How To Write A Newsletter
In order to be successful with a newsletter, specialize in a
subject not adequately covered in existing newsletters. A
subject which you can give more, or better information on.
To determine what to write about, first look at your ability,
experience and interests. Then sit down at the library with
the
latest edition of the "Directory of Newsletters" and make a note
of the publishers of subjects comparable to what you would like
to write about. Send for a free sample of each of these
to
review. Find out how they are put together and whether you
can
do as good or better with one of your own. Make an analysis
of
the good and weak points of the various newsletters to build
ideas for your own.
Plan in advance how your layout will be set up, what kind of
photos or drawings you might use, printing and distribution
costs, and all the other business details necessary to launch
and maintain a continuing weekly or monthly newsletter.
Be sure
you have time to handle all the details required to get the
newsletter out on time every time! You will need to build
as
much of the basic information as possible well in advance,
perhaps 15 to 20 issues ahead, then feed in the current
information between each issue.
You cannot hope to survive against the competition of the large
firms who have many different contributing authors, and access
to instant worldwide information through computer data centers,
etc. So stay away from subjects put out by them unless you
can
develop a very unique theme to wrap around their information.
Most of these firms put out a newsletter without any revenue
from advertisements or inserts. Generally the little publishers
must develop their newsletters in such a way as to include
income from advertisers in order to return a reasonable profit
and stay in business.
Research the market to determine what your "category" of
subscribers want to hear in your newsletter. Give it a "stand
out" title, price it fairly for both the subscriber and
yourself, keep the graphics and printing clean and neat.
Develop your own individual style in your writings to give your
newsletter its own distinctive "personality".
How would you present your information to an individual in a
personal face to face conversation? Use the same presentation
in writing. It will take time to develop an individual writing
style, but as the saying goes, "practice makes perfect"!
So
don't be discouraged if your first few attempts appear
ridiculous to you. A you practice you gain experience and
before you know it, you can put out information your subscribers
can enjoy and benefit from.
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