Introduction
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways for self-publishers to connect with readers, promote new releases, and grow their book business. Yet, only 27% of self-published authors sell directly, despite these authors accounting for more than 90% of title sales (Alliance of Independent Authors, 2024).
To help creators build stronger relationships with their audience, Mixam has introduced a new email collection tool within its print-on-demand service, PrintLink. It enables authors to securely collect customer email addresses at checkout, providing a simple way to build a mailing list for promotions, book launches, and exclusive content.
Why Email Collection Matters for Self-Publishers
Selling books directly to readers through email marketing gives authors greater control over their marketing and audience engagement. The ability to collect email addresses allows creators to:
- Build a loyal readership by keeping fans informed about new releases.
- Increase book sales through direct promotions and special offers.
- Establish a personal connection with readers outside of social media platforms.
Other major self-publishing platforms don’t offer built-in email opt-in features, but Mixam’s PrintLink provides this valuable tool so authors don’t have to build their own list from scratch.
Mike Thuresson, Mixam’s B2C Product Manager and a self-published author, calls the tool “a natural next step in our mission to help our creators succeed”. Self-published authors often have to build their own websites or landing pages to collect reader emails and grow book sales. “Other self-publishing platforms with online storefronts act as intermediaries and don’t allow you to gather your customers’ emails,” Mike explains. “You can’t directly collect emails on social media platforms either. But Mixam’s email dashboard removes this hurdle by integrating email opt-in into the reader’s purchase”. Mike believes the tool benefits both creators and readers. “PrintLink creators who use this tool should see immediate results if they engage with their customers through email. Readers also get to know more about the creator behind the book, so it’s a win-win”.
How It Works For Creators
Activating this tool is quick and easy. It will only collect emails when a creator opts into the Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) agreement and will not include emails from previous orders. If a creator does not agree to the DSA, the email opt-in checkbox will not appear at the checkout.
Log in > My Account > Customers > Consent to the DSA. You can export the email list as a CSV or Excel file to your email marketing platform. You can also view collected emails under 'Mailing Lists' in the Addresses tab and create mailing lists.
Discover how to sell more copies of your book with PrintLink’s latest feature updates.
How It Works for Customers
Mixam ensures a transparent and user-friendly shopping experience. Customers have complete control over their email preferences and can opt-in by checking a consent box at checkout. If they do not select this option, their email will remain private.
- Add one or multiple PrintLink publications to the cart and click ‘Buy Now’.
- Enter billing information and email address.
- Read and select the ‘Publisher Consent’ opt-in box at checkout.
- Receive a confirmation email after subscribing.
Watch our video tutorial for Mixam’s email collection tool for more information and setup instructions.
Conclusion
Mixam’s email collection tool is a game-changer for self-published authors looking to grow their audience and boost book sales. By streamlining email acquisition, PrintLink provides a simple way to connect with readers and build a sustainable book business.
To start collecting emails, log in to your Mixam account, go to the PrintLink tab in the Admin section and activate the tool in less than a minute. Download Mixam’s free Book Printing Guide to learn how to print a book, and the PrintLink Guide to start your own print-on-demand business.
Main Image Credit: Freepik
