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You're sending newsletters faithfully, but it feels like they're disappearing into a black hole. No opens. No responses. Just silence. If you've ever wondered whether anyone actually reads what you write, this episode is for you.
Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register dive into the real reason people aren't opening your emails—and it's probably not what you think. Spoiler alert: it's not about clever tricks or urgency-driven headlines. It's about something much more fundamental.
What You'll Discover in This Episode
Why newsletters matter more than ever for writers (hint: it's about owning your audience)
The truth about why people actually open emails—and it's not the subject line alone
How to write subject lines that feel like a thought, not a headline
The "text a friend" test that will transform your subject lines
Why over-editing can strip your authentic voice right out of your newsletter
The generic opening lines that are costing you readers
Key Takeaways
Your email list is your owned audience. Unlike social media platforms that can change algorithms or shut down accounts, your newsletter subscribers belong to you. Publishers and agents are paying attention to this.
People open emails from people they trust. Before worrying about clever subject lines, focus on building genuine relationships with your readers. Do they believe you actually care about them?
Your voice isn't just a style choice—it's a signal. When readers open your email, they should hear YOU, not a polished, over-edited version that sounds like a research paper or a performance.
The text test works. If your subject line would feel weird to text a friend, it'll feel weird in their inbox too. Keep it personal and genuine.
If you're ready to transform your newsletter from something you dread writing into something your readers look forward to receiving, this conversation will give you the foundation you need to get started.
You're sending newsletters faithfully, but it feels like they're disappearing into a black hole. No opens. No responses. Just silence. If you've ever wondered whether anyone actually reads what you write, this episode is for you.
Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register dive into the real reason people aren't opening your emails—and it's probably not what you think. Spoiler alert: it's not about clever tricks or urgency-driven headlines. It's about something much more fundamental.
Your email list is your owned audience. Unlike social media platforms that can change algorithms or shut down accounts, your newsletter subscribers belong to you. Publishers and agents are paying attention to this.
People open emails from people they trust. Before worrying about clever subject lines, focus on building genuine relationships with your readers. Do they believe you actually care about them?
Your voice isn't just a style choice—it's a signal. When readers open your email, they should hear YOU, not a polished, over-edited version that sounds like a research paper or a performance.
The text test works. If your subject line would feel weird to text a friend, it'll feel weird in their inbox too. Keep it personal and genuine.
If you're ready to transform your newsletter from something you dread writing into something your readers look forward to receiving, this conversation will give you the foundation you need to get started.
Welcome to The Writing at the Red House Podcast where we gather at the table to break bread and tell tales with some of our favorite writers and speakers. Our heart is to equip and encourage men and women to be the communicators God has created them to be.