New Year Sequence for Authors Email Guide
Why New Year Sequence Emails Fail for Authors (And How to Fix Them)
Another year, another stack of unfinished manuscripts or sales numbers that didn't quite hit the mark. Many authors find themselves caught in a cycle of ambitious New Year goals that fizzle out by March.
It's not about lacking talent or dedication. It's about lacking a strategic sequence to guide your reflection, planning, and execution.
A single resolution can't carry the weight of a year's worth of writing and marketing. That's where the New Year Sequence comes in.
These templates are designed to help your audience, and yourself, move from vague aspirations to concrete, practical plans for a truly successful author year.
The Complete 4-Email New Year Sequence for Authors
As an author, your clients trust your recommendations. This 4-email sequence helps you introduce valuable tools without sounding like a salesperson.
The Reflection
Help them review the past year and identify gaps
Hi [First Name],
Your last book launch felt like shouting into a void, or perhaps your writing hours dwindled faster than you expected. Take a moment.
What did last year truly feel like for your author career? Were your writing goals met, or did they slowly fade into the background?
It’s easy to gloss over the past, eager to jump into new resolutions. But understanding where you stumbled, or where you shone, is the most powerful first step toward a different outcome.
Think about the projects that stalled, the marketing efforts that fell flat, or the ideas that never left your notebook. What were the hidden barriers?
Before we look forward, let's honestly look back.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses cognitive dissonance and the power of reflection. By prompting authors to acknowledge unfulfilled goals and pain points from the past year, it creates internal tension and a desire for change, making them more receptive to solutions. It also establishes empathy.
The Vision
Paint a picture of what their next year could look like
Hi [First Name],
What if your next book launched to an eager audience, generating reviews and sales that exceeded your expectations? : a consistent writing routine, a clear marketing plan that feels authentic, and a community of readers who can't wait for your next release. No more frantic last-minute promotions.
No more staring at a blank page, wondering what to write next. Just focused, effective work that moves your author career forward.
This isn't a pipe dream. It's a strategic approach to your craft and business.
It starts with clarity and a roadmap. Soon, I'll share how you can make this vision a reality.
But first, let yourself truly feel the possibility.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses vivid imagery and future pacing to create an aspirational vision. By contrasting the pain points from the previous email with a desirable future, it builds hope and motivation, positioning the upcoming offer as the bridge between their current reality and their ideal future.
The Fresh Start
Present your offer as the catalyst for change
Hi [First Name],
The page is blank. The calendar is new.
This is your chance to rewrite your author story for the coming year. I created [PRODUCT NAME] precisely for authors like you who are ready to stop wishing and start achieving.
It’s a comprehensive framework designed to help you set practical goals, build a sustainable writing routine, and craft a marketing plan that actually works. Inside, you’ll find: • Structured planning templates for your next book project • Strategies for consistent audience engagement • A step-by-step guide to effective book launches • Tools to maintain motivation throughout the year Forget vague resolutions. [PRODUCT NAME] gives you the clarity and confidence to make this year your most successful yet. [CTA: Discover [PRODUCT NAME] and start fresh →]
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email capitalizes on the "fresh start effect" associated with the New Year. It directly presents the offer, [PRODUCT NAME], as the solution to the problems identified in Email 1 and the means to achieve the vision from Email 2. The bullet points provide clear benefits, appealing to logic after emotional priming.
The Momentum
Create urgency before New Year motivation fades
Hi [First Name],
Remember that surge of motivation you felt on January 1st? That feeling of 'this year will be different'?
Many authors start the year with grand intentions, only to see them dwindle by mid-January. Life gets busy, old habits creep back, and suddenly, those big goals feel distant.
Don't let that happen to you. [PRODUCT NAME] isn't just a planning tool, it's a system designed to help you maintain that initial momentum, providing structure and accountability when your motivation naturally wanes. Enrollment for [PRODUCT NAME] closes soon, and I don't want you to miss out on the opportunity to build the author career you truly desire.
This isn't just about starting strong, it's about finishing stronger. [CTA: Secure your spot in [PRODUCT NAME] before it's too late →]
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email addresses a common pain point: the loss of initial motivation. It uses scarcity and urgency (enrollment closes soon) combined with the fear of missing out on sustained progress. It reinforces the product's value as a long-term solution, not just a quick fix, appealing to the desire for lasting change.
4 New Year Sequence Mistakes Authors Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Setting ambitious, unquantifiable goals without a clear path to achieve them. | Break down large goals (e.g., 'write a bestseller') into small, practical steps (e.g., 'write 500 words daily,' 'revise Chapter 1 this week'). |
✕ Focusing solely on writing without considering marketing or audience engagement until launch day. | Integrate marketing and audience building activities into your weekly schedule, even for future projects, to cultivate an engaged readership over time. |
✕ Comparing your progress to other authors' highlight reels and feeling discouraged. | Focus on your unique author journey. Celebrate small wins, learn from setbacks, and track your own progress against your personal goals. |
✕ Waiting for inspiration to strike before sitting down to write or work on your author business. | Establish a consistent writing schedule and dedicated work blocks. Treat your author career like a profession, showing up even when inspiration is absent. |
New Year Sequence Timing Guide for Authors
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Reflection
Help them review the past year and identify gaps
The Vision
Paint a picture of what their next year could look like
The Fresh Start
Present your offer as the catalyst for change
The Momentum
Create urgency before New Year motivation fades
Start the last week of December, peak on January 1st.
Customize New Year Sequence for Your Author Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Fiction Authors
- Dedicate specific planning time to outline your next novel's plot, character arcs, and world-building before writing begins to avoid 'pantsing' yourself into a corner.
- Focus on building anticipation for your next release through sneak peeks, character spotlights, or excerpts shared with your email list.
- Engage with readers by asking questions about their favorite tropes or character types, informing future story ideas and building community.
Non-Fiction Authors
- Clearly define your book's core problem and the unique solution you offer. This clarity will guide both your writing and your marketing.
- Build authority by consistently sharing valuable insights related to your book's topic on your blog or social media, positioning yourself as an expert.
- Identify key influencers or communities in your niche and begin building relationships long before your book launches, for potential collaborations or endorsements.
Self-Published Authors
- Invest time in understanding Amazon KDP backend, ad strategies, and keyword research to improve your book's visibility and sales potential.
- Prioritize building a direct relationship with your readers through an email list, offering exclusive content or early access to new releases.
- Develop a consistent release schedule for your books, if applicable, to train your audience to expect new content and maintain momentum.
Traditionally Published Authors
- Collaborate closely with your publisher's marketing team, providing them with assets and ideas, but also actively pursuing your own author platform growth.
- Understand your publisher's promotion timeline and use your personal platform to amplify their efforts around key dates like launch day or award submissions.
- Network with other authors and industry professionals. These connections can lead to blurbs, cross-promotions, and valuable insights into the publishing world.
Ready to Save Hours?
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