Build Your Email List as an Author (Start Simple) 📧✨

Why Every Author Needs an Email List

You’ve started building your author platform. You’re showing up, creating content, and connecting with readers.

Now it’s time to strengthen one of the most important parts of your platform:

👉 Your email list

Because your email list is:

• Direct

• Personal

• And something you OWN

Social media can change overnight. Algorithms shift. Platforms come and go.

👉 But your email list? That stays with you.

Start with a Simple CRM (What That Means)

Before you begin collecting emails, you’ll want to use a CRM.

CRM stands for:
👉 Customer Relationship Management

That may sound technical, but it’s simply:

👉 A tool that stores and organizes your email contacts so you can communicate with them.

Many email platforms function as a CRM, including:

• Mailchimp

• ConvertKit

Most offer free plans to get started, which is perfect for new authors.

💡 Important Tip

As your list grows, these platforms may:

• Charge based on number of contacts

• Or number of emails sent each month

👉 That’s why it’s important to occasionally clean (or “cull”) your list

Remove:

• Inactive subscribers

• Invalid email addresses

This keeps your list:
✔ Healthy
✔ Engaged
✔ Cost-effective

What Is an Email List (and Why It Matters)?

An email list is simply:

👉 A group of people who have said, “Yes, I want to hear from you.”

These are your:

• Readers

• Supporters

• Future buyers

👉 They’ve chosen to connect with you—that matters.

What Should Authors Use an Email List For?

Your email list allows you to:

• Share updates

• Encourage your readers

• Build relationships

• Invite them into your books and message

It’s not about selling—it’s about connection.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Email List

Step 1: Choose a Simple Email Platform

Pick a beginner-friendly platform and start there. Most platforms offer:

• Built-in tutorials

• Step-by-step guidance

You can often find help:

• On their website

• Or on YouTube

Just be sure to check the video date so the information is current.

Step 2: Make It Easy to Join Your List

When collecting emails, keep the process simple.

Ask for:

• First name

• Email address

• Cell number (optional but helpful)

Why include a phone number? So you have it if you later decide to use:

• Text messaging

• Direct communication

The easier it is to sign up, the more people will do it.

Step 3: Offer a Simple Free Resource

This is your lead magnet.

It should be:
✔ Easy to access
✔ Easy to understand
✔ Valuable to your reader

Examples:

• A short devotional

• A checklist

• A sample chapter

• A quick-start guide

How to Deliver It

Make it simple and immediate:

Let them download it:

• Directly from your site

• OR from a link in your welcome email

Think about the times YOU signed up for something.

👉 What made it easy?
👉 What felt smooth?

Do that.

Tool Recommendation

Canva is an easy-to-learn platform you can use to create your downloadable resource.

✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Professional-looking
✔ Includes tutorials and how-to videos

Step 4: Invite People to Join

This is where many authors hesitate.

But remember: You’re not bothering people—you’re inviting them.

Invite through:

• Blog posts

• Social media

• Speaking

• Conversations

Step 5: Show Up Consistently

Once someone joins your list: Stay connected.

Start with:

• Once a week

• Or twice a month

Consistency builds trust.

Step 6: Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Your emails don’t need to be long or complicated.

They can be:

• Encouraging

• Personal

• Simple

Write like you’re talking to one person.

Waypoint Challenge: Start Your Email List This Week

Choose ONE step:

✔ Pick your CRM
✔ Create your sign-up form
✔ Create your lead magnet
✔ Invite one person to join

One step forward is progress.

Explore More Author Business Guides

Continue your journey:

• https://deedeelake.com/post/build-author-platform-from-scratch

• https://deedeelake.com/post/simple-book-marketing-strategies-for-new-authors

• https://deedeelake.com/post/blog-vs-newsletter-for-authors

Recommended Resources

Book: Email Marketing for Authors: Grow an Email List That Actually Sells BooksAvailable on Amazon

Podcast: Online Marketing Made Easy by Amy Porterfield

Ready to Build Your Author Platform with Confidence?

Your email list is one of the most powerful tools you can build as an author.

If you’re ready for clarity and direction on the business side of writing:

Explore coaching, webinars, and resources at deedeelake.com

Final Thought

You don’t need a large list to start.

You need:

• One connection

• One invitation

• One step forward

Start simple. Stay consistent. Keep going.

Looking for more encouragement and practical tips?

Follow along on Pinterest for ongoing inspiration and resources for your author journey.

Coming Next

Lessons from My Author Journey Every Writer Should Know