What the heck is a nurture sequence and why you should care

A Quick-and-Clear Guide: What the Heck Is a Nurture Sequence? And How Do I Use it to Sell More Books

By Izolda Trakhtenberg, President, Sisters in Crime NY Tri-State Chapter

Let’s demystify the marketing mystery, shall we?

First Up: What’s a Nurture Sequence?

A nurture sequence is a short series of emails you send to people who’ve just joined your mailing list. These are readers who are curious about your work and are wondering, “Is this for me?”

Your job? Make them feel like they just found their people. Not with pushy sales tactics. With warmth, stories, sneak peeks, and a few irresistible clues about what you write.

It’s the writer’s version of saying, “Pull up a chair. You’re going to like this.”

Next: What’s a Marketing Funnel (and Why Should Authors Care)?

Think of a marketing funnel as the reader’s journey from “Who are you again?” to “I just bought your book and told three friends about it.”

Here’s the short version:

Awareness They discover you (Instagram, podcast, event, etc.)
Interest They land on your site or join your email list.
Connection You share something personal, fun, or intriguing.
Desire They want to read your book.
Action They buy it, devour it, and (if you’ve really nailed it) leave a review or subscribe to everything you do.

How a Lead Magnet + Email Funnel Works (A Quick Flow for Authors)

Offer a taste of your world Create a freebie readers actually want (short story, bonus chapter, behind-the-scenes content, quiz, or reading list).
They sign up A reader gives their first name + email to get the freebie.
They get the freebie right away No delays. It lands in their inbox instantly.
They enter your nurture sequence A short 3-email series designed to build connection and interest.
- Email 1: Welcome + deliver the freebie again + one fun or unexpected fact about you or your book world
- Email 2: Share a surprising behind-the-scenes moment, inspiration, or reader reaction that deepens engagement
- Email 3: Invite them to buy the book, join your Patreon, or come to your next event. Make the next step clear
Goal: Build loyal readers who feel personally connected to you and want more of your work.

And the secret to all of this? Consistency. Authenticity. And, yes, a good old-fashioned nurture sequence.

Sample 3-Email Nurture Sequence for a Crime Fiction Author

Goal: Build trust. Spark curiosity. Sell your book. Rinse and repeat.

Email 1 Subject: “One dead body. Four suspects. No alibi.”

Hi [First Name],

Let’s play a game.

A body’s been found in a quiet coastal town. Everyone loved the victim. Everyone’s lying. And no one has an alibi.

That’s how my latest mystery The Widow’s Key opens, and I’d love to pull you into the story.

In the next couple of emails, I’ll share a sneak peek, some behind-the-scenes fun, and a twist or two (of course).

Until then,
Natasha Tyler
Author, Storyteller, Mystery-Lover-in-Chief

Email 2 Subject: “Meet Mara Quinn. She did not sign up for this.”

Hey [First Name],

Mara Quinn is a tarot reader. Not a cop. Not a sleuth. Definitely not someone who wants to tangle with murder.

But when someone close to her ends up dead, and a priceless antique goes missing, Mara’s the only one asking the right questions.

Want a sneak peek of how she gets pulled in? I’ve got a free chapter ready for you. Just click here. [Link to chapter]

Fair warning: once you start, it’s hard to stop. (That’s what my friend Dayle said right before staying up ‘til 3am to finish it.)

More soon,
Natasha

Email 3 Subject: “The Widow’s Key is out now (and twistier than a corkscrew)”

Hi [First Name],

The full mystery is out in the world, and now it’s your turn to crack the case.

The Widow’s Key is officially available, and early readers are loving the blend of smart twists, tarot secrets, and a main character who’s figuring it out one stubborn clue at a time.

You can grab your copy here [Buy Link]

If you read it, I’d love to hear what you think, especially if you figure out whodunit before the last reveal. (I won’t be mad. I’ll be impressed.)

More mysteries coming your way soon,
Natasha
(AKA Izolda, President, Sisters in Crime NY Tri-State Chapter
P.S. Got a favorite fictional detective? Hit reply and tell me. I collect them like clues.

If you’re finding these marketing posts helpful, drop a line and let us know at NYTriStateSinC@gmail.com. We’ll do more if they’re useful to you.