How Often Should Authors Email Their Readers?
You’ve set up your email platform, you created a freebie, your list is growing(yay!) but now you’re stuck wondering. . .”How often should authors email their readers?”
It’s the question that makes every writer clutch their keyboard and whisper, “Please don’t say weekly.” The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a sweet spot that keeps you top-of-mind without spamming your subscribers or burning yourself out.
Whether you’re deep in launch mode or quietly writing your next masterpiece, this post will help you find an email rhythm that feels good, builds trust, and actually gets your readers excited to hear from you.
Why Email Is Still One of the Most Powerful Tools for Authors
Think email is old news? Think again. While social media trends come and go, your email list is one place where you control the connection. Here’s why email is still one of the most underrated and effective ways to grow your platform—and your book sales.
You Own Your List—No Algorithm Required
Unlike Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, email doesn’t make you fight for visibility. When you send a newsletter, it lands directly in your reader’s inbox—no likes, shares, or hashtags required. It’s a direct line to your audience, and one of the smartest moves in any email marketing strategy for authors.
Email Builds Long-Term Reader Relationships
Your subscribers signed up for a reason—they want to hear from you. Whether you're sending writing updates, behind-the-scenes insights, or exclusive sneak peeks, email gives you a space to connect in a more personal way. Over time, this builds trust and loyalty—aka your reader relationships, which are worth way more than any vanity metric.
Higher Engagement Than Social (When Done Right)
Most authors see way better open and click rates in email than they do on social posts. Why? Because emails feel like a conversation, not a broadcast. With the right subject lines, content, and cadence, your emails can become something your readers look forward to—not scroll past.
Related: 15 Ways Authors Can Use Social Media to Drive Traffic to Their Website & Grow Their Newsletter
So… how often should authors send newsletters?
There’s no magic number. The right author email marketing frequency comes down to what you’re writing, what you’re promoting, and how much energy you actually have to send consistent emails. Let’s break it down:
Are you in launch mode or between books?
If you're prepping for a release, running a preorder campaign, or hyping up a big announcement, you'll probably email more often—think once or twice a week during the launch window. But if you’re between books? A biweekly or monthly update is usually enough to keep your list warm without overwhelming them or you (I have more timelines listed below!)
Do you write fiction, nonfiction, or client-based content?
Your genre can shape your email rhythm. Fiction authors may thrive with monthly reader-focused updates—like bonus scenes or character Q&As—while nonfiction or client-based writers might send more frequent, value-driven tips or insights. Align your emails with your audience’s expectations.
How often can you write emails without burning out?
This might be the most important question. A weekly newsletter sounds great in theory… until it tanks your creative energy. Be honest about your time, energy, and writing flow. Start small and build up. Consistency matters more than frequency.
Recommended Email Frequency by Stage
Here’s a breakdown of the best email schedule for authors based on your current stage—so you can show up consistently without burning out.
Pre-Publication: 1 Email Per Month Is Enough to Build Trust
If your book isn’t out yet, don’t ghost your list until launch day. Start nurturing early with a once-a-month email. Share your writing progress, cover design sneak peeks, or behind-the-scenes thoughts. This light touch builds trust and anticipation without overwhelming you or your subscribers.
Launch Mode: 1–2 Emails Per Week (With Value + Urgency)
This is go-time! During a book launch or preorder campaign, you can increase your frequency to once or twice a week. Focus on value-packed content: early reviews, bonus content, launch countdowns, or exclusive extras. Just make sure each email feels useful, not just salesy.
Post-Launch / Steady State: Biweekly or Monthly Works Great
Once your book is out and the launch dust settles, settle into a rhythm that feels sustainable. Biweekly or monthly updates keep your audience warm while giving you time to focus on writing. Think: updates, blog recaps, reader Q&As, or fun life tidbits.
Evergreen Content / Bloggers: Weekly (If Sustainable)
If you regularly create content (like blog posts or writing tips), a weekly email can be powerful—if you can keep it up. This works well for nonfiction authors, educators, or content creators who thrive on structure and showing up consistently.
What to Include in Your Emails (So Readers Actually Stay Subscribed)
Getting people to join your list is one thing—keeping them there? That’s where the magic (and strategy) really comes in. Your emails should feel like a cozy check-in, not a cold sales pitch. Here’s how to keep readers engaged, clicking, and excited to hear from you.
Value > Promotion—Keep It Personal, Not Salesy
Every email doesn’t need to scream “BUY MY BOOK.” In fact, the best author newsletters feel like a quick note from a friend—genuine, thoughtful, and maybe even a little fun. Share your wins, your messy writing process, your honest thoughts. What makes readers fall in love with your writing is you.
Behind-the-Scenes, Book Updates, Inspiration, Giveaways
Still stuck on what to send? Here are some crowd-favorite author newsletter ideas:
A peek into your writing routine
A favorite quote or playlist from your current WIP
Updates on your book release or edits
Deleted scenes or character backstories
Giveaways, sneak peeks, or special bonuses
When you invite readers into your world, you build real connection—and they’ll want to stick around for the journey.
Use Short Segments (News, Tip, Teaser, CTA)
Structure helps. Break up your emails into short, skimmable sections so they’re easy to read (and easier to write). A quick personal update, a teaser of what’s coming, a helpful link or recommendation, and a simple call to action (like “Reply and tell me what you’re reading!”) is all you need.
Signs You’re Emailing Too Much (Or Not Enough)
Finding the right email rhythm isn’t about guessing—it’s about watching how your readers respond. If you’re wondering whether you’re emailing too often (or not enough), here are a few signs to help you course-correct and stay connected without burnout.
Too Much: High Unsubscribe or Low Open Rates
If your open rates are tanking and your unsubscribe count climbs every time you hit “send,” it’s a red flag. You might be emailing too often—or your emails may feel too promo-heavy. Pull back, focus on value, and space things out to give readers breathing room.
Too Little: Cold List, Low Engagement, People Forget You
If you wait months between emails, your list goes cold. People forget who you are, why they subscribed, or that they even subscribed at all. That leads to fewer opens, more bounces, and possibly a one-way ticket to the spam folder.
Just Right: Consistent Engagement, Occasional Replies
The sweet spot? Readers consistently open your emails, maybe even reply now and then, and click when it matters. You don’t need huge numbers—just signs that your list is warm, listening, and happy to hear from you. That’s when email really starts working for you.
How to Stay Consistent (Even When You're Busy Writing)
Between drafting, editing, launching, and living your actual life, email can easily slip to the bottom of the to-do list. But consistency is key to building trust—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple ways to stick with your email list strategy even when your creative plate is full.
Set a Realistic Schedule and Stick to It
Weekly sounds great… until you’re on deadline and staring at a blank email draft. Choose a schedule that fits your writing life—monthly or biweekly works for most authors. The key is sticking to it so your readers know when to expect you.
Batch and Schedule Ahead with Squarespace Email Campaigns
Got an hour and a good cup of coffee? Use that time to write 2–3 emails at once, then schedule them out using Squarespace Email Campaigns. This batching strategy saves your brainpower for writing your book, not scrambling to send a newsletter every week.
Repurpose Content from Blog Posts, Social, or Book Drafts
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Turn a blog post into a newsletter. Expand a popular social post. Share a cut scene or quote from your current work-in-progress. You’re already creating content—just reuse it in a way that feels fresh.
There’s No “Perfect” Frequency. Only What Works for You.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should email your readers—but showing up consistently, with value and a human voice, will always win. Whether you send once a week or once a month, what matters most is that you do send. Keep it light, keep it real, and let your emails be an extension of your author brand—not another pressure point.
Start where you are, adjust as you go, and let your email list become the cozy, connected corner of your writing life.
