From Zero to Superfan: The 2026 Romance Author Email Strategy Blueprint

Can we talk about something that’s been on my mind lately?

I’m watching Instagram change its algorithm every other Tuesday like it’s got commitment issues, and Facebook… well, Facebook is what it is at this point.

Meanwhile, I’ve got three grown boys who barely check social media regularly (they’re too busy living their lives, apparently), and I’m sitting here thinking: what’s the ONE thing that’s actually stable in this crazy online world we’re building our careers on?

Email.

Good old, boring, reliable email.

I know it’s not sexy. It’s not trendy. Nobody’s going to make a viral TikTok about your newsletter (probably). But here’s what you CAN do with email: turn someone who bought one book into someone who buys everything you write for the next decade.

After 10+ years building websites for romance authors AND writing romance myself (yes, I somehow find time to do both while also being a mom and running this business), I’ve seen the pattern clear as day.

The authors with thriving careers? They have email lists. Strong ones. Engaged ones.

The ones struggling? They’re usually relying entirely on social media and hoping for the best. Crossing their fingers that the algorithm gods smile upon them.

So let’s fix that in 2026, yeah?

Why Email is Your Secret Weapon (Even Though Everyone Says That)

Look, I know everyone and their mother’s book coach tells you to “build your list.” It’s become one of those things people say without explaining why.

But here’s why it actually matters for romance authors specifically:

You Own Your List

TikTok gets banned? Your list is fine.
Instagram changes algorithms? Your list is fine.
Facebook decides authors are spam? YOUR LIST IS STILL FINE.

When my oldest was in high school, I learned the hard way not to rely on one thing for anything important. Kid has a backup plan for his backup plan now (wonder where he learned that). Same principle applies to your author career.

Romance Readers Actually Check Their Email

Here’s something I’ve noticed building sites for over a hundred romance authors over the years: romance readers are engaged. They’re not just passively scrolling social media waiting for content to entertain them.

They’re actively looking for their next read. When they sign up for your list, they actually want to hear from you. They open emails. They click links. They respond to messages.

Try getting that kind of engagement on Instagram these days. I dare you.

Authors building dedicated audiences have more leverage and control over their careers

That’s not just about scoring traditional publishing deals (though that’s nice if you want it). It’s about being able to launch a book successfully whether or not BookTok decides to notice you that week.

It’s about having 5,000 people you can email directly when you have a new release, instead of hoping Instagram shows your post to more than 10% of your followers.

It’s about building something that can’t be taken away by a platform’s terms of service change.

The Math Actually Works

Email is the most effective marketing tool – subscribers get messages in their inbox vs. algorithm-filtered social Written Word Media.

Your Instagram post might reach 10% of your followers if you’re lucky and the algorithm is feeling generous.

Your email? Goes to everyone who signed up. Every single person sees it in their inbox.

Now, not everyone opens it (we’ll talk about open rates later), but at least it’s THERE. They made a conscious choice to delete it or ignore it. The algorithm didn’t make that choice for them.

That matters.

The 4-Phase Journey: Stranger to Superfan

Okay, so here’s how I think about email strategy after doing this for over a decade. It’s not just “send newsletters and hope for the best.” It’s a journey with four distinct phases, and understanding these phases changes everything.

Phase 1: List Building (Getting Them In the Door)

This is the “hey, want to be friends?” phase.

The Lead Magnet Situation

Lead magnets work – free chapters, deleted scenes, character interviews, exclusive short stories

But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way (and by “hard way” I mean “promising something I couldn’t deliver and then panicking”): your lead magnet needs to be good enough that people actually want it, but easy enough that you can actually deliver it without losing your mind.

What Works for Romance Authors:

First Chapter of Your Current Release
You’ve already written it. You just need to format it nicely as a PDF. Takes an hour tops. Gives readers a taste of your writing.

Prequel Novella to Your Series
This is gold if you can swing it. Readers get invested in the world before buying book one. But only do this if you actually have time to write it.

Deleted Scene from Fan-Favorite Character’s POV
Readers love this. It’s exclusive. It’s special. It’s usually shorter than a full novella so it won’t kill you to write it.

“Where Are They Now?” Epilogue
Show your beloved couple five years after their happily ever after. Bonus epilogues are crack to romance readers.

Character Interview or Mood Board
Quick to create, fun for readers, gives insight into your characters without requiring you to write a whole new story.

Reading Order Guide
If you have multiple series, this is genuinely useful. Include book descriptions, CW/TW if applicable, and your recommendation for reading order.

What Doesn’t Work:

❌ “Sign up for updates!” (Updates on what? Why should they care?)
❌ Generic “newsletter” with no specific incentive
❌ Promising something you can’t deliver in a reasonable timeframe
❌ Lead magnets that take you 6 months to create (I did this once, never again)

I learned this lesson when I promised a full novella and then realized I’d have to actually write a full novella while also working and parenting and living my life. Started with a deleted scene instead. Much smarter.

Where to Put Your Signup Form

In Your Books (This is Your Best Source):

Someone just read 300+ pages of your writing. They’re invested. They liked your voice enough to finish the book. Put a signup page in your back matter with a SPECIFIC offer.

Bad: “Join my newsletter for updates!”

Good: “Want a deleted scene showing Jake’s POV of that kiss scene? Get it free (plus exclusive bonus content, cover reveals, and early access to new releases) when you join my reader list at [link].”

See the difference? Specific. Valuable. Clear benefit.

On Your Website:

Listen, I build websites for a living, so I’m obviously biased here. But your website needs obvious, multiple places to sign up.

  • Homepage (prominent placement, not buried at the bottom)
  • Footer (on every page)
  • Sidebar (if your design includes one)
  • Dedicated landing page for your lead magnet
  • Exit-intent popup (not annoying, just “hey, before you go…”)

Not obnoxious about it. Just present. Available. Easy.

Social Media:

  • Link in bio goes to your lead magnet landing page
  • Pinned posts mentioning your freebie
  • Stories with the link sticker
  • Regular posts reminding people it exists

Make it easy. Don’t make people work to find how to sign up.

Group Promos Through BookFunnel or StoryOrigin:

Romance authors do really well with group giveaways. You’re getting in front of already-engaged readers who love your genre

Join a group promo with 10-20 other authors in your subgenre. Readers sign up to get 10-20 free books. You get new subscribers who like books similar to yours.

Fair Warning: Be prepared for a spike in signups. It’s exciting and also slightly terrifying when your list grows by 500 people in a weekend.

Also, group promo subscribers are typically less engaged than organic subscribers (they signed up for free books, not specifically for YOU). That’s normal. Some will become superfans. Some won’t. That’s the game.

Phase 2: Welcome Series (The First Impression That Matters)

Someone just signed up. They’re expecting your freebie. What you do in the next 3-7 days determines whether they actually open your future emails or just… forget about you.

A 4-6 email welcome sequence done right gets 60%+ open rates

That’s insane compared to regular newsletter open rates. Use it.

Here’s my approach (feel free to steal it):

Email 1: Deliver the Thing They Signed Up For (Immediately)

Send it within seconds of signup if possible. Automation is your friend here.

Include:

  • The promised freebie (with clear download instructions)
  • A warm, personal welcome
  • What to expect from you (how often you email, what kind of content)
  • Quick intro to who you are

Subject Line Ideas:

  • “Your free book is waiting! (Plus a quick hello)”
  • “Here’s that deleted scene you requested”
  • “Welcome! Your bonus chapter is inside”

Keep it simple, warm, and focused on delivering what you promised.

Email 2: Who Are You, Anyway? (2 Days Later)

Tell your story. Not your whole life story – just the relevant bits.

Why do you write romance? What do you love about the genre? What makes your books different? What should readers expect from your writing?

Include:

  • A bit about your journey as an author
  • What subgenres you write
  • What readers can expect from your books (heat level, tropes you love, etc.)
  • Personal details that make you relatable (I usually mention my three boys somewhere in here because honestly, living with that much testosterone while writing romance is its own comedy and I had a publisher tell me once that college-age boys don’t curse a lot. Obviously, she’s never met a college boy because my house is constantly full of them and the amount of MF and GD is insane)

Keep It Real:
“I started writing romance after reading a book that made me mad because it ended wrong. So I wrote my own. That was 10 years ago, and I’m still here writing the relationships I want to read about – with banter, heat, and happy endings that actually feel earned.”

See? Personal. Relatable. Not a corporate bio.

Email 3: Show Them Around (3 Days Later)

Where can they find your books? What should they read first? Any reader groups or social media they should follow?

Include:

  • Where to find your books (all the retailers, plus your store if you have one)
  • Reading order recommendations
  • Links to your reader group (if you have one)
  • Social media handles
  • Your website link

Make it easy for them to engage more if they want to.

Email 4: More Value (5 Days Later)

Give them something else useful or entertaining.

Ideas:

  • Another freebie (deleted scene from different book)
  • Reading recommendations from other authors
  • Trope talk about why you love enemies-to-lovers
  • Behind-the-scenes of your writing process
  • Character playlists

Keep providing value. Build the relationship.

Email 5: Soft Pitch (7 Days Later)

Okay, NOW you can gently suggest they might want to buy a book.

But frame it around what they’ll love, not what you need to sell.

Bad: “My new book is out and I really need you to buy it.”

Good: “If you loved the deleted scene I sent you, you’ll probably love the full book. It’s got that same enemies-to-lovers tension, that same banter, and that kiss scene happens in chapter 8. Grab it here if you’re interested: [link]”

Soft. Helpful. Benefit-focused.

The Key Thing About Welcome Series:

Set expectations early about how often you’ll email and what kind of content they’ll get MailerLite.

I email weekly. Some authors email monthly. Some email only at launches. All fine – just be clear upfront.

“You’ll hear from me every Tuesday with behind-the-scenes updates, exclusive content, and occasional book recommendations. I promise not to spam you, and you can unsubscribe anytime.”

Transparency builds trust.

Phase 3: Nurture (Keeping Them Hooked Long-Term)

This is the longest phase and honestly, where most authors get stuck. You’ve got subscribers. Now what? What do you actually send them?

Segmentation Changes Everything

Segment by subgenre or trope preferences – your billionaire romance readers get different content than your paranormal fans.

Real talk: I write websites for authors across every romance subgenre imaginable. Contemporary romance authors have different reader expectations than paranormal romance authors. Dark romance readers want different content than sweet small-town romance readers.

If you write multiple subgenres, segment your list. Tag people based on what they downloaded, what they clicked, what they bought.

How to Actually Do This:

Most email platforms (ConvertKit, MailerLite, ActiveCampaign) let you tag subscribers based on actions.

  • Clicked link about paranormal series? Tag: “paranormal”
  • Downloaded contemporary romance freebie? Tag: “contemporary”
  • Bought your dark romance book? Tag: “dark romance reader”

Then send targeted content. Your paranormal fans don’t need every email about your contemporary releases (though some crossover is fine).

What to Actually Send (The Content Ideas You’re Looking For)

Behind-the-Scenes Writing Stuff:

People love feeling like they’re part of the process.

  • Current word count updates
  • What you’re working on (without spoiling)
  • Character development struggles
  • Plot problems you’re solving
  • Research you’re doing
  • That scene that made you cry while writing it
  • When you realize your characters won’t cooperate

Just Keep It Interesting, Not Whiny:
“I’m at 45,000 words and my main character just told me she’s NOT in love with the guy I planned for her. She wants his brother. Cool, cool, cool. Guess I’m rewriting my outline. Again.”

That’s engaging. “I’m stuck and writing is hard and woe is me” gets old fast.

Dynamic Visual Content:

Romance readers in 2026 want dynamic content: GIFs, images, mood boards, teaser quotes.

I’m not saying you need to become a graphic designer (though I know a web designer who could help you with consistent branding… 😉). But adding visuals makes your emails more engaging.

  • Quote graphics from your books
  • Mood boards for upcoming releases
  • Character inspiration photos
  • Book cover reveals
  • GIFs that capture the vibe of a scene

Trope Talk:

Why do you love enemies-to-lovers? What makes a good forced proximity? Your take on why age gap romance gets unfairly judged?

Romance readers LOVE talking about tropes. Get them engaged.

“Let’s talk about why friends-to-lovers is superior to all other tropes and I will die on this hill. The mutual pining? The ‘we can’t risk the friendship’ angst? The moment they finally admit it? Chef’s kiss. Fight me.”

See? Fun. Engaging. Invites responses.

Reading Recommendations:

What are you reading? What books in your genre do you love? What should your readers check out?

Authors helping authors is good karma. Readers appreciate the recommendations. It’s a win-win.

Plus, other authors might return the favor and recommend your books to their lists.

Exclusive Content They Can’t Get Anywhere Else:

  • Deleted scenes
  • Character playlists with explanations
  • Mood boards for upcoming books
  • Q&As with your characters
  • “Where are they now” updates on past couples
  • Alternate POV scenes
  • Writing advice specific to romance

This is the stuff that reminds subscribers why being on your list is valuable. They’re getting things they can’t get anywhere else.

How Often to Email Without Being Annoying

Email frequency matters – finding the right balance prevents email fatigue while staying top-of-mind Written Word Media.

I send weekly. That works for me and my readers. Some authors do bi-weekly. Some monthly. Some only email at launches.

There’s no magic number, but here’s what I know after 10 years: consistency matters more than frequency.

Pick a schedule and stick to it. Your readers will get used to hearing from you on Tuesdays (or Fridays, or the first of the month, or whenever you choose).

And honestly? Most of us worry WAY more about “annoying” people than we should.

The people who don’t want your emails will unsubscribe. That’s fine. Let them go. They were never going to buy from you anyway.

Focus on the ones who DO want to hear from you. Those are your people.

Phase 4: Convert (Turning Readers Into Buyers)

Okay, so you’ve built trust. You’ve provided value. You’ve shown up consistently. Now you have something to sell. How do you do it without feeling gross or pushy?

New Release Launch Sequence

Email is the best way to promote backlist to new fans and launch new releases MailerLiteLulu Blog.

Here’s my standard launch sequence:

4 Weeks Out: Cover reveal to your list first (VIPs see it before social media)

3 Weeks Out: Pre-order announcement with exclusive bonus content (deleted scene, bonus epilogue, whatever)

2 Weeks Out: Sneak peek excerpt (couple paragraphs or a full chapter)

1 Week Out: Reminder with any early reviews, building excitement

Release Day: Big announcement with buy links everywhere, celebratory energy

Week After: Thank you email + ask for reviews + what’s coming next

2 Weeks After: Last call for pre-order bonus if you offered one

You don’t have to do every single one of these. But hitting your list multiple times during launch is good strategy, not annoying (assuming you’re providing value in each email, not just “BUY MY BOOK” on repeat).

Promoting Backlist

New subscribers haven’t read your backlist. They don’t know those books exist unless you tell them.

Strategy:
Every few weeks, spotlight an older book. Share why you love it, include reader testimonials, maybe offer a temporary discount.

“Can we talk about book 3 in the Riverside series for a second? This is the one where Emma’s best friend finally gets her story, and I’m still not over the scene in the rain. Readers say it’s their favorite in the series. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s on sale this week: [link]”

Automated Strategy:
Set up automations so when someone buys Book 1, they automatically get an email a week later about Book 2.

“Loved Book 1? Book 2 picks up right where we left off, and that cliffhanger you’re probably still thinking about? It gets resolved. Here’s chapter one: [link]”

This is automated income. Set it up once, it runs forever.

If You Have a Direct Sales Store

This is where your email list becomes even more valuable.

Strategies:

  • Exclusive subscriber discounts (10-15% off with code)
  • Early access to signed copies before general public
  • Limited edition drops announced to list first
  • Bundle deals only available to subscribers
  • Free shipping codes for email subscribers

Frame it as insider access, not “please buy from me instead of Amazon.”

“My email subscribers always get first dibs on signed editions. I’ve got 50 signed copies of the new release available starting tomorrow, but you can order yours right now before they’re gone: [link]”

Series Strategy (This Prints Money)

Someone just read Book 1. They probably want Book 2.

Send them an automated email:

“Just finished [Book 1 Title]? I know you probably need to know what happens next (sorry about that cliffhanger). Book 2 is waiting for you here, and it picks up exactly where Book 1 left off: [link]

P.S. Readers say Book 2 is even better than Book 1. Just saying.”

This is how you turn one book sale into a series binge.

Your 12-Month Email Content Calendar (Because You Asked)

I know you’re sitting there thinking “but what do I actually SEND every week?”

Here’s a framework you can steal and adapt:

January:

  • New Year reading goals / resolutions
  • What you’re excited about writing this year
  • Book recommendations for fresh starts
  • Reader survey: what do they want to see from you?

February:

  • Valentine’s content (even if your books aren’t sweet)
  • Favorite romantic moments in your books
  • Trope talk: why you love [insert trope]
  • Reader spotlight: feature a superfan

March:

  • Spring reading lists
  • Character profile deep-dives
  • Behind-the-scenes of editing process
  • Book birthday celebrations for past releases

April:

  • Writing process updates
  • Character development insights
  • “This or that” polls with your readers
  • Genre discussion: trends in romance

May:

  • Reader appreciation month
  • Feature reader reviews or fan art
  • Exclusive content for loyal subscribers
  • Gratitude and connection focus

June:

  • Summer reading recommendations
  • Beach/pool reads list
  • Vacation reading prep
  • Mood boards for upcoming releases

July:

  • Character deep-dives
  • Deleted scenes from popular books
  • Playlist shares with explanations
  • Mid-year goals check-in

August:

  • Fall release prep (if applicable)
  • Behind-the-scenes cover reveal process
  • Writing retreat or conference updates
  • Back-to-school (for characters who teach, etc.)

September:

  • Fall reading season kickoff
  • Cozy romance recommendations
  • Pumpkin spice everything (if that’s your vibe)
  • New release announcements

October:

  • Halloween content (paranormal authors go WILD)
  • Spooky romance recommendations
  • Character costumes / what they’d be for Halloween
  • Special October releases or sales

November:

  • Thanksgiving gratitude content
  • Black Friday shopping guide (your books as gifts)
  • Holiday shopping hints
  • Year in review prep

December:

  • Year in review
  • Holiday content and gift guides
  • What’s coming in 2026 preview
  • Subscriber appreciation

Obviously adjust this for your specific release schedule, but you get the idea.

Plan ahead. Batch content when possible. Your future self will thank you.

Tools That Don’t Make You Want to Scream

Let’s talk platforms because this actually matters.

Popular options: ConvertKit (now Kit), MailerLite, ActiveCampaign Email Marketing for Authors: Best-Selling Writers’ Guide – MailerLite +2.

I’ve worked with all of them building author websites. Here’s my honest take:

MailerLite

Best for: Beginners, tight budgets, simple needs

Pros:

  • Cheapest option (free up to 1,000 subscribers)
  • Easy to use
  • Clean interface
  • Good enough for most authors starting out

Cons:

  • Limited automation compared to others
  • Fewer advanced features
  • Basic reporting

My Take: Start here if you’re brand new to email marketing or on a tight budget. You can always upgrade later.

ConvertKit (now called Kit)

Best for: Authors serious about email, those who want automation

Pros:

  • Built specifically for creators
  • Amazing automation capabilities
  • Excellent tagging and segmentation
  • Great customer support
  • Landing pages included

Cons:

  • More expensive than MailerLite
  • Interface takes some getting used to
  • Can be overkill if you’re just starting

My Take: This is what I use. Worth the extra cost if you’re serious about building your list. The automation alone pays for itself.

Flodesk

Best for: Authors who care about beautiful design, visual branding, those who want simple and stunning

Pros:

  • Gorgeous templates (seriously, they’re beautiful)
  • Incredibly easy to use – drag and drop everything
  • Perfect for authors who want their emails to match their brand aesthetic
  • No learning curve – you can create a stunning email in minutes
  • Forms and landing pages included
  • Great for authors who value design but aren’t designers

Cons:

  • Limited automation compared to ConvertKit
  • Fewer segmentation options than ActiveCampaign
  • No free plan (flat monthly rate regardless of list size)
  • Reporting is basic
  • Not ideal if you need complex automation workflows

My Take: If you’re a visual person who wants your emails to look as gorgeous as your book covers without spending hours designing them, Flodesk is amazing. It’s the sweet spot between “pretty emails” and “actually functional.” Perfect for romance authors who want that aesthetic edge.

Start with MailerLite if budget is your main concern.

Choose Flodesk if you want beautiful emails that match your brand and you value design + simplicity over advanced automation. It’s especially great if you’re growing your list because the flat rate means you don’t pay more as you add subscribers.

Move to Kit if you outgrow the others or want sophisticated automation for series promotions and complex sequences.

Don’t overcomplicate it at the beginning.

Automation You Actually Need (Not the Fancy Stuff)

Welcome Sequence: Absolutely yes. Set it up once, it runs forever for every new subscriber.

Book 1 → Book 2 Promotion: If you write series, automate this. Tag people who click Book 1 links, auto-send Book 2 info a week later.

Re-engagement Sequence: If someone hasn’t opened in 6 months, send a “We miss you” email sequence before major holidays. Try to win them back.

That’s It to Start.

You can get fancier later with abandoned cart emails (if you have a store), purchase-based segmentation, behavior-triggered emails, etc.

But don’t let perfectionism keep you from starting. Simple automation that exists beats perfect automation that you never set up.

Metrics That Actually Matter (The Data Nerd Section)

I’m a web designer, so I’m kind of obsessed with data. Here’s what to track:

Open Rate

Industry Average for Authors: 20-30%

What It Means: Percentage of people who opened your email

Good: 25%+
Needs Work: Under 15%

If your open rate sucks, look at:

  • Subject lines (are they boring?)
  • Sending frequency (too often = fatigue)
  • List quality (lots of cold subscribers?)
  • Sender name (do they recognize you?)

Click Rate

Industry Average: 2-5%

What It Means: Percentage of people who clicked a link in your email

Good: 5-10%
Needs Work: Under 2%

If your click rate is low:

  • Are your CTAs clear?
  • Are you giving people a reason to click?
  • Too many links (confusing)?
  • Not enough links (no opportunity)?

Unsubscribe Rate

Normal: Under 0.5% per email

What It Means: People who opted out after that specific email

If it’s higher than 1%, something went wrong:

  • Email was off-brand or unexpected
  • Sending too frequently
  • Not providing value
  • Bought a list (never do this)

Don’t panic about unsubscribes. People leave. That’s normal. The ones who stay are your people.

Sales Attribution

This is The Big One

Use unique links or discount codes in your emails so you know which sales came from email.

Example: Email link to your book = yourbook.com/email
Social media link = yourbook.com/social

Track which one drives more sales. That tells you where to focus effort.

But Honestly? The Best Metric is Revenue.

If your email list is making you money, it’s working. If it’s not, something needs to change.

I’d rather have a 500-person list that buys than a 5,000-person list that doesn’t.

Size isn’t everything. (That’s what she said. Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

Common Email Mistakes I See All the Time

After building websites and working with authors for over a decade, here are the mistakes I see repeatedly:

Mistake #1: Being Too Salesy

If every email is “BUY MY BOOK BUY MY BOOK BUY MY BOOK,” people tune out fast.

The Fix: Provide value 80% of the time, pitch 20% of the time.

Share content. Tell stories. Build relationships. THEN sell.

Mistake #2: Boring Subject Lines

“Newsletter #47” isn’t getting opened.
“Update” isn’t getting opened.
“New Release” might get opened but it’s not exciting.

Better:

  • “I can’t believe I wrote that scene” (curiosity)
  • “Your exclusive first look at the cover” (benefit + exclusivity)
  • “Three books that made me ugly cry this month” (specific + relatable)
  • “The character who won’t cooperate” (intriguing)

Write subject lines like you’d write chapter titles – make people want to know more.

Mistake #3: Inconsistent Sending

Email weekly for two months. Nothing for four months. Three emails in one week. Nothing for two months.

The Fix: Pick a schedule. Stick to it. Even if it’s just monthly, be consistent.

Your readers should know when to expect you. Building that habit builds engagement.

Mistake #4: No Personality

Your emails sound like they were written by a corporate robot. Or worse, by ChatGPT.

The Fix: Write like you talk. Use contractions. Tell stories. Make jokes. Be yourself.

I once sent an email with a typo in the subject line (wrote “public” as “pubic”). The open rate was 10% higher than usual because people were curious about what disaster I’d created.

Sometimes mistakes make you more human. Embrace it.

Mistake #5: Not Segmenting

Sending the same email about your dark mafia romance to people who signed up for your sweet small-town series.

The Fix: Tag subscribers based on interests. Send targeted content.

You don’t have to segment everything. But sending book announcements to people who actually want that specific subgenre? That’s just smart.

Mistake #6: Forgetting Mobile

Most people check email on their phones Written Word Media.

If your email looks terrible on mobile, people delete it.

The Fix:

  • Keep paragraphs short
  • Use plenty of white space
  • Make buttons big enough to tap
  • Test on your own phone before sending

Open your sent email on your phone. If you’re annoyed trying to read it, your readers are too.

The Real Talk Section (Because I’m old and over the BS)

Email marketing isn’t magic.

It’s not going to make you a bestseller overnight. You’re not going to send one email and make $10,000. You’re not going to build a list of 10,000 raving fans in a month.

It’s a long game.

I’ve been doing this since my boys were in elementary school. They’re grown now. One’s graduated college, two are still in school. The lesson from parenting that applies here: consistency over intensity.

You don’t need to send the perfect email. You need to send emails. Regularly.

You don’t need 10,000 subscribers. You need engaged subscribers.

I know authors with 500-person lists who make full-time income because those 500 people buy everything they write. I know authors with 5,000-person lists who can’t sell 100 copies at launch because their list is cold and disengaged.

Size isn’t everything. Engagement is everything.

And engagement comes from:

  • Showing up consistently
  • Providing value
  • Being yourself
  • Building real relationships
  • Actually caring about your readers

You can’t fake that. You can’t automate that away. You can’t growth-hack your way to genuine connection.

You have to actually give a damn.

Your 90-Day Email Kickstart Plan

Okay, you’re ready to actually do this. Here’s your roadmap:

Month 1: Foundation

Week 1:

  • Choose your email platform (stop overthinking, just pick one)
  • Set up your account and connect your domain if applicable
  • Create your first lead magnet (good enough is good enough)

Week 2:

  • Write your 4-5 email welcome sequence
  • Set up automation for new subscribers
  • Create landing page for your lead magnet

Week 3:

  • Add signup forms to your website (multiple locations)
  • Update your book back matter with signup link
  • Create social media graphics promoting your freebie

Week 4:

  • Send your first regular newsletter
  • Start promoting your lead magnet everywhere
  • Track your first week’s metrics

Month 2: Consistency

  • Email weekly (or whatever schedule you chose)
  • Track what people click on (this tells you what they care about)
  • Start tagging/segmenting based on interests and clicks
  • Test different types of content (personal stories vs book content vs recommendations)
  • Don’t panic about unsubscribes (seriously, it’s normal)
  • Engage with replies (yes, actually respond to people who email you back)

Month 3: Refinement

  • Look at your data – what’s actually working?
  • Improve subject lines based on open rates
  • Try different content types to see what resonates
  • Add more automation if you’re ready (book 1 to book 2 sequence, etc.)
  • Start promoting products naturally (not every email, but regularly)
  • Survey your list – ask what they want to see

Then Keep Going:

This isn’t a “do it for 90 days and quit” thing. This is a career-long strategy.

But if you do these 90 days consistently, you’ll have a solid foundation. You’ll understand what your readers want. You’ll have systems in place.

And six months from now, you’ll be so glad you started.

A year from now? You’ll have an actual asset that’s driving sales and income.

Two years from now? This will be one of the most valuable parts of your author business.

When You Need Help (And That’s Totally Okay)

Look, I get it. You’re an author. You want to write books, not become an email marketing expert or a tech wizard.

Some things you can learn. Some things are better to delegate.

If you’re struggling with the tech setup, there are services that do this. If you hate writing promotional content (and lots of authors do), hire a copywriter who actually gets the romance industry. I love working with Dark Roast Copy Co – she’s a huge reader and she gets authors!

And if your website isn’t set up to actually capture email addresses effectively? Well, I might know someone who can help with that… (Hi, it’s me.)

We build websites for romance authors that are specifically designed to grow email lists:

  • Signup forms that don’t look like spam
  • Landing pages that actually convert
  • Integration with your email platform so everything works seamlessly
  • Mobile-optimized (because most signups happen on phones)
  • Clear CTAs that people actually click

Because here’s the thing: email marketing only works if you can actually get people on your list in the first place.

And that starts with your website.

Our There’s Only One Bed Package includes:

  • Custom website design
  • Strategic email signup placement
  • Landing pages for lead magnets
  • Email platform integration
  • Mobile optimization
  • 30 days launch support

Starting at $1,500 (2026 pricing: $2,200)

Want to talk about building a website that grows your list? Schedule a Meet Cute call and let’s discuss what’s possible for your author business in 2026.

The Bottom Line (What I Want You to Remember)

Email isn’t sexy. It’s not going to go viral. It’s not going to get you featured on BookTok or make you internet famous.

But it’s yours. It’s stable. It’s the foundation of a sustainable author career.

Social media is rented land. You’re building on someone else’s property, following someone else’s rules, at the mercy of someone else’s algorithm.

Your email list? That’s property you own.

In 2026, while everyone else is panicking about the latest algorithm change or platform drama or potential TikTok ban, you’ll be over here with your list. Sending emails to people who actually want to hear from you. Selling books. Building relationships. Growing a career that lasts.

That’s the goal, right? Not just one book. Not just one viral moment. A career. A business. Something sustainable.

Something that doesn’t disappear when a platform changes its mind about creators.

Start building your list now. Future you (and future you’s bank account) will thank you.

2026 is three weeks away. That’s not “someday.” That’s basically tomorrow in author time.

What are you going to do with it?

P.S. About Those Price Changes

Book now for 2026 and lock in 2025 pricing through the end of December. After January 1, prices increase:

  • Websites: $1,500 → $2,200
  • Stores: $2,000 → $2,800
  • Combined packages: $3,000 → $4,200

Not trying to create false urgency. Just being transparent about what’s coming.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a website that actually grows your email list, now’s the time to schedule your Meet Cute call and lock in current pricing.

Work With Us