Get out there W


Writing newsletters can give you both income and editorial control, says Linda Harrison


e’re lucky as writers that newsletters serve two purposes for us – we’re getting ourselves out there, but we’re also showcasing the service we provide,” says Sophie Cross, editor of Freelancer Magazine and creator of the


The Dunker newsletter. “It’s also something you own; you have creative freedom


over it, and the database belongs to you – unlike using social media platforms, where the platform owns the audience. As Austin Kleon said, ‘Social media is not enough! The algorithm will screw you, eventually. You need a list of emails.’ ” The Dunker, which goes to 5,000 freelances and has a 50 per cent open rate (way above the average of about 21 per cent), offers business and creativity tips for freelancers. It is written by a different member from the community each week. Cross, who also runs the Grow Your Own Newsletter online course for freelancers, adds: “It’s a way to connect the community and showcase members’ expertise as well as being how we sell Freelancer Magazine and courses, and get client work. And we now monetise the newsletter with sponsorship.” So, how can journalists benefit from writing a newsletter? Copywriter and marketing specialist Sarah Matthews started her newsletter in May 2023. “As a copywriter, I spend most of my time writing words for other people,” says Matthews, a former regional and national newspaper journalist. “So, it’s really lovely to have a creative outlet of my own that allows me to write about topics of my choice – from Kylie and boybands to parenting and peri- menopause. And there’s nothing better than getting a reply from someone who says they can relate to what you’ve written or that it’s brightened up their day. “In some ways, starting a newsletter is the closest I’ve ever got to my teenage dreams of editing a magazine. Despite being a journalist for years, I never had full editorial control of what I was producing.” Financial Times journalist Isabel Berwick leads the FT’s


Working It brand and writes its weekly newsletter about the workplace, the future of work, management and leadership. It arrives every Wednesday in FT subscribers’ inboxes, and anyone with an FT subscription can sign up for free. Berwick says: “There’s no better way to connect directly with readers. And, if you’re starting a newsletter, you have something to say, usually about a topic you’re a specialist in – and the people who subscribe will be into that, too. So you


10 | theJournalist


Great newsletters for journalists


• Sian Meades- Williams: Freelance Writing Jobs


• Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson: Freelancing for Journalists


• Jem Collins: JournoResources


• Journalism.co.uk


up to 1,000 subscribers), Substack, Kit and Mailchimp. “The success of your newsletter won’t be based on the


platform you use,” says Cross. “Have a quick check on the pricing and the functionality you think you need, ask someone you respect for advice, then decide. It’s not difficult to change platforms down the line either, so don’t sweat it. “My advice would be just to start. Now. Start before


you’re ready. Make mistakes. Learn as you go. But first, be clear on who it’s for and why you’re writing it, and focus


find your community right from the start. Plus, you get into some amazing and unexpected conversations with your readers, online and in real life.” Cross adds that a newsletter reminds people you’re there as


well as giving readers a sense of you and your writing style. It also shows that you have confidence in your ability and are skilled, dedicated and reliable enough to create something.


How to start Berwick advises: “Really immerse yourself in other newsletters first – see what you like and don’t like. I am a newsletter superfan: I subscribe to about 100 newsletters, a mix of FT, Substack and via publishers old and new such as Bloomberg, Semafor and Puck. Also, have a look at LinkedIn – lots of great newsletters on there.” Many platforms are available, including MailerLite (free for


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