And How to Start Yours Without Stress, Hype, or Overwhelm

Let’s talk about something that can help your writing career without draining your energy or turning you into someone you’re not. This last is crucial for all writers and storytellers.

If you’re writing mysteries, thrillers, or crime fiction of any kind, a mailing list is one of the most powerful tools you can have.

And yes, I know. “Marketing” often feels like a four-letter word. But this isn’t about spamming or selling. It’s about connecting.

This is about building real relationships with the readers who get you.

Why You (Yes, You) Want a Mailing List

1. Because You Own It
   Algorithms change. Social media disappears (ask anyone who built an audience on MySpace). But your email list? That’s yours. It’s the most reliable way to stay in touch with the people who want more of your stories.
   
2. Because Readers Buy from People They Trust
   When readers feel connected to you, they care about your work. An email now and then, written in your voice, with your heart, can turn a casual browser into a loyal fan.
   
3. Because It Builds Momentum Between Books
   You don’t need to be publishing constantly to stay top of mind. A simple newsletter, “Here’s what I’m working on,” “Here’s a scene that didn’t make the cut,” keeps people engaged while you write your next killer story.
   
4. Because You Deserve to Build Your Career on Your Own Terms
   Whether you’re self-publishing, traditionally published, or somewhere in between, your list helps you advocate for your work, your voice, and your audience. It gives you data, insight, and confidence. And honestly? It’s a lot more fun than it sounds.
   

How to Get Started (With Zero Tech Meltdowns)

1. Pick a Platform That Doesn’t Make You Cry
   Mailerlite, ConvertKit, or even the free version of Mailchimp is more than enough. You’re not building a rocket, just a cozy, well-lit space for readers to land.
   
2. Create a Signup Link or Page
   Most email services do this for you. Add it to your website, your social bios, the back of your book anywhere a reader might go after falling in love with your work. (For print versions, you can generate a free QR code by using a website like this one)
   
3. Offer a Reader Gift (Optional, but Lovely)
   Want to sweeten the invite? Give them a short story, a deleted scene, or a behind-the-scenes peek. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to feel like you.
   
4. Send a Welcome Email That Sounds Like a Human Wrote It
   Say hi. Tell them what you write. Share a little something they won’t find anywhere else. Bonus points if you ask a fun question—they might actually write back!
   
5. Be Consistent(ish), and Be Yourself
   You don’t need to send something every week. Even monthly or quarterly is fine. Just stay in touch, stay curious, and don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your real voice is the one that builds real connection.
   

One Last Thing

Your mailing list isn’t a tech tool. It’s a creative tool.
It helps you reach the people who love your stories, your characters, and your way of seeing the world. It helps you grow as a writer and as a professional.

Start where you are. Stay true to your voice.

Keep writing,

Coming soon: A Quick-and-Clear Guide: What the Heck Is a Nurture Sequence and How Do I Use it to Sell More Books?