5 Reasons Why Every Writer Needs A Newsletter

There are a number of reasons that every writer should have their own newsletter.

1. Creative Outlet -- Every writer I know writes because they must, because they simply have something to say. However the trick is for many writers finding the right outlet, the right expression, for that message. Starting your own newsletter or ezine can give you that creative outlet and satisfy your inner writer.

2. Shut Down The Editor -- The three most satisfying moments for me as a writer were the first time I saw my name in print as a writer, the first time I cashed a check for my writing, and the last time I had to listen to an editor. I learned a lot from the various editors I worked with as a professional writer over the years -- and some of it was even beneficial to me as a writer and person. However there were many times when editors did nothing but push me in a direction I didn't want to go and force changes on me that I didn't want to make to my writing. Sometimes they even made those changes without telling me. My byline or name would be on the printed word, but someone else had tampered with my writing. Now I don't have to listen to an editor unless I choose or request insight from someone I respect.

3. Your Own Fan Club -- In the past those who have appreciated my writing have been limited to a specific geographic area, genre, or field; however publishing my own ezine which is delivered around the world to people from a very diverse experience and background means a broader fan club than I could ever achieve in any other medium.

4. Becoming A Guru -- As you publish and share your writing and your audience grows something amazing happens. You become someone of note within your niche and you become someone that others listen to and turn to. You become a guru.

5. 100% Profit and Pride -- In the past I have written for several award-winning, successful publications, but very rarely did my paycheck reflect the honors and profit I brought into the company. A few years ago my writing earned one publication I wrote for a very prestigious award. During the slide presentation leading up to the award ceremony I watched column after column with my byline sliding by on the screen and then I watched someone else walk up to accept the award. Now when my publications are honored and recognized I knowexactly where the credit goes and similarly when they are profitable I know exactly where the profit goes.

Now that I have convinced you that you need to publish your own ezine or newsletter, I want to go over a few questions that budding editorsand publishers always ask.

What exactly is an electronic newsletter or ezine?

Just like their paper counterparts like newspapers, newsletters, and magazines, ezines deliver written messages usually relating to a common theme or topic. The main difference is that an ezine transcends paper and ink and most likely only ever exists on a computer screen.

Some ezines are delivered only via email while others are delivered only on the web. Most are delivered in some combination of the two. Most of my ezines are delivered via email but also available immediately via web page (or rather blog page) and RSS feed.

You can choose as your own editor and publisher what method is most suited to you and your audience.

How do you publish a newsletter or ezine?

It is much easier to start publication of your own ezine than it is to start up a print publication. You simply need to decide on a topic, name your publication and start writing. It is easy to find an audience through the various ezine and newsletter directories around the internet as well as going directly to the source, for example discussion boards for people interested in your topic.

You will need to determine a delivery method, which means most likely setting up your own web site; creating an archive for your issues once they are created, which could mean setting up a blog; and tracking your readers, which likely means setting up a mailing or autoresponder service. However you can use free tools to do any of these things.

Deanna Mascle shares more writing advice in her blogs http://route60.us and http://word-craft.info