Author Newsletters: How to Set Up Email Lists and Lead Magnets
Building an email list? Learn to set up signup boxes, design lead magnets, and automate welcome emails.
Marcus Sterling
Creative Director
"An email list is an author’s most valuable marketing asset. Unlike social media algorithms, an email list lets you reach readers directly whenever you release a new book."
Core Key Takeaways
- Designing High-Value Lead Magnets
- Setting Up an Email Marketing Platform
- Designing Welcome Email Sequences
1. Designing High-Value Lead Magnets
Offer a free short story, deleted scenes, or printable workbook (a lead magnet) in exchange for reader email signups.
- Design clean lead magnets (EPUB or PDF) related to your book.
- Promote signup forms in your book’s back matter.
- Use landing pages to convert website visitors to newsletter signups.
2. Setting Up an Email Marketing Platform
Choose email services (like MailerLite or ConvertKit) to manage list collections and automate newsletters.
3. Designing Welcome Email Sequences
Set up an automated welcome email that delivers the lead magnet and introduces your author brand to new subscribers.
The Takeaway
Email newsletters drive launch week sales. The marketing department at Golden Ivory Publishing sets up author mailing lists and templates.
Bring Your Manuscript to Life with Golden Ivory
Schedule a 1-on-1 publishing consultation to discuss your editorial, formatting, design, and distribution roadmap.