Newsletters

[Tory Richards]

I must be the only author out there who doesn't do a newsletter but I've been thinking about starting one, lately. I'd like to hear back from those authors who do one, or from someone who did one but stopped it.

Is it a success? Does it help? Do you recommend one?

I'm at the point that I don't have any time to waste. I'm over extended and want to focus on those groups and networking sites that work for me.

Debbie

[Elaine Cantrell]

Every "expert" swears you have to have one, but I don't know if they work or not. I do a monthly newsletter, but I don't get loads of feedback from it. I expect they're good for keeping your name out there. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Elaine Cantrell
www.elainecantrell.com

[Lynda Coker]

Maybe I can give you some statistic in a few months concerning Cover2Cover. Since it is posted live on the net and does not require subscription, I'll have to rely on the number of reads and comments. Everything I've read said that newsletters are much like blogs, you have to give them time to mature and build and audience. I also recommend giving a lot of thought to the benefits-versus-the-time factor. Unless your reader base is big enough to off set your lost writing time, it can't be worth the effort. Just my opinion.
Lynda

[Celia Yeary]

I read Lynda's comment, and she's the expert among us--certainly, not I. I know a woman who does a newsletter, and she works hours on it. This business of self-promotion is new to us all. I was under the misinformed notion that you write a novel, you get it published, and then you sit back and wait for royalty checks. How wrong is that? I've also learned that even "the big girls" must do promo--think Sandra Brown and Nora Roberts. True, they have secretaries now who do much of the automatic tasks, but they work in a different manner--speaking engagements, etc. I read Nora Roberts' schedule for the month, and she would be traveling to several different states, etc. You didn't ask for all this, I realize, I'm just chattering about it. My first release will be at Thanksgiving, which means I haven't been at this business for a year, yet. But I do something every day to get my name out there, and I do not yet know all this will benefit me. I wish for a magic wand!! Over time, I have narrowed things down to those I enjoy--if I don't I don't do it. All in all, I have a good time. You too, Celia

[Tory Richards]

Thanks for your comments, ladies. I agree with some of everything you've said. It's just so hard to know what's a waste of time and what isn't. There's no formula to follow and it seems we're all doing the same things by joining groups, networking sites, etc.