BTA Fridays – Episode 2: Email Ain’t Dead

Breaking the Algorithm™ (BTA) | Hosted by Kelly

Let’s be real. Email might not be trendy.

It’s not flashy. It’s not viral.

But when it comes to indie author success? It works.

In this episode of Breaking the Algorithm™, we’re talking about one of the most powerful—and underrated—tools in your author toolbox: email marketing.

📬 Why Email Still Matters in 2025

Here’s the truth:

You don’t own your Instagram followers.

TikTok can shadowban your best content.

The algorithm decides who sees what—and when.

But your email list? That’s yours.

No platform can take it from you. It’s direct, personal, and powerful.

If you’re an indie author trying to grow your audience, build a brand, or increase book sales… you need an email list.

💥 Who Is This For?

Brand-new indie authors

Mid-career writers struggling to gain traction

Published authors who want to build community and sell more books

If you’ve ever said:

“I need more readers.”

“I want consistent book sales.”

“I wish people actually saw my posts.”

Email is the answer.

📅 When Should You Start?

Now. Not when your website is perfect. Not after your next release.

Start today—with who you already know:

Friends

Family

Co-workers

Church members

Book club buddies

Ask:

“Hey, I’m an indie author. I’m building an email list for book updates, sneak peeks, and bonus content. Want in?”

Most people will say yes.

But don’t assume. Always get permission first.

✉️ How Often Should You Email?

You don’t need to send weekly emails to stay relevant.

Just be consistent.

Try this:

Send a Welcome Email right after someone signs up

Email once a month with updates or behind-the-scenes content

Reach out when you have news (book release, giveaway, event, sale)

Share stories, tips, or shout out another indie author

You don’t always have to promote yourself to provide value.

🛠️ Tools to Get You Started

You don’t need a big budget to build a powerful list.

Here are 3 free or affordable platforms I recommend:

MailerLite – great for beginners; easy automation

Brevo – solid analytics and design

ConvertKit – ideal for creators with more advanced needs

All of these help you:

✅ Collect emails

✅ Send welcome messages

✅ Track clicks and engagement

📚 Use Your Book to Build Your List (Book Funnel Tip)

Turn your book into a lead magnet:

Add a callout at the end of your eBook:

“Want bonus chapters or early access to my next release? Join my list!”

Link to your signup form (MailerLite, etc.)

You can also use a QR code on:

Bookmarks

Postcards

Pop-up banners

Your website

Let your readers find YOU outside the bookstore.

💌 “But What Do I Even Say in an Email?”

Simple: Talk like a person. You are one.

Ideas:

Share a quote from your book

Tell a behind-the-scenes story

Offer a tip for other writers

Recommend another indie author’s book

Then close with a soft call to action:

💬 “Hit reply and tell me what you think.”

📤 “Forward this to a bookish friend.”

🛒 “Click here to pre-order.”

Final Thoughts

Email isn’t dead. It’s your foundation.

The sooner you start, the stronger your connection with readers will be.

You don’t need thousands of followers.

You just need a community that’s truly yours.

So start with 5 subscribers. Build from there.

Because one day, you’ll be glad you did.

🧾 Final Reminders

💡 Are you a creative—author, poet, illustrator, editor? Be a guest on Author’s Mic (every Monday).

📚 Authors: Pitch your book for the Indie Reader Society spotlight.

📖 Readers: Join the Indie Reader Society book club for free.

✍🏾 Thinking of writing a book? Get my free 44-page indie author guide at Linktree.

🛍️ Want to support? Grab You Sound White or Weight For It — available on my website or wherever books are sold.

—

Let’s break the algorithm—and build something better.

Catch you next Friday.

— Kelly

Topics Covered:

Email Marketing for Authors, Indie Publishing Tips, Author Platform Building, Book Funnel Strategies, Mailing List Growth, Breaking the Algorithm, Creative Marketing for Writers, Newsletter Tools, Self-Publishing Tips, Author Branding Strategies