As an author, you’ve most likely been told you need an email. But maybe you’re not convinced. Maybe you feel like it’s just another thing you’re gonna need to manage in an already overwhelming to-do lists, especially when it comes to marketing your romance book.
But here’s the reality: An email list is your most valuable marketing asset — even more than social media. It’s your direct line to readers who love your work, and when done right, it’s a natural, non-salesy way to nurture those relationships and sell more books.
Still skeptical? You’re not alone. Many romance authors have doubts about starting an email list.
Why Every Author Needs an Email List
Let’s break down 10 common objections and why ignoring this powerful tool could be hurting your success.
Objection #1: “I’m Not Tech-Savvy”
💡 The Fear: “Setting up an email list sounds complicated. I don’t understand automation, forms, or email sequences.”
✅ The Solution: The good news? You don’t have to be a tech wizard. Email platforms like MailerLite, ConvertKit, and MailChimp are built for beginners. They offer simple drag-and-drop features, pre-designed templates, and step-by-step guides to walk you through setup.
📌 Start Small:
- Choose a beginner-friendly email platform (many have free plans).
- Use a simple signup form with a reader magnet to attract subscribers.
- Set up one welcome email — it doesn’t have to be complicated!
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can gradually explore automation and segmentation. But don’t let tech fear stop you — thousands of authors have figured it out, and so can you.
Objection #2: “I Don’t Have Time to Write Emails”
💡 The Fear: “I already struggle to keep up with writing my books. I don’t have time to add email marketing on top of everything else.”
✅ The Solution: If you have time to post on social media, you have time to write emails. The difference? Emails give you a higher return on your effort.
📌 Time-Saving Hacks:
- Batch-create emails in one sitting (write 3-4 at a time and schedule them).
- Start with just one email a month—no need to overwhelm yourself.
- Repurpose your blog posts or social media content into email content.
Think of it this way: Writing a 500-word email once a month could result in hundreds of engaged readers buying your next book. That’s a great return on investment!
Objection #3: “Readers Don’t Want More Emails in Their Inbox”
💡 The Fear: “People are already overwhelmed with emails. Why would they want mine?”
✅ The Solution: Readers will welcome emails that add value to their reading experience. The key is to make your emails something they look forward to.
📌 Ways to Make Your Emails Irresistible:
- Share exclusive content (bonus scenes, behind-the-scenes stories, character deep dives).
- Offer fun reader experiences (polls, Q&A sessions, sneak peeks of upcoming books).
- Make it personal — write as if you’re chatting with a friend, not selling.
Your email shouldn’t feel like another chore in their inbox. It should feel like a VIP pass into your world as an author.
Objection #4: “I Can Just Use Social Media Instead”
💡 The Fear: “Why build an email list when I already post on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok?”
✅ The Solution: You don’t own your social media audience. Social media platforms control your reach with ever-changing algorithms. Your email list, however, is yours.
📌 Why Email is Better Than Social Media:
- 100% ownership (you don’t risk losing access if your account is banned or hacked).
- Higher visibility (emails land directly in inboxes; social posts can get buried).
- More sales conversions (email subscribers are more likely to buy than social media followers).
You should use social media to drive people to your email list, where you can build a stronger, lasting relationship with them.
Objection #5: “I Have No Idea What to Send in Emails”
💡 The Fear: “I don’t know what to say in emails. Won’t readers get bored?”
✅ The Solution: If readers love your books, they’ll love hearing from you. They want more of what they already enjoy—your characters, stories, and creative world.
📌 Easy Email Ideas for Authors:
- Character profiles (Who’s your favorite character? How did you create them?)
- Behind-the-scenes insights (your writing process, book inspiration)
- Exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming books
- Fan Q&As or polls about your books
When in doubt, share what excites you about your books. If you’re interested in it, your readers will be too.
Objection #6: “I’m Afraid No One Will Subscribe”
💡 The Fear: “What if I put in all this effort and no one signs up?”
✅ The Solution: Offer a compelling reader magnet to give people a reason to join.
📌 Irresistible Reader Magnet Ideas:
- A bonus epilogue or deleted scene
- A character profile or world-building guide
- A free novella connected to your series
Make it easy to sign up by adding signup forms on your website, in the back of your books, and on social media.
Objection #7: “Email Feels Too Salesy”
💡 The Fear: “I don’t want to be pushy or spammy.”
✅ The Solution: Your email list isn’t just about selling—it’s about engaging. When you build a genuine relationship, readers will be excited to support your books.
📌 How to Keep Emails Engaging, Not Salesy:
- Give more than you ask (send value-packed emails before you promote anything).
- Talk about your books naturally — share stories about your writing process instead of just saying “Buy my book.”
- Encourage conversation by asking readers questions about their favorite characters.
When done right, emails don’t feel like sales pitches — they feel like personal letters from a favorite author.
Objection #8: “I’ll Run Out of Things to Say”
💡 The Fear: “What if I run out of content?”
✅ The Solution: If you have books, you have endless content! Your stories, characters, and writing process provide unlimited things to talk about.
💡 Bonus Tip: Use the APT Method (Attention, Promotional, Thrive Content) to keep a balanced content strategy. (Learn more about this method on the blog!)
Objection #9: “I Don’t Want to Pay for an Email Platform”
💡 The Fear: “Isn’t email marketing expensive?”
✅ The Solution: Many email platforms offer free plans for small lists. By the time your list grows, your email list should be making you money through book sales.
Objection #10: “I’ll Start Later When I Have More Books Published”
💡 The Fear: “I can’t start building my list now, I have nothing to offer.”
✅ The Solution: The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now. Even if you’re just getting started and have no books published, start building an audience today. Future-you will thank you for it.
Your Email List is Your Superpower
If you’ve been avoiding email marketing, it’s time to start. With a great reader magnet and a simple strategy, your email list can become your biggest marketing asset.
🚀 Need help creating a reader magnet? Check out the Ultimate Reader Magnet Guide and build your first (or next) freebie!
Want a month’s worth of content to share your more valuable reader magnet? Click here.
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