Knowledgebase

An email campaign is a message sent to a selected list or segment. Authors commonly use campaigns for newsletters, new release announcements, preorder reminders, reader magnet follow-ups, ARC team updates and promotional emails.

Before creating a campaign

Confirm your sender name and sender email address are set up.
Check that your recipient list or segment contains active contacts.
Prepare your subject line, preheader, images, links and main call to action.
Make sure your brand information is complete, including colors and logo where used.
Check any required footer details, including unsubscribe and sender information.

How campaign creation usually works

Open the campaigns area in EmailBoost.
Create a new campaign.
Choose the campaign type or starting template.
Add your campaign name, subject line, preheader and sender details.
Select the list or segment you want to send to.
Design the email using the editor or a saved template.
Preview and test the campaign.
Schedule or send when ready.

Things to know

A campaign may remain in draft until all required fields are completed.
Your sender email and domain setup can affect whether a campaign is ready to send.
Recipient lists should contain active, permission-based contacts.
Always test before sending to readers.

BookBooster Author Tip: Each campaign should have one clear purpose. If the goal is a preorder, make the preorder button the obvious next step. If the goal is reviews, keep the email focused on review instructions and links.

Duplicating Campaigns

Duplicating a campaign lets you reuse an existing campaign as the starting point for a new one. This can save time when you are creating similar newsletters, launch reminders or recurring reader updates.

When to duplicate a campaign

You want to reuse the same layout.
You are creating a launch sequence with similar design.
You want to send a reminder based on a previous email.
You are updating a past newsletter for a new book or offer.

What to check after duplicating

Campaign name.
Subject line.
Preheader text.
Book links and buttons.
Dates, prices and availability.
Images and covers.
Recipient list or segment.

Things to know

A duplicated campaign may copy more than just the design. Review every detail carefully before sending so readers do not receive old links, outdated pricing or incorrect release information.

BookBooster Author Tip: Duplicating works well for release-week reminders, but change the hook each time. Readers are more likely to respond if each email has a fresh reason to click.

Deleting a Campaign Draft

Draft campaigns are campaigns that have been created but not sent. You can delete drafts you no longer need to keep your campaign area clean and easier to manage.

When to delete a draft

The campaign was created by mistake.
You duplicated the wrong campaign.
The launch plan changed.
The draft contains outdated information.
You created a test campaign and no longer need it.

Before deleting

Check that the campaign has not been scheduled.
Make sure you do not need the layout as a template.
Confirm that no one else on your team still needs the draft.

Things to know

Deleting a draft usually cannot be undone. If you want to reuse the layout later, save it as a template or duplicate it before deleting.

BookBooster Author Tip: For book launches, use clear draft names such as “Book 2 preorder reminder - draft” so you do not accidentally delete the wrong campaign.

Using the Email Designer

The Email Designer is where you build the content and layout of your campaign. It allows you to add text, images, links, buttons and other content blocks to create a reader-friendly email.

Common content blocks

Text blocks for your message.
Image blocks for covers, banners or graphics.
Button blocks for buy links, preorder links or download links.
Divider or spacing blocks to separate sections.
Footer content for required sender and unsubscribe information.

How to design an author email

Start with a clear subject and preheader.
Add a short greeting or opening note.
Use a cover image or graphic where helpful.
Write a short hook, blurb or update.
Add one main button for the action you want readers to take.
Include any required footer information.
Preview the email on desktop and mobile.

Design tips

Keep the most important content near the top.
Use readable font sizes.
Avoid image-only emails.
Make buttons clear and easy to click.
Check dark mode and mobile display where possible.

BookBooster Author Tip: For authors, simple usually wins. A clean cover, strong hook, short blurb and clear button often works better than a heavily designed email with too many competing links.

Creating Mobile and Desktop Versions

Readers open email on different devices, so it is important to check how your campaign looks on both desktop and mobile. A design that looks good on a large screen may be hard to read on a phone.

What to check on mobile

Subject line and preheader preview.
Image scaling.
Button size.
Text readability.
Spacing between sections.
Whether the main call to action is visible without too much scrolling.

What to check on desktop

Overall layout width.
Image quality.
Button alignment.
Long paragraphs.
Footer details.

Things to know

If EmailBoost offers device preview options, use them before sending. Even when a design tool looks correct, it is still worth sending yourself a test email and checking it on your own phone.

BookBooster Author Tip: Many readers will see your book launch email on a phone. Keep your hook, cover and main button easy to understand at a glance.

Adding a Video to a Campaign

Most email clients do not reliably play embedded videos inside an email. A safer approach is to add a video thumbnail or image that links to the video on a landing page, website, YouTube, Vimeo or another hosted location.

When authors might use video

Book trailers.
Character teaser videos.
Author welcome videos.
Behind-the-scenes clips.
Event or live reading replays.

How to add video safely

Upload or host the video somewhere reliable.
Create a thumbnail image or use a still from the video.
Add the thumbnail image to your email.
Link the image or button to the video page.
Test the link before sending.

Things to know

Avoid attaching large video files to campaigns.
Use a clear call to action such as “Watch the trailer.”
Check that the video page is public or accessible.
Make sure the thumbnail image does not make the email too heavy.

BookBooster Author Tip: For a book trailer, use a strong thumbnail with a clear play-button style image and a short button underneath. The email should invite the click rather than trying to contain the whole video.

Adding PDF Attachments

PDFs can be useful for reader magnets, bonus chapters, reading guides or event information. However, large attachments can affect deliverability and may not create the best reader experience.

When to use a PDF

Bonus chapters.
Reader magnets.
Printable reading lists.
Event handouts.
Book club guides.

Best practice

Where possible, link to a hosted PDF or download page instead of attaching a large file directly to the email. This keeps the email lighter and makes it easier to update the file later if needed.

Checklist before sharing a PDF

Open the file and check it displays correctly.
Make sure the file name is clear.
Check that you have the right to share the content.
Test the download link.
Explain what the reader is downloading.

BookBooster Author Tip: If you are delivering a reader magnet, a hosted download page can also give you space to recommend the next book, invite readers to follow you, or explain where to start with your series.

Adding a Calendar Link

Calendar links let readers save an event or important date to their own calendar. This can be useful for launches, live events, cover reveals, preorder deadlines or online author appearances.

When to use a calendar link

Release day reminders.
Live Q&A sessions.
Online launch parties.
Webinars or reader events.
Limited-time preorder or sale deadlines.

What to include

Event title.
Date and time.
Timezone.
Location or online link.
Short description.

Things to know

Always check timezones carefully. If readers are in different countries, make the timezone clear in both the email and the calendar event.

BookBooster Author Tip: For launch events, include both the calendar link and the main book link. Readers may save the event but still need a simple way to preorder or buy.

Creating Effective Preheaders

The preheader is the preview text readers often see beside or under the subject line in their inbox. It gives you a second chance to encourage the reader to open.

What a preheader should do

Support the subject line.
Add context or curiosity.
Make the benefit clearer.
Encourage the reader to open.

Author examples

Subject: New shifter romance out now
Preheader: Fated mates, pack secrets and one dangerous rescue.
Subject: Your bonus scene is ready
Preheader: Return to the world of the series today.
Subject: Last chance to preorder
Preheader: Release day is almost here.

Things to know

Do not simply repeat the subject line.
Keep it short and clear.
Check how it appears on mobile.
Avoid spammy wording or false urgency.

BookBooster Author Tip: Think of the subject line as the hook and the preheader as the nudge. Together, they should make the email feel worth opening.

Integrating Survey Forms

Survey forms can help you collect reader feedback, preferences, ARC interest, event responses or launch information. In most cases, the email links to a survey or form rather than containing the full survey inside the email.

Author survey ideas

Favorite genre or trope.
Preferred reading format.
ARC team application.
Book club interest.
Cover feedback.
Reader magnet feedback.

How to include a survey

Create the survey or form.
Copy the public link.
Add a button or text link in your email.
Explain why you are asking readers to respond.
Test the link before sending.

Things to know

Keep surveys short.
Tell readers how long it will take.
Only ask for information you need.
Make sure responses are stored securely.

BookBooster Author Tip: Readers are more likely to complete a survey when the benefit is clear. For example: “Tell me what bonus content you want next” feels more inviting than “Complete this form.”

Adding Unsubscribe Links

Marketing emails must include a clear way for readers to unsubscribe. Unsubscribe links protect readers, help with compliance, and reduce spam complaints.

Why unsubscribe links matter

Readers must be able to opt out of marketing emails.
Clear unsubscribe options help protect deliverability.
They reduce the chance of readers marking your email as spam.
They help keep your list permission-based.

Where unsubscribe links usually appear

Unsubscribe links are usually included in the email footer. They may be added automatically through the platform or included as a required merge tag or footer element depending on the campaign setup.

Things to know

Do not hide the unsubscribe link.
Do not remove required footer content.
Do not manually re-add readers who have unsubscribed.
Use a preference center if you want readers to choose email types instead of fully unsubscribing.

BookBooster Author Tip: An unsubscribe is better than a spam complaint. Make the opt-out process clear and respectful so readers leave on good terms.

Adding Your Physical Address

Marketing emails commonly require sender information in the footer, including a physical mailing address or approved business address. This helps recipients identify who is contacting them and supports compliance with email marketing rules.

Where the address appears

Your sender address is usually shown in the footer of marketing emails, along with unsubscribe information and other required details.

What to check

The address is current.
The address is appropriate for business use.
The footer displays correctly.
The information matches the author brand or business sending the email.

Things to know

Do not remove required sender details from marketing emails.
If you use a business mailing address or PO box, make sure it is valid for your email compliance needs.
Check footer details before sending your first campaign.

BookBooster Author Tip: Authors who do not want to use a home address should consider a suitable business mailing address, PO box or registered business address where legally appropriate.

Testing Your Campaign

Testing your campaign helps catch mistakes before readers see them. It is one of the most important steps in the email campaign process.

What to test

Subject line.
Preheader.
Sender name and sender email.
Book links and buttons.
Images and covers.
Mobile display.
Unsubscribe and footer details.
Spelling, dates, prices and release information.

If test emails do not arrive

Check spam or junk folders.
Confirm the test email address is correct.
Wait a few minutes in case delivery is delayed.
Try sending to another email provider.
Check that the sender domain is properly set up.

Things to know

A test email should be reviewed like a real reader would see it. Open it on your phone, click every link, and check the email after images load.

BookBooster Author Tip: For launch emails, send the test to yourself and one other person if possible. A second pair of eyes often catches wrong dates, broken links or old preorder wording.

Creating A/B Tests

A/B testing lets you compare two versions of part of your campaign to see which performs better. This is often used for subject lines, preheaders or content variations.

What authors can test

Subject line A vs subject line B.
Trope-led hook vs character-led hook.
Short preheader vs curiosity preheader.
Different button wording.
Different lead image or cover treatment.

How to plan a useful test

Choose one element to test.
Decide what success means, such as opens or clicks.
Use a large enough audience to make the result useful.
Apply the learning to future campaigns.

Things to know

Do not test too many changes at once.
Open tracking can be affected by privacy settings.
Click data is often more useful for sales-focused campaigns.
A/B tests work best when you have enough subscribers for meaningful results.

BookBooster Author Tip: For authors, the most useful first A/B test is usually the subject line. Try one version focused on trope and one focused on emotional hook.

Uploading to the File Manager

The file manager stores images and files you want to use in campaigns, such as covers, banners, graphics or downloadable content.

Files authors commonly upload

Book covers.
Newsletter banners.
Author photos.
Series graphics.
Reader magnet images.
PDF bonus content, if supported.

Best practices

Use clear file names.
Compress large images before upload.
Keep cover images high quality but not unnecessarily huge.
Remove old files you no longer use.
Check that uploaded files display correctly in the campaign preview.

Things to know

Large files can slow down email loading or affect the reader experience. For downloads, linking to a hosted file may be better than attaching a large file directly.

BookBooster Author Tip: Create a simple naming system, such as BookTitle_Cover_Email.jpg or SeriesName_Banner_Launch.jpg. It will save time when you build campaigns later.

Adding RSS Feeds

RSS feeds can be used to pull content from a website or blog into an email campaign, where supported. This is useful if you regularly publish blog posts, news updates or website articles.

Author uses for RSS

Sharing recent blog posts.
Including latest website news.
Sending recurring update emails.
Highlighting recent book-related articles.

Things to check

The RSS feed URL works.
The content displays cleanly in email.
The feed pulls the correct posts.
Images and excerpts appear as expected.
The campaign still has a clear reader purpose.

Things to know

Automated feed content should still be reviewed. Make sure the email feels intentional and useful, not just automatically generated.

BookBooster Author Tip: If you use RSS, add a short personal note above the feed content. Readers respond better when the email still feels like it came from the author.

Creating UTM Tracking Links

UTM tracking links help you understand where traffic comes from. They add tracking information to a URL so analytics tools can identify which campaign, source or link sent the click.

What UTM links can track

Email campaign source.
Launch campaign name.
Specific button or image link.
Reader magnet promotion.
Retailer or store traffic from email.

Common UTM fields

Source: where the traffic came from, such as emailboost.
Medium: the channel, such as email.
Campaign: the campaign name, such as book-title-launch.
Content: the specific link or placement, such as top-button or cover-image.

Best practices

Use consistent naming.
Keep campaign names short but clear.
Avoid spaces and random capitalization.
Test the final link before sending.
Do not make links so complex that they become hard to manage.

BookBooster Author Tip: Use UTM links when sending readers to your own store, website or landing page. Retailer dashboards may not show UTM data, but your own analytics can help you understand what your emails are driving.

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