Writing mails can generate a sense of dread for many writers. Maybe they see it as marketing. It is, but it is essential to building a following and is much more than “selling.”
The typical questions include, What do I write about? How long should it be? How often should I send one? What if they unsubscribe? The list goes on, but if you don’t get past asking questions, you’ll never get any emails written.
Make the decision to write emails and the how and ideas will show up.
So let’s look at things you can do to reduce your apprehension and dread about the task.
1. Determine the Purpose of Your Email
There are many types of emails and campaign strategies. That in itself might cause you overwhelm. But let’s focus on the top 2 to keep things simple so you can move forward.
Content emails are designed to nurture and educate your subscribers. These emails will help your subscribers get to know you and educate them on what you have to offer.
The purpose of call-to-action emails is to get the reader to do something. That might be download something free, sign up for a workshop, or purchase your book.
2. Use a Template
Having a template eliminates the stress of starting from scratch. What writer likes to stare at a blank page? Keep a basic template with an intro, body, and closing that you can tweak based on the email’s purpose.
I write all my material in Scrivener; everything I need is there. If you use MS Word or Google docs, create a folder specifically for your emails so you know exactly where to find what you need.
3. Pretend You’re Writing a Friend
When I’m a guest speaker, I have always found that visiting with attendees prior to giving my presentation is a tremendous help in calming my nerves. Approach your emails in a similar manner by imagining you’re simply writing a friend. Keep it conversational. When you sit down to write your book, do you have someone in mind that you are “speaking” to as you write? If so, use that same technique with your emails.
4. Keep It Short and Simple
Emails don’t need to be long and elaborate. Forget the idea of a newsletter. I find that overwhelming myself. Aim for clarity and brevity. See step 7 below. People will appreciate a concise message that is quick to read because, let’s face it, people are busy and their attention spans are short. Keeping things short and simple will be less overwhelming for you too.
5. Write a Bad First Draft
Just like writing your book, get the draft out and onto “paper.” Aiming for perfection with the first writing is like shooting yourself in the foot—crippling. Draft a rough version and don’t worry about grammar, tone, or structure. Leave the editing for later. Tell that inner editor to be quiet and that he/she will have a turn later.
6. Set a Time Limit
Believe it or not, time constraints can ease the dread. Parkinson’s Law states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. Use it to your advantage. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes to write the email—okay maybe an hour if you’re brand new to writing emails. Knowing there’s a deadline will push you to get it done without overthinking.
Also, considering blocking time each month to write all the emails you plan to send for that month. I send out an average of 5 emails each month, and this is how I usually get them done.
7. Focus on One Point Per Email
Don’t try to cover everything in one message. I catch myself on this one all the time. You know, those little rabbit trails we writers get lost on. Stick to one topic or purpose per email, which reduces the brain power (and time) needed, and makes writing easier. (See step 4 above.)
8. Use Tools Like AI or Grammar Checkers
I admit, I was reluctant to embrace AI. I got pretty sick of all the emails in my inbox last year about the subject, but I have discovered its advantages. Using an AI tool like ChatGPT, Claude, or Google Gemini (there are many more) is like having a free employee. Don’t be afraid of it. Use it to generate the templates you need. Prompt these tools as if you were speaking to a real person.
Use tools like ProWritingAid to polish your draft or ask AI for suggestions on how to phrase something if you’re stuck. SubjectLine.com is an excellent tool to use to test the effectiveness of your email subject line, an important aspect of your emails since you first need people to open them.
Conclusion
There you have it. Eight steps to help you overcome the dread of writing emails. And like everything we do, we get better at it the more we do it. Before you know it, you’ll be knocking out those emails with all the skill and confidence of a pro.
What part of writing emails do you find the hardest? Leave your answer in the comments below.