I’ve been kicking around the idea of a newsletter for writers recently. I’m thinking I’d like a way to bring the Tumblemoose readership the latest news from the writing world. I’m hoping that this could be a forum for those smaller tidbits that are worthy of publication, but not long enough for a blog post. It seems like a writer’s newsletter is the way to do this.
I would envision sections for writing tips, news from the publishing industry, freelance jobs, writing web site reviews, worthy blog posts of the week and then anything else related to writing.
Here’s where you come in
I need a little help, folks. If I’m going to do this, I want it to be something you want.
In terms of feedback, here is what I’d like to know:
- Would this kind of thing be helpful to you?
- How do you feel about getting newsletters?
- If you’re not a subscriber, would it push you that direction?
In terms of logistics, if you already provide a newsletter:
- How often do you publish? Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly?
- Do you automatically send it to your RSS subscribers or do they have to specifically have to sign up to receive the newsletter?
- Do you have it set up so that in order to receive the newsletter they have to sign up for RSS?
- How do you handle delivery? Is it in the form of an email, with the information within the body or do you send it as a .pdf or other attachment?
- Does anyone know of a good WP plug-in to handle newsletter sign ups and delivery?
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George, a newsletter would be a great idea. I enjoy receiving newsletters from various sources. The information provided would surely contribute to current writers’ ideas and help bring new writers into the word stream. If you start one, I’ll subscribe.
Mikia´s last blog post..Another Race
Hey, I’m not in a place right now to even think much about writing and newsletters and much of anything except our current circumstances and just breathing and such…but I wanted to say I think it’s a great idea and you should def do it
Hugs
Hi Mikia,
Thanks for coming by, and thanks for the feedback, too. If I do this, it will be in the next few weeks, so I’ll keep you updated.
George
Ashley,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Believe me there is a part of me that’s goin’, “What are ya, Insane!!!?”
I’ll keep you posted…
George
I’m planning a newsletter for my health site. I’m going to offer it monthly.
I also enjoy subscribing to newsletters via email and receiving them once a month.
It sounds like the ideas you have so far are really awesome, George!!!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele´s last blog post..Writing the Cyber Highway–Literally!
To send out newsletters through WordPress, subscribers would have to become members of your blog. Once that is accomplished, I’ve used a WP plugin called Subscribe2 in the past. Back then it had an irritating habit of putting a forward slash “/” in front of all the apostrophes, but maybe they’ve fixed that by now.
Terry Heath´s last blog post..Stories Sundae: The Personal Essay Online
Hi Michele,
Ok, thanks for letting me know. it sounds like a monthly gig may be best…
George
Terry,
Thanks a lot. I went and had a look and it seems that the plugin may be what I need.
I’ll let you know, buddy.
Thanks again
George
I’m already subscribed to your blog, so that would make no difference. I wouldn’t mind a newsletter maybe every 2-4 weeks – weekly might be a lot to keep up with, but I already get a ton of newsletters and blog subscriptions.
Good luck! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Tracy´s last blog post..Pork Brains in Milk Gravy
Hi George,
A newsletter is always a great idea once you have information to share. I used to provide one but found that the costs of an autoresponder each month didn’t justify it though. I liked the idea of a wordpress newsletter which sounds great. Like most of the other comments I do agree that once a month is probably best. The sections you have mentioned should also appeal to all writers too. Good luck with this one, can’t wait to sign up.
Amanda Evans´s last blog post..Write My Twitter Posts
Hi George,
I get one writer’s newsletter every week, from Daphne Gray-Grant. It’s a very short, to-the-point, focused “Power Writing Tip” — it takes less than 5 minutes to read, and almost always has a practical take-away. http://www.publicationcoach.com/ is her website.
There are alot of newsletters out there, so I think you need to stand apart somehow. It’s smart of you to poll your readers like this — that’s a great way to get suggestions!
Keep us updated – I look forward to seeing what you come up with
Laurie
Laurie PK´s last blog post..8 Habits of Highly Effective Writers
A newsletter sounds like an excellent idea. With RSS feeds, sometimes I do not get to certain posts or articles (Because I’ve signed up for so many!) Having a few useful newsletters sent to my email would be nice. It’s definitely something I would subscribe to. From what I’ve seen from you so far, I know it will be practical.
Brittany´s last blog post..Reviving Your Childhood and Satisfying Your Insatiable Curiosity
Amanda,
Yay! Thanks for letting me know. it’s looking like a monthly thing and I’m going to try and get it up and running in the next couple of weeks!
George
Hi Laurie,
I’m going to go check that out. Thanks for the heads up on it.
I know I can always trust the readership here to give me the straight scoop and thus far the feedback has been encouraging and invaluable.
George
Hi Brittany, thanks for the kind words and encouragement. I’m looking forward to the project now, after all of the great feedback I’ve received.
I’ll make an announcement on IHMMB as well, as soon as I’ve got stuff ready.
George
Seems you’ve already decided to go ahead, and I agree that monthly sounds like a great idea.
I look forward to hearing about its launch and subscribing.
Ok Matt.
That sounds great and I’ll let you know
George
While I couldn’t say what would encourage me to subscribe to an email newsletter I can tell you what would not, and that is those highly annoying page-blocking “up sign to my newsletter” pop-up boxes that seem to reside on way too many blogs now.
There has to be a better way to find subscribers than that, such as producing a newsletter with content so awesome most of your subscribers would come by way of referrals from other readers
John Lampard´s last blog post..Some people want to fill the world with silly company names
John,
One of my biggest pet peeves. When that happens to me on a site, unless I’m profoundly interested in what’s there I’ll just click out of the site right away.
It’s about a “9″ on the annoying scale.
Thanks for coming by!
George