My inaugural newsletter will be going out tomorrow. Ish. While I was writing it, I saw a discussion about author newsletters on an email loop I belong to, and it made me ponder what people expect, or want, from a newsletter.
Some people said they hated chatty newsletters, and all they wanted was info on new releases and where to get them. Others felt that latter type is akin to a spammy sales pitch.
I actually prefer a newsletter that is a little chatty, because I view it as an extension of the author's stuff on Facebook (which I can only hope FB will let me see) or on Twitter (which can be easy to miss since it's real-time chatter 24/7). Since it's also getting harder to find time to read individual blogs, it's nice to have a little bit of that in an email form.
Also, a newsletter IS a letter, with news in it, so I do want to see info on book-related items, sales, upcoming releases, etc.
So when you get my newsletter, it will be a blend of the things I prefer. I hope you'll find it entertaining, and informative. I also like to think it's a way to stay in touch, in case the other methods we currently use change drastically (like if FB decides to charge a zillion dollars just to sign in to our accounts).
If you haven't had a chance to sign up yet, I've got a link below. I will be picking one lucky signer upper, someone who subscribes in January, to win a $10 gift card. And eek--how are we almost done with January already?!
G'damn, I can't remember if I signed up and with which email address.
And I like chatty. It'll make it different from all other newsletters we sign up for. Sigh.
So... when am I getting Wastrel?
Posted by: Eleanor | January 29, 2014 at 07:38 AM
Eleanor, no worries! You are signed up. And I'm glad you like chatty. Hopefully we aren't the only ones. LOL
You will be getting Wastrel soon-ish. When he's all finished, and shiny and pretty, and. . .hopefully more soon-ish than later-ish. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 29, 2014 at 07:40 AM
I agree... there are a lot of opinions about newsletters, and I'm still trying to find a balance with my own. I say: Do what you like! I'm looking forward to yours!
Posted by: Lorraine Paton | January 29, 2014 at 10:24 AM
I'm personally a fan of the chatty type with some relevant news thrown in. Call me blend girl, LOL.
I'm looking forward to your first one! :)
Posted by: Mae Clair | January 29, 2014 at 01:50 PM
Lorraine, I've got to sign up for yours! I definitely agree about doing what you like -- that's really the best part about being a grownup, as far as I'm concerned. LOL
Mae, yay for another blend girl. LOL Hope you enjoy the newsletter -- it feels kind of like my blogs, in an email form. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 29, 2014 at 06:08 PM
I'm now subscribed with 2 e-mail addresses. Would like to remove one (quantumphase.....) if possible, perhaps the newsletter will give me this option.
In the newsletter I would like to see info on release dates etc (of course) with any tidbits about background to the stories, what inspired the ideas etc. Like did you really attend a wedding when a gun went off! LOL
Just be yourself Donna ....and it will be wonderful :)
Posted by: Quantum | January 30, 2014 at 05:47 AM
Q, I think I can remove an address. I'll find out! Thanks for giving me a chance to learn something new. :)
I haven't attended a wedding like that -- yet! LOL But things I see or do have a way of finding their way into stories. So that's a good idea about giving background info. Of course, it'll be tempting to embellish it!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 30, 2014 at 07:11 AM