Re-engagement Sequence for Authors Email Guide
Why Re-engagement Sequence Emails Fail for Authors (And How to Fix Them)
Your inbox feels a little empty, doesn't it? It happens.
Life gets busy, deadlines loom, and sometimes, the noise of daily tasks drowns out the quiet hum of your writing dreams. Perhaps you've been heads-down drafting, or handling the complexities of publishing, and our past conversations simply faded into the background.
But the path to a thriving author career isn't meant to be walked alone. We've built this space to offer solutions, insights, and a supportive community for writers like you, helping you overcome creative blocks, master marketing, and connect deeply with your readers.
You originally joined us because you sought results, more effective writing, a wider audience, smoother publishing processes. Now, let's rekindle that connection and get you back to achieving those goals with our proven re-engagement sequence.
The Complete 4-Email Re-engagement 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 Miss You
Acknowledge the silence and show you care
Hi [First Name],
It's been a little while, and we've noticed your absence. No judgment, of course.
The life of an author is a whirlwind of words, edits, and sometimes, the daunting silence of a blank page. Maybe you've been deep in a new manuscript, wrestling with a plot twist, or perhaps handling the labyrinth of publishing contracts.
Whatever the reason, we wanted to reach out. We genuinely miss having you around and sharing insights that help authors like you achieve their writing and publishing goals.
Our purpose has always been to provide valuable solutions and support. Is there something specific that pulled you away?
We're here to help you get back on track, whether it's brainstorming new ideas, tackling marketing challenges, or finding the right services.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the psychological principle of 'reciprocity' and 'social connection'. By acknowledging their absence without blame and expressing a genuine 'miss you' sentiment, it builds a feeling of being valued and remembered. It opens a non-threatening dialogue, reducing resistance to re-engagement.
The Value Reminder
Remind them why they subscribed
Hi [First Name],
Think back to when you first joined our community. You were likely seeking solutions, perhaps a clearer path to publication, strategies to grow your readership, or ways to make the writing process less isolating.
Our goal was, and still is, to deliver practical insights and support that translate into tangible results for authors. We've shared strategies on crafting compelling narratives, tips for handling the self-publishing , and advice on connecting with agents.
We’ve even discussed how to simplify your author business using the right CRM or email marketing tools. If those challenges still resonate, or if new ones have emerged, we're still here, ready to provide the specific guidance you need.
Don't let valuable resources pass you by.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses 'nostalgia' and 'value proposition reinforcement'. By reminding the author of their initial motivation and the specific benefits they sought, it reactivates the desire for those solutions. It subtly highlights past value and implies continued relevance, making them reconsider the relationship.
The Survey
Ask what they actually want from you
Hi [First Name],
Your journey as an author is unique, and so are your current challenges. We've been thinking about how best to serve you and other authors in our community.
Instead of guessing, we thought it best to simply ask: What's the biggest hurdle you're facing right now in your writing or publishing career? Are you struggling with writer's block?
Finding the right editor? Marketing your finished book?
Or maybe something else entirely? Just hit reply and let us know.
Your input helps us tailor our future content, services, and solutions to precisely what you need to achieve your desired results. We're listening.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs 'active listening' and the 'desire for control'. By directly asking for their input through a survey (even a simple reply), it makes the author feel heard and valued. It also provides an easy, low-commitment action (replying) which can re-establish communication and gather crucial data for future segmentation and personalized offerings.
The Breakup
Give a final chance before removing them
Hi [First Name],
We haven't heard from you in a while, and that's perfectly okay. Sometimes, our paths diverge, and what once resonated no longer fits.
We understand that. Before we part ways, we wanted to offer you one last chance to stay connected.
Our mission is to help authors with the tools, knowledge, and services they need to succeed, and we believe our community offers significant value. If you're still writing, still dreaming of publishing, or still striving to connect with readers, we want to be part of that journey.
If not, we'll understand. We'll remove you from our list, ensuring your inbox stays clear of anything that isn't truly serving you.
To stay subscribed and continue receiving our author insights, simply click here: [LINK TO RE-OPT-IN PAGE OR A 'YES, I WANT TO STAY' BUTTON]. If we don't hear from you, we'll say a quiet farewell in [NUMBER] days.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email utilizes 'loss aversion' and 'scarcity'. By clearly stating the potential loss of future valuable content and setting a deadline, it creates a sense of urgency. It also respects the author's choice, which can paradoxically increase the likelihood of re-engagement by making the decision feel entirely their own.
4 Re-engagement Sequence Mistakes Authors Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Waiting for inspiration to strike before writing. | Establish a consistent writing routine, even if it's just 30 minutes a day. Treat it like a professional appointment. |
✕ Neglecting author platform building until after the book is published. | Start building your author platform (email list, social presence) well before your book launches. Connect with potential readers early. |
✕ Trying to do every aspect of publishing (editing, cover design, marketing) by yourself. | Invest in professional services for editing, cover design, and targeted marketing. Focus your energy on what you do best: writing. |
✕ Ignoring reader feedback or reviews. | Actively read and learn from reviews and direct reader feedback. Use it to refine your craft and understand your audience better. |
Re-engagement Sequence Timing Guide for Authors
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Miss You
Acknowledge the silence and show you care
The Value Reminder
Remind them why they subscribed
The Survey
Ask what they actually want from you
The Breakup
Give a final chance before removing them
Use after 30-90 days of no opens or clicks.
Customize Re-engagement Sequence for Your Author Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Fiction Authors
- Focus on character development workshops and world-building resources.
- Share insights on maintaining narrative tension and crafting compelling plot twists.
- Provide guidance on connecting with beta readers and critique partners for genre-specific feedback.
Non-Fiction Authors
- Offer strategies for structuring arguments and presenting complex information clearly.
- Provide advice on research methods and establishing authority in your chosen subject.
- Guide them on identifying target audiences and tailoring their message for maximum impact.
Self-Published Authors
- Share resources for understanding publishing platforms (e.g., KDP, IngramSpark) and distribution.
- Provide clear steps for managing book launches and promotions on a budget.
- Offer insights into finding reliable freelancers for editing, cover design, and formatting services.
Traditionally Published Authors
- Guide them on building an author brand that complements their publisher's efforts.
- Offer strategies for handling agent relationships and understanding contract clauses.
- Provide advice on using publisher-provided marketing support and supplementing it with personal initiatives.
Ready to Save Hours?
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