Author Newsletter Options: Mailchimp vs. Brevo vs. Others
Why Every Author Needs a Newsletter
Social media comes and goes, algorithms change, but email is forever. An author newsletter is the most reliable way to reach your readers directly—no ads, no filters, no begging the algorithm gods. Think of it as your direct-to-reader pipeline: the difference between hoping someone sees your post and knowing they got your message.
What an Author Newsletter Should Actually Do
A strong system should:
- Capture sign-ups through forms and lead magnets.
- Send automated welcome or ARC sequences.
- Segment readers by interest (genres, series, engagement).
- Track open, click, and conversion rates.
- Be easy enough that you’ll actually use it.
Pro Tip: The best newsletter tool is the one you’ll log into weekly—consistency beats features every time.
The Big Four Email Platforms for Indie Authors
Mailchimp: The Old Reliable
Best for: authors who want a familiar, polished interface.
Pros:
- Beautiful templates and drag-and-drop design.
- Decent automation with audience tagging.
- Integrates with most author websites.
Cons:
- Free plan limits emails and subscribers.
- Costs rise fast once your list grows.
- Automation can feel clunky for advanced funnels.
EBB Take: Great starter option—but long-term, you’ll pay premium prices for features you might not need.
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue): The Value Powerhouse
Best for: authors who want power and affordability.
Pros:
- Pricing is based on emails sent, not subscribers.
- Built-in CRM + SMS marketing.
- Excellent deliverability and automation.
- Integrates smoothly with WordPress, Divi, and BookFunnel.
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for workflow automation.
- Templates aren’t as flashy as Mailchimp’s.
EBB Take: Brevo is perfect for authors ready to scale. You can manage sign-ups, automations, and campaigns all in one dashboard without breaking the bank. (And yes—it’s what I use.)
Kit (formerly ConvertKit): The Creator’s Choice
Best for: authors focused on automation and reader segmentation.
Pros:
- Clean interface built specifically for creators.
- Powerful visual automations.
- Tagging lets you run multiple reader journeys.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Limited design flexibility.
EBB Take: Ideal for authors who love data and drip campaigns—but overkill for someone sending a simple monthly update.
MailerLite: The Budget Friendly Middle Ground
Best for: authors who want simplicity without bloat.
Pros:
- Excellent free plan (up to 1,000 subscribers).
- Easy landing pages and pop-ups.
- Smooth automation builder.
Cons:
- Occasional deliverability hiccups.
- Limited native integrations beyond basics.
EBB Take: MailerLite is a solid choice for early-stage authors testing the waters before investing in bigger systems.
Comparison at a Glance
| Platform | Cost Model | Automations | Integrations | Free Plan | Best For |
| Mailchimp | Subscribers | ✅ Basic | ✅ Strong | ✅ (500 subs) | Beginners who want polished visuals |
| Brevo | Emails sent | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Strong | ✅ (unlimited subs) | Growing authors, budget-savvy pros |
| Kit (formerly ConvertKit) | Subscribers | ✅ Pro-level | ✅ Strong | ⚠️ Limited trial | Advanced automations |
| MailerLite | Subscribers | ✅ Solid | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ (1,000 subs) | Indie authors on a budget |
What Really Matters for Authors
- Automation: Your welcome sequence should run without you.
- Segmentation: Keep ARC readers separate from newsletter fans.
- Ease of Use: If it takes you three hours to send one email, you won’t.
- Deliverability: Your emails can’t convert if they land in spam.
- Support: A helpful helpdesk beats fancy dashboards.
How to Choose Your Perfect Platform
Ask yourself:
- How often will I email my list?
- Do I need automations or just monthly updates?
- Do I plan to sell directly from emails?
- What’s my budget per month?
If you send fewer than 5,000 emails a month: Brevo wins on cost.
If you’re automation-happy: ConvertKit.
If you want visual ease: MailerLite.
If you already know Mailchimp: Stick with it until it pinches your wallet.
Integrations That Matter for Authors
- BookFunnel: For ARC and freebie delivery.
- StoryOrigin or BookSprout: For review teams.
- WordPress / Divi / Wix: Signup forms and pop-ups.
- Brevo + WooCommerce or Shopify: Sell books directly to fans.
A Quick Note on Real-World Use (and Full Disclosure)
Since transparency matters here: I use Brevo.
Not because they pay me (they don’t), but because it works, it’s affordable, and it hasn’t done any of the shady stuff I’ve personally seen with other platforms.
Looking at you, Flodesk, with the unsubscribers who mysteriously resurrect themselves like a zombie segment you never asked for.
I send one newsletter a month, and it’s not fluff.
It’s a curated breakdown of the content I’ve published that month — real value, not
“Hey, I ate a panini last week and here’s how it relates to book publishing.”
(My audience would mutiny. And they’d be right.)
Your audience will tell you if you’re giving value.
Just watch your open rates, click-throughs, and especially your unsubscribes.
If those numbers start drifting in the wrong direction, it’s not the platform — it’s the content.
Fix that first, then revisit tools.
Newsletters are relationship-building, not random diary entries.
Final Thoughts: Email Is Still King
Your newsletter isn’t a chore—it’s an asset. A reliable list of 500 true fans will outsell 5,000 social-media followers every time. Choose a platform that fits your workflow, set up automations once, and let it do the heavy lifting while you get back to writing.
Remember: The most profitable authors are the ones who treat their newsletter like their second book launch—every month.
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