Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie discussion

Hey everyone,
I'm still fairly new around here. I've been indie writing for over a year now, and am creeping up my reader numbers for the series of full length romantic suspense novels (3) I released in the last year.
Problem is, I'm terrible about consistency connecting with them. Part of me feels like I have nothing to say (or the 'no one cares' mentality), then when I do, I'm inundated with other tasks in writing, editing, and releasing. I need to keep folks engaged even while I'm between releases, though.
Some authors have HUGE successful reader groups on Facebook or other social platforms like here (which I realize takes years to build). While I use those platforms too, I don't think I can invest huge time blocks to connect with readers in those places this early on. I think I have to start small with the list of a couple hundred folks that actually give a shi...*crap* about what I'm doing, and not all of them are even on social media.
Solution: newsletter.
I wanted something visual that people can scroll in literally under 2 mins. I won't send weekly or even monthly.
I've done my 'first installment', as I'm calling it, and wondered if any of you would mind taking a look? Goals: Grab attention without being too heavy on information and/or short on advantages to you as a reader.
I always approach in terms of how I feel: I hate reading through promotional emails, even if it's for stuff I like! So I want to answer the question quickly of "what's in it for me"? Keeping in mind, this would be sent to my email subscribers only and not random people. Here's the link, and thanks for any insight! This is literally the only group I come on Goodreads to talk with, and it's such a great community. Cheers, all! https://spark.adobe.com/page/Ygnyx7kI...

Great site!

Thanks, Angel! I'd love to change up colors but with this version of Spark (ie. the FREE one LOL!) I'm locked into their templates unless I pay. Sound advice though, thanks!!

Angel wrote: "Seems to be a good start, M.J. It immediately grabbed my attention. But maybe more contrast with color can be applied to accentuate certain features such as the link buttons for example."

M.J. wrote: "Thanks, Angel! I'd love to change up colors but with this version of Spark (ie. the FREE one LOL!) I'm locked into their templates unless I pay. Sound advice though, thanks!!

Angel wrote: "Seems ..."

I love the banner you immediately opened with. That's a great attention-getter. Everything on the site being user-friendly is also a plus. You created a very down-to-earth atmosphere which I think will resonate with readers. Overall I think you'll do great with the newsletter. Just my two cents from a reader's standpoint.

Looked super to me! Nice links and focus. I looked at it via my phone and still could access everything as it scrolled through. And as a person who values succinct, i think you did a great job of balancing information with quick presentation.

Thanks ladies! Great feedback. It's very hard to promote books when you just want to write and not "sell". I hate 'bothering' people. But I want to make a living (so I can write more!), and I gotta get out news somehow! :)

I think the site works really well. I like the banner, ti all seems to work pretty nicely.

what are you thinking of doing to help keep the consistency going? just curious because i have this issue as well. So much so i turned hermit for a full year and then some.

Essentially I'm up front with people by telling them there is no consistency with me, at least with email. I think people do appreciate only hearing from you when you have something pertinent going on, not just to invade their inbox for the sake of reminding them you exist. (I've heard this advice given on occasion, and IMO it seems counterproductive.)
I'm setting the goal of keeping in touch once a month, and if I dive into as many projects as I have in mind, I should have news that often.
I do connect with people on social media almost daily, even if it's not about my writing but just connecting with other authors or readers of my genre who are not even aware I write books. That sometimes motivates me to do more, reach out to my own people or do something different to reach new readers.
I think the best advice I've heard is scheduling time each week for promotion stuff, whether it's brainstorming or working on a blog or newsletter. Putting it into practice is another story. I totally get the shutting down thing. I did it this winter, which is why I'm behind on my self-imposed deadlines. Good luck, Michael! And thanks for the feedback. :) I appreciate it!

Michael wrote: "I think the site works really well. I like the banner, ti all seems to work pretty nicely.

what are you thinking of doing to help keep the consistency going? just curious because i have this issu..."

That sounds really good actually. Beast the whole spreading yourself thin kinda thing.

Julie (Gerber) once told me that you don't post regularly- people will drop you. I didn't think anyone actually cared- I never received any comments on my post- until one day- I did. It was strange- people would send a little statement and it thrilled me that I actually had an audience.
On a side note- I've been contacted by people - one in London and the other in the US- based on my numbers to be a paid influencer. I was surprised and delighted. I chose not to take the job- I don't want to push product unless I really believe in it- but that is a goal for many authors may strive for ( extra income). Also, since I've published on Medium- I have gotten three radio show guest spot inquiries, and have been asked to write for two other on line magazines. So- my point is- guys- these types of self-promotion are the only way left. Great job on your site, MJ it was exciting. Get on Medium and drive people to it!!!

Thanks, Alex.

You bet!!!

Carole wrote: "Julie (Gerber) once told me that you don't post regularly- people will drop you. I didn't think anyone actually cared- I never received any comments on my post- until one day- I did. It was strange..."

That's awesome news Carole, opportunities you have the power to turn down are still great milestones! Yes, you keep telling me Medium, I've gotta sign up. So far, I've just been on there clapping for you. :) What's the platform you're talking about, where you didn't think you were missed and then you found you had an audience?

Thanks for further insight Alex & Carole! :)

Carole wrote: "Julie (Gerber) once told me that you don't post regularly- people will drop you. I didn't think anyone actually cared- I never received any comments on my post- until one day- I did. It was strange..."

Great news.

My own blog- I didn't think anybody took notice of it, MJ. There are very few ways left for us to push our brand or books. The only methods left are blogs and magazine articles right now, and Medium, of course.
The paying for claps is getting more and more attractive. Write what they are looking for- I've earned over three hundred dollars over the last two months- I am not bragging- I am urging you guys to write, write and write. See what is bringing you claps and earning those bucks. Do you know how many Kindles I have to sell for 300 dollars?

I have more great news. I've been hired to write a kid's book for a publisher!!! That's all I am allowed to say. I am being paid a fee and will not get royalties- BUT the fee is larger than one books royalties for several years, so I am okay with that.

If they don't like what I've written- they will give me a small sum and not use it.

I actually declined their offer- I didn't feel qualified and I suggested someone else. But they came back with another offer and I decided to give it a try.

What I've learned is that if you put yourself out there enough, opportunities will start to pop up. Try not to say no- unless it's a very bad deal- because you don't know where it will lead.

Hoping so, Alex- it's weird to write to someone else's specs, but the idea that they actually wanted me is thrilling. I hope they still want me after they read it. lol.

Carole wrote: "My own blog- I didn't think anybody took notice of it, MJ. There are very few ways left for us to push our brand or books. The only methods left are blogs and magazine articles right now, and Mediu..."

Fantastic news, Carole!!! Congrats

That is awesome, Carole! Congratulations!

Thanks, guys!!!

I'm so happy for you, Carole! It's so awesome that all your hard work and networking is paying off. A bright spot, after some rough times.

I'll keep you guys posted.

Wow, Carole! That is fantastic. I can't wait to hear more! :) If they do pick it up, be sure to keep me posted on when and how I can help promote. Good luck!

That’s brilliant news Carole. Well deserved.

Thanks, guys!!

Great for you, Carole!

Kudos to you. You are an inspiration to the rest of us.

Thanks, guys.

Congratulations, Carole, how exciting! Good luck with it, can't wait to hear more.

Hi Carole - did you mean "Julie (Gerber) once told me that IF you don't post regularly- people will drop you....."? Missing word I think.

Yes, she did indeed tell me that.