Why Growing a Subscriber List is Crucial for Authors (and How to Do It)
When authors understand the power a subscriber list has, and they know how to build one, it opens doors
If there’s one piece of marketing advice every author should take to heart, it’s this:
Start growing your email subscriber list now.
Not after you’ve written the book. Not after you’ve launched. Not “someday.” Now.
Because here’s the truth: your mailing list is the most powerful marketing tool you own as an author.
Why a Subscriber List Matters More Than Social Media
Social media is great for visibility, but it’s borrowed space.
Algorithms change. That post you worked hard on might only reach 2% of your followers.
Platforms disappear. Remember MySpace? Vine? Tomorrow, it could be Instagram or X.
Followers aren’t yours. At any point, your account could be suspended or hacked.
But your email list?
It’s yours. No one can take it away.
It’s direct. You land straight in your reader’s inbox, not in a feed full of distractions.
It converts. Studies show email marketing drives higher sales conversions than social media.
When readers give you their email address, they’re saying, “I want to hear from you.” That’s powerful.
Right now, I have 41.4k followers on X, which sounds amazing. However, only a small percentage of these followers see my posts. And my current goal is to move as many of those followers to my subscriber list because I know that social media platforms don’t stand the test of time.
What a Mailing List Can Do for Authors
Launch Power — A list gives you guaranteed traction on release day. Even 100 subscribers can mean reviews, word-of-mouth, and sales.
Stronger Relationships — You’re not just shouting into the void; you’re building connections with people who care about your writing.
Better Marketing — You can segment, test, and refine your approach (something impossible on social media).
Long-Term Security — New book? Genre shift? Relaunch? Your list gives you a built-in audience to support you.
How to Start Growing Your List (Step by Step)
1. Pick an Email Service Provider
Don’t send emails from your personal account — it’s not scalable. Use a service built for creators.
Author-friendly options:
MailerLite (beginner-friendly, free up to 1,000 subscribers)
ConvertKit (powerful automation, free up to 1,000)
Substack (newsletter + blog combo, great for community building) I personally use this one and love it!
2. Create a Reader Magnet
A reader magnet is a free incentive that encourages sign-ups.
Ideas for authors:
A prequel short story
Bonus epilogue or deleted scene
A character sketch or world-building lore
A checklist or resource if you write nonfiction
Make it something that adds value and ties into your book(s).
3. Build a Landing Page
Your email provider will give you simple templates for a sign-up page. Keep it clean and focused.
Headline: What they get (“Get a Free Short Story When You Join My List”)
Subtext: Why it matters (“Exclusive content, book updates, and more”)
Form: Just name + email. The fewer fields, the higher the sign-ups.
4. Promote Your Sign-Up Everywhere
Growing your list doesn’t happen by accident — you have to tell readers about it.
Places to share:
Back matter of your books
Your website/blog
Social media bios and pinned posts
During guest posts, podcasts, or interviews
Book giveaways (include sign-up opportunities)
5. Send Consistent (But Valuable) Emails
Consistency matters more than frequency. You don’t need to email daily — once or twice a month works if you deliver value.
What to send:
Updates on your writing journey
Sneak peeks at covers, titles, or characters
Behind-the-scenes glimpses
Personal stories your readers can connect to
Book recommendations in your genre
Remember: your subscribers aren’t just numbers — they’re future superfans.
Tips for Growing Faster
Cross-promote with other authors. Swap newsletter mentions with writers in your genre.
Join newsletter promos. Services like BookFunnel & StoryOrigin let you grow through group giveaways.
Engage, don’t just sell. Give more than you ask. Build trust first.
Make it exclusive. Readers should feel like they’re getting special access by being on your list.
Growing an email list is like planting a garden.
At first, it feels slow. But every subscriber is a seed — nurture them, and you’ll see long-term growth, loyal readers, and successful book launches.
The best time to start your list was yesterday. The second-best time? Today.