How to Start Your Email List as a Writer (Even Without a Website)



If you’re a writer looking to grow an audience, sell more books, or build a loyal readership, there’s one thing you absolutely need: an email list.

But what if you don’t have a website yet?
Good news — you can start your email list today using free tools like Mailchimp, no coding or tech skills required.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to build your email list from scratch, even if you’re just getting started.

✨ Why Every Writer Needs an Email List

Social media is noisy. Algorithms change. But your email list is yours.

Here’s what an email list can do for you:

  • Help you connect directly with readers
  • Promote your latest blog posts, books, or offers
  • Build a community of loyal fans
  • Share your freebies, samples, and newsletters

Even if you have 10 subscribers — that’s 10 people who chose to hear from you.

🚀 Step-by-Step: Start Your Email List Without a Website

You don’t need a fancy website. All you need is Mailchimp or a similar free platform.

✅ Step 1: Sign up for Mailchimp (It’s Free)

Go to mailchimp.com and sign up for the free plan. It allows up to 500 contacts — perfect for getting started.

Once inside:

  • Create your audience (your subscriber list)
  • Add your name, email address, and basic info

✅ Step 2: Create a Landing Page or Signup Form

Here’s where the magic happens.

In Mailchimp:

  • Click “Create” > “Landing Page”
  • Choose a template
  • Give your landing page a clear headline like:
    • “Want Free Writing Tips Every Week?”
    • “Join 500+ Readers Getting My Monthly Storyletters”
  • Add your image, short description, and the email signup form

Boom — your landing page now acts like a mini-website!

✅ Step 3: Offer a Freebie to Entice Signups

People love gifts. Create something simple and valuable to offer in exchange for emails:

📚 Some ideas:

  • A free short story
  • A chapter of your upcoming book
  • A PDF guide: “10 Writing Prompts for Stuck Writers”
  • A mini email course: “Write Daily in 5 Minutes”

Upload your freebie to Google Drive, Dropbox, or Mailchimp itself, and deliver it automatically when someone signs up.

✅ Step 4: Share Your Link Everywhere

Your signup page link is gold. Share it:

  • In your Instagram bio
  • On your Facebook profile or author page
  • In writing groups
  • In your WhatsApp status
  • As a pinned tweet
  • On Medium, Substack, or Wattpad

Tip: Make your link memorable using bit.ly or tinyurl.com.

✅ Step 5: Send Your First Email

Once people sign up, don’t ghost them!

Start with a welcome email:

  • Thank them for signing up
  • Introduce yourself
  • Share your freebie (if promised)
  • Tell them what to expect (e.g., “One story email every Monday”)

Then aim for consistent, valuable emails.
Even once a month is better than silence.

💡 Bonus: What to Write in Your Emails

Not sure what to say? Here are 5 easy ideas:

  1. Behind-the-scenes of your writing process
  2. Book or movie recommendations
  3. Lessons you’ve learned as a writer
  4. Personal stories or reflections
  5. Early access to your latest content

Be human. Be relatable. Be helpful.

🔗 Ready to Build Your List?

Start here:
👉 Join My Newsletter for Writers (Insert your actual Mailchimp or ConvertKit link)

You’ll get:

  • Writing tips & prompts
  • Free templates
  • Exclusive access to my upcoming books

✍ Final Thoughts

You don’t need a website to start building your audience.
You don’t need thousands of followers to make a difference.

You just need one thing:
The courage to begin.

So go ahead — set up that landing page, create a simple freebie, and start connecting with your readers today.


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#WriterPlatform

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