February 6th, 2009 | by Bonnie Edwards |
Last month, I asked about what readers want to read on blogs. I got some incredibly thoughtful responses and I’d like to thank you all again.
Not only have you helped me, but some of the other Aphrodisia authors were paying attention, too.
Funny, I re-read my post yesterday and saw a goal I have for this year. That is to limit my time on the net. To dedicate myself to finding balance in my life.
That means writing balanced with exercise, healthy lifestyle choices and internet time. I’ve done well with exercise and choices and writing time.
But the internet’s an ongoing challenge. I find myself wandering around looking at other writer’s sites, to see where I could improve my own.
Now, I’ve gone to sites and been put on newsletter lists without signing up. To my mind, this is an aggravating practice. Not everyone who visits a site wants their inbox full of newsletters. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the ones I really dislike are the ones where you have to jump through hoops to unsubscribe. They bother me because I often wonder who else is gathering my contact information just because I’m unsubbing. It’s a vicious cycle! 
Not to mention the fact that I wonder if I look unfriendly by unsubscribing. The whole thing puts me off. And do I have time for all this hoop jumping? NO!
Cranky much, Bonnie? Some days, yes. 
And finally here’s my question: Do readers really want newsletters? And how often? And if you like them, what is it you want from them? The contests? Or the information? If you like newsletters, how do you feel about group author newsletters. Or do you prefer individual author newsletters?
Naturally, I’ll bribe you with the chance to win a release of mine from my choice list of books at www.bonnieedwards.com So, give me your thoughts and I’ll pick a random winner of the book of their choice. I’ll announce the winner on Monday February 9 in the comments here.
Hey, Bonnie! What a great question to the readers. I do a newsletter and do use it to announce/run contests. But I would never sign someone up for my newsletter unless they asked me to sign them up. I think that’s just wrong and totally presumptuous. I’d unsubscribe as well.
by Shelli Stevens · February 6th, 2009 at 1:22 pmHi Bonnie,
newsletters are a good way for me to stay uptodate with the different authors. I like to read about their WIP, excerpts, newest book releases, online appearances and contests.
by Danny · February 6th, 2009 at 1:40 pmAn excellent question, Bonnie.
As a reader, I only subscribe to a few, and those are for authors I’m particularly interested in. I don’t visit websites and blogs on a regular basis, so I rely on newsletters to keep me up-to-date.
As an author, I send out a monthly newsletter. It’s not so much about my personal life because I’m not that interesting
but about what’s happening in my writing life – and about stuff I’ve added to my website. New releases, contests, new recipes or articles, new excerpts or covers, upcoming events like signings and conferences, and so on.
I get a sense that a lot of people subscribe to get a reminder to enter my monthly contest, but I do get some personal emails back with questions or comments about my books, events, and so on (and I love getting those!). I make it super-easy to unsubscribe (hit Reply and type unsubscribe). I have over 2000 subscribers and each month get maybe a dozen unsubscribes. I also get some bounces because email addresses no longer exist, or because people’s boxes are over quota. And some subscribers send me email address changes, which always makes me feel kind of cool – like, they really actually do want to get the newsletter. LOL. (We writers have such fragile egos!)
I’ll love to see the comments from readers on this post.
by Susan Lyons · February 6th, 2009 at 1:50 pmLet’s start this by saying I am a reader. That’s it. I’m not trying to be a writer. Its just not me. That being said here goes.
I sign up for the newsletter of the authors that I really want to get info from. I like them once a month generally at the beginning. I like it to have upcoming releases and events. Contests are always fun but not necessary for me. Are you working on something or have something you really recommend? These are the things that I like to know. I like group authors newsletters too.
I’m also one who loves an author blog or group blog.
by Brandy W · February 6th, 2009 at 3:29 pmI actually get Susan’s email. I love it. It’s chatty, has a lot of different information in it and it doesn’t come every other day with the same stuff in it. Instead it gives me a little glimpse into what goes on during the month for her. I like that. She’s real and takes the time to connect with her readers.
I get author emails that have little except an excerpt in it and when the next release is coming. Not really much of anything else. Or they’ve gone in a different direction with their stories and the tone of their newsletter changes and no longer interests me. Those I generally only get for a month or two and then unsubscribe. I have little interest in those.
I do also like the monthly ‘wrap up’ emails I get from the few group blogs I frequent. Sometimes I miss a few posts and I can go back and read them, or I wanted to check a fact I’d read and couldn’t remember where I’d seen it and it happens to have been on that blog. Saves me a lot of time.
So, that said, none of this probably helps you, Bonnie. But you asked
by nightsmusic · February 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pmAnd doggone it, can’t remember if I checked the little subscribe box! Not my day today…
by nightsmusic · February 6th, 2009 at 5:35 pmIt’s okay NM, as a group, we’re not doing a newsletter. Which is why I’m asking about them.
Since we’ve chosen not to do a group letter, I have to consider doing my own.
And every comment here is helpful. Just like all the comments about blogging from last month.
I think this is the end of my questions, though.
I’m looking forward to hearing more. And Brandy! thanks for the comments, they’re very helpful.
I’m thinking maybe a quarterly newsletter would work for me. I’m not that full of news these days!
But in the fall, that’ll change.
Will keep checking back for more insight!
thanks to everyone for stopping by,
Bonnie
by Bonnie Edwards · February 6th, 2009 at 6:14 pmok, just me but I HATE being added to newsletters without subscribing to them. Things are just too busy to be getting 50 million emails from people/places and you have no idea who they are.
That being said, if there is a author that I particularly enjoy the idea of newsletters are great. Like I said, thing are busy so a little reminder of when something is coming up can be really helpful. Nothing is more annoying then waiting and waiting for a book to come out, only to have kids, jobs, or something come up to distract you, you end up missing the release, and have to search for a place that is still selling said book.
-Contests are nice, but not necessary.
-More then once a month can be a bit much unless there is something big going on that month that you REALLY REALLY want to know about.
-I personally thinks it’s nice to have a little personal info about the author, it makes them into an actual person rather then just a name on a book for me.
-I also like to know about different authors/books that they recommend. Sometimes it’s the same that I would normally get, but others times it can turn me on to a book/person that I would have missed. And been sorry for the loss.
Well, that’s my 2cents. Don’t know if it helps any but there you go.
by Summer · February 6th, 2009 at 6:46 pmHi Bonnie, just some quick personal thoughts. I try to be selective when subscribing to newsletters so that I don’t overload my email account. I would say I am more likely to want a newsletter when I don’t visit their site/blog regularly (at least weekly).
At the most, once a month is frequent enough a newsletter from anyone. A group newsletter is even better as it means less to go through in my inbox.
The newsletter is a handy reminder to re-visit their website/blog, and also just a general update on what’s going on with the author(s). My thoughts are probably pretty standard, but there you go!
And of course, please no need to enter me in the draw as I was very lucky enough to win last time. Have a great weekend everyone!
by Allison · February 6th, 2009 at 7:13 pmI like to get newsletters from authors to keep up to date on the latest news. I like to hear book news, what they are working on, tidbits of things that interest them and contests are good, too. Monthly or every other month.
by Kammie · February 6th, 2009 at 9:31 pmI love newsletters. Keeps me up to date on some of my fave authors. Love to read excerpts in them for new books and even recipes.
by Amy S. · February 6th, 2009 at 11:36 pmI prefer individual newsletters. I think sending out 4-6 newsletters a year is adequate. I want to know about new releases, works in progress, upcoming web/blog and bookstore appearances and contest info.
by Jane · February 7th, 2009 at 1:00 amI do like newsletters because it keeps me up to date on my favorite authors and I don’t have to remember to check their website.
They should be sent no more than once a month unless there is urgent news, IMHO.
I think shorter is better than longer–you can always link to things on your blog or website. I prefer individual author newsletters because the group ones can be so long.
I am most interested in your current release, your upcoming release, maybe some behind-the-scenes tidbits (you almost named the hero WHAT?), any awards or fantastic reviews you’ve gotten and what you’ve been reading (I’ve found a lot of good books from author recommendations, though you may think it is counterproductive to recommend someone else’s books!)
A couple pictures are nice to jazz things up. Make sure the links work (pet peeve of mine) and always include a link to BUY your book (seems obvious, but apparently it’s not.) As Summer said, contests are nice but not necessary.
Thanks for asking!
by Cynthya · February 7th, 2009 at 12:12 pmHey, Summer, you’re not alone: I dislike being added automatically, too.
I’ve been given great ideas here. Thanks so much!
I’m thinking 4 to 6 times a year will work for me, too. And I’ll make sure links work and I include some pics from conferences or cover art.
So, I’ll be setting up a subscribe link on my site sometime soon.
Take care all … and keep these great comments coming in.
Please check back on Monday to see who wins their choice of one of my books.
Bonnie
by Bonnie Edwards · February 7th, 2009 at 4:13 pmHi, Bonnie, I like newsletters occasionally, maybe once a month or so? Or even quarterly, with a little reminder right before a new release? Contests are obviously lovely, but I like little teasers of what you’re working on, or an excerpt of what’s about to be be released. If you include personal info, that’s OK, but not necessary if it isn’t your style. I like group newsletters, too, again with little reminders of any big news and a blurb of what’s current. I do like newsletters that start with a bullet-point summary, then go into detail below–that way I can hit the highlights if I’m short on time
And I totally understand about wanting to put some limits on computer/Internet time–it’s HARD! Hang in there, and best wishes finding a balance that works for you!
by Fedora · February 7th, 2009 at 11:35 pmi only prefer some cause i am always online at check therir sites on ce a day lol.
by kh · February 8th, 2009 at 1:34 amThis is my second attempt at posting the winner of her choice of my books.
Jane! Please email me at bonnie@bonnieedwards.com with your choice. You can read excerpts to help you choose at my site.
Let’s hope this comment posts!
Thanks to all who gave such great ideas/suggestions/and tips!
By next month’s blog date, I’ll have a newsletter in the works and will announce here about how to subscribe.
Bonnie
by Bonnie Edwards · February 9th, 2009 at 4:47 pm