Email Is Still the Most Powerful Tool for Writers

And Why That’s NOT True

My Medium friends can read this story over there as well.

Photo by Daniela Holzer on Unsplash

Every few months, someone posts the same gospel: “Email is the most powerful tool for writers.”

And everyone nods. Newsletter experts. Substack champions. The “you-own-your-audience” crowd.

Sure, there’s truth in it. Email is great. It’s personal, direct, algorithm-free (mostly), and feels… better.

But the most powerful tool? For what and why?

Email isn’t magic. It’s a good tool. But like all tools, its power depends on how, where, and when you use it.

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The Email Reality

Email feels clean and private. It promises freedom from algorithms and character limits. You send a message, it lands in someone’s inbox. Simple.

Except… it’s not.

Inbox reality:

• Gmail tabs (promotions, updates, spam): Many won’t see your emails

• Thousands of unread emails: Many won’t find yours

• People skimming at 7 a.m. on their phones: They only read half of it or less

You’re technically “delivered,” but not really seen.

So while email feels like a direct connection, it’s just as tough to grow and audience and get people to actually read your stuff than on any other platform.