TN63 How not to write a newsletter

First published on this website in October 2011 and last updated in September 2023

Synopsis

These notes list seven of the most common mistakes made when people try to write Christmas family newsletters. The principles can then be applied to a range of church literature as well. The key errors to avoid are:

• too many words
• not enough breaks
• poor visuals (or none)
• a turn-off opening
• uninteresting content
• showing off
• nothing distinctive.

There are footnotes on the power of relationship, emails and print design.

Apply all this also to prayer letters, outreach literature, promotional literature and anything you write for mass printing.

Do you dare write your Christmas letter now?

These notes were updated in September 2023 with minor amendments to the text and layout.