As authors, we all need readers. People actually buying and reading our books.

Building a readership is one of the biggest challenges facing any author, especially if you're self-published. You're expected to do the writing, the marketing, and the publishing. It's a lot!

But there is one audience-building strategy that is almost foolproof - and that's building an email list. Building an email list is a crucial strategy for authors looking to engage with their readers effectively. Despite the rise of social media and other digital marketing tools, email remains one of the most powerful and reliable means of communication and sales. If you're an author, here's why you should prioritise creating and nurturing an email list.

Direct Access to Readers

An email list gives you, as an author, a direct line of communication with your readers. Unlike social media, where algorithms can restrict or even cut visibility, emails go straight to subscribers who have chosen to receive updates. This allows you to reach a targeted audience that is genuinely interested in your work and eagerly awaits your next release, whether it's a new book, special offer, or event announcement.

Building Relationships

Email allows for more personal interactions compared to other platforms too. As an author, you can foster deeper relationships with your readers by sending regular updates and encouraging feedback. This two-way communication helps create a sense of community and trust, transforming casual readers into dedicated fans. Allowing fans to interact with you as an author makes them feel recognised, human, and appreciated. This in turn, makes them more likely to buy your books and market them on your behalf.

Control and Ownership

When you build your email list, you own that list. It’s yours. And that’s crucial.

This ownership means you can move it between different email service providers without losing access to your subscribers. In contrast, social media platforms can change their rules or algorithms at any time, potentially limiting your reach. An email list is a stable asset that you can rely on for consistent communication.

Effective Marketing Tool

Email marketing is remarkably effective for book promotion. Studies have shown that email is nearly 100 times more effective than social media for selling books. As an author, you can leverage your lists for targeted marketing campaigns during book launches or promotional events, ensuring that your messages reach those most likely to engage with them.

Valuable Insights

An email list serves as a ready-made focus group for authors. By sending out surveys or polls, you can gather insights about your readers' preferences, reading habits, and interests. This feedback can inform future writing projects and marketing strategies, making it easier to tailor content that resonates with your audience.

Cost-Effective and Easy to Set Up

Setting up an email list is not only straightforward but also cost-effective. Many platforms offer free plans with basic features that are sufficient for new authors. Even if you opt for paid services later on, the investment is minimal compared to the potential returns in terms of reader engagement and book sales.

I use Beehiiv to keep in touch with my audience - and monetise things along the way - even without book sales.

The Wrap-up

In an era where digital communication is constantly evolving, building an email list remains a fundamental practice for authors. It offers you, as an author, direct access to readers, fosters meaningful relationships, provides control over marketing efforts, and serves as a valuable tool for gathering insights. By prioritizing an email list, you can ensure you maintain a strong connection with your audience and enhance your overall marketing strategy.