Here are the (anonymous) results from my 2026 newsletter readers survey! Scroll down to see them.
A couple of short observations:
1. 189 respondents at the time of posting this might not seem like a lot. But trust me when I say that in terms of percentage of my total readers, it's significantly more than the industry average! A large number of you filled out this survey, and I'm super grateful for your help.
2. I had high hopes for the interviews I planned to do for the newsletter, and I really like the ones I've done already. The reality is, however, that they take a large amount of work to pull together, and while very few people actively dislike them, the split is pretty even on whether I should continue to do them or not. I probably will, as the mood takes me, but don't expect too many going forward.
3. You will have noticed a question about swearing in newsletter subject lines. I put this up after my newsletter about the Sun Eater series (Subject line: F*ck Me, This Series Is Good) came out. I was super proud of that newsletter, but I noticed with consternation that it had a record number of unsubscribes.
Anyone can put a reason for an unsubscribe when they hit that button—I rather hope they do, as it helps me do better. One respondent gave me both barrels, telling me to NOT EVER put swear words in a subject line, that it was embarrassing, that he might have been with company.
I found it hard not to imagine him sweeping his cape over his shoulder and throwing a “Good day, Sir,” in my direction as he marched away on ramrod-straight legs.
Quite what he thought a man who puts swear words in his book titles was going to do when left to write a newsletter is a bit beyond me. And if it had just been him, I would have rolled my eyes and left it.
But the record number of unsubscribes got me wondering if maybe this was something I needed to pay attention to.
Turns out: that's not the case. Not even remotely.
An overwhelming number of you don't just welcome swear words in email subject lines, you are worryingly enthusiastic about it.
All I can say is: Fuck Yeah. Also: wow, turns out people aren't fans of the Sun Eater series. Lesson learned.
Thanks again for helping me out.
J x
