When I worked at Amazon, most of my days were spent writing or reading narrative style documents. Most everyone has heard of the 6 page narrative that Amazon prefers over PowerPoint presentation. I read many newsletters but most do not measure up to the quality and usefulness of an Amazon document.

Most newsletters writers are not story tellers and that’s what causes me to unsubscribe quickly.

While there are a lot of resources on how to write like an Amazon person, I have yet to see a good writeup on the difference between plots (fiction) and structures (non-fiction) style writing.

Fiction stories have plots. They are formulaic. Here are some examples.

1. The Three-Act Structure: This is one of the most common plot structures, which involves dividing the story into three main parts – the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. The first act sets up the story and introduces the main characters and their conflicts. The second act is the confrontation, where the characters face challenges and obstacles, leading to a climax. The third act is the resolution, where the conflicts are resolved, and the story ends.
2. The Hero’s Journey: This plot structure was popularized by Joseph Campbell’s book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” It involves a hero going on a journey or adventure, facing challenges, and transforming as a result. This structure typically includes various stages, including the call to adventure, crossing the threshold, facing trials and tribulations, and returning home transformed.
3. In Medias Res: This plot structure starts in the middle of the action, with the story unfolding through a series of flashbacks or other narrative devices. This structure can be a bit more complex than other structures but can be effective in creating suspense and intrigue.
4. Episodic: This structure involves a series of related, but somewhat self-contained episodes or stories. This is often seen in TV shows or anthologies, where each episode has its own arc but contributes to a larger overall story.
5. Linear: A linear plot structure is a straightforward chronological telling of events from beginning to end, with a clear cause-and-effect relationship between each event.

Non fiction stories have structures. They are also formulaic. Here are some examples.

1. Chronological: This structure presents events or ideas in the order in which they occurred, from beginning to end. It’s a popular choice for biographies, historical books, and memoirs.
2. Cause and effect: This structure explores the relationship between two or more events or ideas, showing how one leads to the other. It’s often used in books on science, politics, and social issues.
3. Problem and solution: This structure presents a problem or challenge and then offers a solution or a way to address it. It’s a common structure for books on self-help, business, and leadership.
4. Compare and contrast: This structure explores similarities and differences between two or more topics or ideas. It’s often used in books on history, culture, and politics.
5. Listicle or guidebook: This structure presents a series of tips, steps, or pieces of advice on a particular topic. It’s commonly used in books on self-help, cooking, travel, and other practical subjects.

As a newsletter writer, your goal is to get people to read, not just subscribe. I would highly recommend you pick a style that suits you and follow that structure consistently.

Open rates are mostly meaningless except for advertisers. Hang time (time spent reading) is a more useful metric of how useful your content is.