Introduction
In a world where writers and readers are more connected than ever, an author newsletter serves as a personal bridge between the two. It’s not just an announcement board for upcoming books, but a space where authors can share their journey, thoughts, and a bit of themselves. A good newsletter keeps readers interested and makes them look forward to every update. Here are the top eight things every author should include in theirs.
1. A Warm Personal Note
Every great newsletter begins with a touch of warmth. A personal note sets the tone and makes readers feel like they’re hearing from a friend rather than just an author promoting their work. It’s your chance to speak directly to your audience in a natural, conversational way.
Start with a short greeting or a few heartfelt lines something simple yet connecting. You might talk about how your week has been, where you’ve been writing from, or even what inspired you recently. For instance, sharing that you spent the afternoon writing at a quiet café or that you’ve been struggling with a tricky chapter makes your readers feel closer to your creative journey.
A personal note also shows your personality whether you’re humorous, thoughtful, or softly introspective. Readers aren’t only drawn to your books; they’re drawn to you. So, your tone here should feel genuine and unpolished as if you’re writing a letter to an old friend rather than an announcement to hundreds of subscribers.
The best author newsletters don’t rush into updates or promotions right away. Instead, they begin with something that reminds readers of the human behind the words. A few honest sentences can build a sense of familiarity and trust-the kind that keeps people opening your newsletters again and again.
2. Writing or Book Updates
After your personal note, your readers naturally want to know what’s new in your writing life. Sharing writing or book updates helps them stay connected to your creative progress and gives them something to look forward to.
You don’t need to announce something big every time, it’s the small details that can make your newsletter engaging. Tell them if you’ve finished a new chapter, are in the middle of editing, or are exploring an exciting idea for your next story. Readers enjoy seeing how a book comes to life, step by step.
If you have an upcoming release, you can talk about the publishing date, pre-order links, or what the story means to you personally. You might also share your emotions whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or gratitude. These emotions make your newsletter feel authentic rather than promotional.
Regular updates also help readers feel included in your journey. It’s like they’re part of your creative circle- witnessing your growth, challenges, and milestones. Over time, this familiarity builds loyalty and makes your readers genuinely care about your work.
3. Exclusive Sneak Peeks
Everyone loves getting something special that isn’t available anywhere else. Including exclusive sneak peeks in your author newsletter is a great way to reward your readers for being part of your mailing list. It could be a few lines from your upcoming book, a first look at the cover, or even a deleted scene that didn’t make it into the final draft.
These small “insider moments” make readers feel valued and trusted. It gives them the sense that they’re part of your inner circle, that they’re seeing something before the rest of the world does. That feeling of exclusivity often keeps readers excited for every new email.
You can also share little creative experiments like maybe a poem you’ve written, a quote from your notebook, or a short story idea you’re developing. It doesn’t always have to be polished; sometimes, readers love seeing your raw, in-progress thoughts.
The key is to make your audience feel that they’re getting something unique just for being with you. A thoughtful sneak peek not only keeps them curious but also builds anticipation for your next book or project in a natural, heartfelt way.
4. Reading Recommendations
Readers always love knowing what their favourite authors are reading. Adding book recommendations to your newsletter is a simple yet meaningful way to connect with your audience on a deeper, literary level. It shows that you’re not just a writer, but also a fellow reader who finds joy and inspiration in stories.
You can share a few books you’ve recently read, those that influenced your writing, or classics that still linger in your mind. Write a line or two about why you liked them. Maybe it was the author’s voice, the themes, or simply how the story made you feel. These small personal touches make your recommendations feel genuine rather than forced.
You might even suggest books that are similar to your own style or genre. For example, if you write romance, share your favourite love stories; if you’re a thriller author, talk about suspenseful reads that kept you awake all night. This helps readers understand your literary taste and often draws them closer to your own work. Reading recommendations turn your newsletter into a space for shared discovery where both the author and readers celebrate the power of books together.
5. Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Every reader is secretly curious about what goes on inside a writer’s mind. Sharing behind-the-scenes stories lets them peek into your creative process. How your ideas take shape, how you build characters, or even how you deal with writer’s block.
This section doesn’t have to be formal or deeply analytical. You could write about the song that inspired a scene, the late-night moment when a plot twist came to you, or how a conversation in a café sparked a story idea. These glimpses make your newsletter feel relatable, and real.
Readers are often fascinated by the messy, magical parts of writing- the drafts that didn’t work, the rejections you learned from, or the emotions that go into every word you write. When you share these bits honestly, your readers begin to see not just your finished books, but the effort and heart behind them. Behind-the-scenes insights remind your audience that creativity isn’t perfect, it’s an ongoing, beautiful process. And when you let them into that space, they become more than readers; they become part of your writing journey.
6. Writing Tips or Reflections
Many people who subscribe to author newsletters are either writers themselves or readers who admire the art of writing. Sharing writing tips, reflections, or small lessons you’ve learned can make your newsletter both helpful and inspiring.
You can include short, thoughtful advice like how to overcome creative burnout, how to find story ideas, or how to stay motivated when writing feels tough. You could also share personal reflections on what writing means to you, maybe a moment that reminded you why you started writing in the first place.
Adding writing reflections shows that you’re not only sharing your work but also your wisdom and experiences. It turns your newsletter into a comforting space where creativity, honesty, and learning meet which is something readers truly look forward to.
7. Events and Appearances
Sharing information about your events and appearances is a wonderful way to keep readers involved in your journey beyond the page. Whether it’s a book launch, signing, interview, or even a virtual Q&A, mentioning these details allows your audience to support you and feel part of your world. Readers often love seeing the faces behind the stories they adore so inviting them to events gives your newsletter a warm, personal touch.
You can also use this section to talk about how those experiences felt. Instead of just listing dates or links, share small reflections about how nervous you were before a reading, or how it felt to finally meet your readers in person. These glimpses make your updates more engaging and relatable. Even if you don’t have big events planned, you can still talk about literary festivals you’re attending, collaborations you’re working on, or podcasts you’ve been featured in. Keeping this section alive shows that your writing life is active, and it encourages readers to stay connected with everything you do.
8. Useful Links and Contact Information
Every newsletter should end with an easy way for readers to stay in touch. Including links to your books, website, and social media handles makes it simple for your audience to find you and explore more of your work. It’s also a gentle reminder for them to support your writing whether by following you, buying your latest book, or sharing your newsletter with friends.
You can also make this section feel personal by adding short notes beside each link. For example: “Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes writing moments,” or “Read my latest short story here.” This feels more natural than simply listing links. Some authors even include a short thank-you message which is a reminder that every reader matters. Ending your newsletter this way gives it a neat, friendly closure and keeps the bond between you and your readers strong long after they’ve finished reading.
Conclusion
An author newsletter works best when it feels warm, personal, and engaging. It’s not about selling books, but about creating lasting relationships with readers. When you share a mix of updates, stories, and small personal touches, your newsletter becomes more than an email-it becomes a piece of your writing life that readers can’t wait to open.
