get ignored.
In this post, you’ll learn how to grow a list from scratch—and keep it active, loyal, and responsive.
1. Why Your Author Email List Matters
Your author email list is your most valuable marketing asset. It’s the only platform you fully control.
With email, you can:
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Launch new books with built-in buzz
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Share personal updates and behind-the-scenes content
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Get reviews, feedback, and preorders
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Promote backlist books year-round
And unlike social media, you don’t have to fight an algorithm to reach your fans.
2. Offer a Killer Reader Magnet
To grow your list, give readers a reason to join—immediately. A reader magnet is a freebie you give in exchange for their email.
Popular reader magnets include:
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A free short story or prequel
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Bonus scenes or alternate endings
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A character interview
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Printable extras (e.g., maps, checklists, reading guides)
Make it relevant to your genre and promise it on your website, social bios, and in your book’s back matter.
Tip: “Get a free mystery short story straight to your inbox” is clearer than “Join my newsletter.”
3. Choose the Right Email Platform
Don’t send emails manually. Use a service that’s made for authors.
Look for platforms that let you:
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Create automated welcome sequences
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Segment readers by interests or series
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Customize branding (colors, fonts, logos)
Popular options for authors:
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MailerLite (great free plan + automation)
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ConvertKit (ideal for creators + tagging)
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EmailOctopus (affordable with clean UX)
- CraveBooks (simple author email capaigns)
Whatever you choose, stick with one and get familiar with the tools.
4. Build a Welcome Sequence
A welcome email is not enough. Create a short series to nurture new readers and let them know what to expect.
A simple 3-email sequence:
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Delivery – Send the magnet and introduce yourself
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Backlist – Suggest another book or series they might like
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Engagement – Ask a question or share something personal
This builds trust—and trains subscribers to open your emails.
Promote Your List Everywhere
Once your magnet and platform are in place, get the word out:
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Add signup forms to your website and blog
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Include links in your book’s back matter
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Post regular reminders on social media
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Mention it during author interviews or podcast appearances
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Swap mentions with other authors (newsletter swaps work!)
Make your list a regular part of your book marketing—not just a one-time effort.
6. Send Emails That Entertain (Not Just Sell)
Your list shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch. Think of your newsletter like a letter to a reader friend.
Types of content to send:
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Behind-the-scenes peeks at your writing process
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Book recs in your genre (build community!)
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Cover reveals and sneak peeks
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Seasonal updates and giveaways
Consistency matters more than frequency. Start with once or twice a month and build from there.
7. Keep It Clean and Compliant
An engaged list is better than a big one.
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Remove cold subscribers every few months
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Avoid purchased or scraped author email lists (it’s illegal and ineffective)
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Always include an unsubscribe link (GDPR + CAN-SPAM required)
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Use double opt-in if possible for cleaner data
Healthy lists = better open rates, click-throughs, and sales.
Start Simple, Stay Consistent
Your author email list isn’t just another marketing checkbox—it’s your home base. It lets you build a relationship with readers who’ll follow you across series, formats, and platforms.
Start with a strong magnet. Use a reliable platform. Send emails that deliver value.
And above all: make it personal, professional, and persistent.
You don’t need to be techy—you just need to start.
