Make Your Newsletter Personal...but not too Personal

Snack-Sized Advice for Authors

Hi Writers,

Let's talk about the delicate art of being personal in your newsletters without making your readers feel like they're accidentally reading your diary. Trust me, there's a fine line between "relatable content" and "too much information," and I'm here to help you walk that line like a literary tightrope walker.

Develop Your Author Archetype: Your Interests as Your Newsletter Superpower

Think of your newsletter as your personal brand's superhero origin story. The key is to focus on the parts of yourself that genuinely connect with your writing genre.

Are you a historical fiction writer who loves exploring abandoned places? Suddenly, your newsletter becomes a treasure trove of spooky historical tidbits. Writing fantasy romance and obsessed with tarot? Your readers will eat up those mystical insights!

Content Strategy: Align your personal interests with your writing genre to create:

• Unique content themes

• Consistent brand messaging

• Authentic reader connection

Pro tip: Your interests aren't just random facts—they're the secret sauce that makes your newsletter uniquely yours. If you're a mystery writer who's into urban exploration, share those intriguing location scouting stories. If you write small-town romances and you're a pie-baking enthusiast, let those culinary adventures shine!

Embrace the Wild World of Weird Holidays

Who knew calendars could be such a goldmine of newsletter content? Every day is some kind of holiday, and they're perfect for adding a playful personal touch.

Writing shifter romance? Polar Bear Day just became your best friend! Imagine dropping a newsletter that says, "Happy Polar Bear Day! Speaking of bears, wait until you hear about the shapeshifting hero in my latest book..."

Or maybe you're working on a small-town romance with a bakery setting, and it's National Apple Pie Day. Suddenly, you've got the perfect hook to connect your personal experiences with your writing. "Guess what? It's National Apple Pie Day, and my characters are about to bake up something sweet!"

Here’s a list of holidays by month and day: https://www.holidayinsights.com/

The Magic of Low-Stakes Reader Engagement

Ask questions that invite interaction without feeling invasive. Instead of "What's your deepest fear?" try "Apple pie or chocolate pie?" These light-hearted choices create connection without crossing personal boundaries.

Some fun engagement prompts:

- "Coffee or tea while reading?"

- "Beach vacation or mountain retreat?"

- "Hardcover books or e-readers?"

The goal is to make readers feel like they're part of a conversation, not filling out a therapy questionnaire.

Pro tip: And always ask your readers to reply to your newsletter - this gets the conversation going and gets your newsletter out of the spam box.

Your World, Their Inspiration

Newsletters are about storytelling—and that includes the stories behind your stories! Share photos of places that inspire your writing. That misty mountain you visited? The quirky café where you love to write? These snapshots give readers a window into your creative process.

Don't feel pressured to include yourself in every photo. A landscape that inspired a scene, a book-lined writing nook, or a view that sparked a plot twist—these are gold! Readers love seeing the real-world magic that becomes fiction.

Pets: The Universal Newsletter Crowd-Pleaser

Let's be real: People are absolutely obsessed with animals. Your cat sitting on your manuscript? Your dog "helping" you edit? Pure newsletter gold.

Not only do pet photos create an instant connection, but they also humanize you. Ask your readers to share their own furry (or scaly, or feathered) friends. Suddenly, your newsletter becomes a community space where everyone feels welcome.

Key Takeaways for Killer Newsletter Content

• Create a consistent, authentic personal brand

• Engage readers without oversharing

• Use strategic, interesting content hooks

• Build a community around your writing

The perfect newsletter is like a great conversation with a friend—personal, engaging, but never uncomfortably intimate. It's about creating connection, sharing your world, and inviting readers into the spaces where your creativity lives.

Ready to Transform Your Newsletter?

So go forth, newsletter writers! Be personal, be playful, and most importantly, be you—just the version of you that's ready for prime time.

Bonus Tip: Consistency is key in newsletter marketing. Aim to send newsletters regularly and maintain your unique voice to build a loyal readership.

Happy writing (and newsletter-ing)!