Read and Enjoy: 40+ Best Newsletters To Subscribe To

Read and Enjoy: 40+ Best Newsletters To Subscribe To
10 August, 2023 • ... • 40493 views
Diana Kussainova
by Diana Kussainova

Does your inbox remind you of a cluttered garage you’re dreading to enter? What if you could place something exciting or interesting there? Like a library or an arcade video game.

Make your inbox truly yours and enjoy it — thanks to interesting emails you’ll be waiting for. In this article, we’ll recommend some of the best newsletters to sign up for. Read our curated list for newsletters on news, politics, technology, culture, and more topics. All of them are free (some — free with paid exclusives)!

Why you should subscribe to (at least one) email newsletter

Your inbox is probably already full, so why subscribe to additional newsletters? Well, email newsletters are a direct source of valuable information. From industry-specific publications like fashion newsletters or real estate newsletters to general or news-related emails, there are lots to choose from.

Here are some reasons why you might want to subscribe to at least one email newsletter:

  • Read news coverage.
  • Learn something new.
  • Get exclusive deals.
  • Follow your favorite experts and leaders of opinion.

Feel compelled to read something? Enjoy our best email newsletters list!

Please remember that the mere mention of a newsletter in this article doesn’t mean the Selzy team completely agrees with everything written by the newsletter’s authors.

For your convenience, we divided the newsletters by their topic. Jump to whatever section you are most interested in and find new inbox favorites!

News and politics

Last year, adults aged 45 and above were the most likely to get their news from email. However, the online environment is ever-changing, and email news can become more prominent.

Firstly, the Supreme Court in the US hasn’t ruled on the scope of Section 230. This law guarantees that platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc. aren’t liable for the content that users post. Section 230 shaped social media as we know it today, but lawmakers and Members of Congress advocate changing it. If this ever happens, news publishing on social media can become more limited to fight with disinformation and manipulation of public opinion. There’s also a concern that social media algorithms can hide certain topics from view and promote others. A newsletter, on the other hand, provides everyone with the same curated information no matter what.

And secondly, email is probably the most independent channel journalists have to connect with their audience. In the face of media crises and censorship, media professionals turn to newsletters. For example, Pulitzer Prize winner Seymour Hersh now runs his own newsletter.

Plus, getting news from your inbox is convenient: you can read one digest on current events instead of jumping between several articles. So, without further ado, here are some news and political newsletters.

Morning Brew

One of the most well-known newsletters, Morning Brew is a 5-minute news digest. It mostly covers business and technology but doesn’t ignore other important areas.

Emails daily | Over 4,000,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Keep up with the busy world around you.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Morning Brew’s emails
Source: Milled

Letters from an American

Letters from an American is a newsletter about the current political situation in the US from a historian’s perspective. Run by history professor Heather Cox Richardson.

Emails daily | Over 1,100,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Nuanced takes on important events and people with listed sources. 

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Letters from an American newsletter’s emails
Source: Letters from an American

Daily Skimm

Daily Skimm is a news and top information roundup. It’s short, to the point, and features product and content recommendations. 

Emails daily | Millions of subscribers

Why subscribe:

Great choice if you’re pressed for time. Plus, the approach is personal and ironic. 

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Daily Skimm’s emails
Source: Milled

Popular Information

Popular Information was created by independent journalist Judd Legum in 2018. It’s completely free to read and mostly covers important US political topics.

4 emails a week | Over 278,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

The newsletter prides itself on providing people with facts and information needed to form opinions on significant events and tendencies. In 2020, Popular Information won the Online Journalism Award for Excellence in Newsletters.

Subscribe here

A screenshot of one of the Popular Information newsletter’s emails
Source: Popular Information

Vox Sentences

Vox Sentences is a daily digest of important events and information. A concise way to stay up to date on US happenings.

Emails daily | Unknown

Why subscribe:

The newsletter covers information from several media outlets, not only Vox. Plus, every point is provided with its source publication so that readers can verify it or read further on the topic.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Vox Sentences newsletter’s emails
Source: Vox Sentences

Numlock News

Numlock News covers big stories that are overlooked by media outlets. It has been run by data journalist Walter Hickey since 2018.

5 emails a week | Thousands of subscribers

Why subscribe:

Summarizes significant US and international news reports into one paragraph. Plus, the author provides corrections whenever he makes any mistakes.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Numlock News newsletter’s emails
Source: Numlock News

Men Yell at Me

Men Yell at Me is a personal newsletter of journalist Lyz Lenz. It sits at the intersection of politics, interviews, and essays.

3+ emails a week | Over 32,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Funny and personal takes on politics from a journalist in the Midwest of the US and a mom. Plus, weekly threads activities for paid subscribers on music, books, etc.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Men Yell at Me newsletter’s emails
Source: Men Yell at Me

Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance

Civil Discourse is a newsletter filled with legal knowledge. Its author, Joyce Vance, a former United States Attorney, law professor, and legal analyst, is on a mission to educate citizens of the US and uphold the republic.

5 emails a week | Over 147,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Political news informed by the law and with justice in mind.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Civil Discourse newsletter’s emails
Source: Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance

Steady

Steady is journalist Dan Rather’s newsletter on US politics and other topics. 

3-5 emails a week | Over 282,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Read reflections on current matters in the US and mindfully take in the news and events in the country.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Steady newsletter’s emails
Source: Steady

The Watch

The Watch is a newsletter on the criminal justice system and civil liberties in the US by acclaimed journalist Radley Balko.

Sporadically | Over 13,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Committed and passionate reporting on matters many US citizens may have overlooked.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Watch newsletter’s emails
Source: The Watch

Heated

Heated is a newsletter about the climate change crisis created by climate journalist Emily Atkin. Emails feature news reports and perspectives on environmental politics in the US.

2 emails a week | Over 75,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Helps to put political decisions concerning climate change and environmental issues into perspective. Focuses attention on matters that actively influence our lives day-to-day and determine our future on the planet.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Heated newsletter’s emails
Source: Heated

Other news and politics newsletters you can check out:

Marketing, economics, and business

Entrepreneurs and digital professionals are always on the lookout for newsletters to subscribe to. Below you’ll find our picks to liven up your inbox.

Email marketing digest by Selzy

Selzy has a bi-weekly newsletter full of tips for email marketers and the best articles from our blog. 

Emails every other Friday | Over 5,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Get practical email marketing recommendations to make your work easier and more effective. Plus, get to know the Selzy email marketing platform’s features.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of Selzy’s digest emails
Source: Email marketing digest by Selzy

The Hustle

The Hustle is a daily newsletter on business and technology news for the general public and professionals alike. 

Emails daily | Over 2,000,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Get a structured email with the most important business and technology updates and get in the loop in 5 minutes’ time.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Hustle newsletter’s emails
Source: The Hustle

ICYMI by Lia Haberman

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) is a newsletter on social media news and concepts for marketers, creators, and solopreneurs. Its author Lia Haberman is a specialist and an educator on social media and influencer marketing. 

1 email a week | Over 11,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Lia Haberman helps social media marketers improve their jobs with a structured weekly digest. A must-read for anyone in the industry.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the ICYMI newsletter’s emails
Source: ICYMI by Lia Haberman

Link in Bio

Link in Bio is a newsletter for social media managers by social media consultant Rachel Karten. Features interviews with social media managers and insights into the industry.

1 free email every other week | Over 37,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Hints from professionals that help shape brands’ social media presence. Subscribe to stay informed and engaged in the ever-changing world of SMM.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Link in Bio newsletter’s emails
Source: Link in Bio

Noahpinion

Noahpinion is a personal newsletter by economics blogger Noah Smith who previously worked with Bloomberg. It mostly covers economics and other topics like culture, geopolitics, and technology from an economist’s point of view.  

3 free emails every other week | Over 146,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Expansive and research-based emails about the US and the world.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Noahpinion newsletter’s emails
Source: Noahpinion

Total Annarchy from Ann Handley

Total Annarchy is Ann Handley’s newsletter on marketing, writing tips, and fresh ideas. The author is a digital marketing pioneer that shares her vision of the ever-changing digital landscape.

1 email every other week | Unknown

Why subscribe:

Personal stories, thought-provoking metaphors, and excerpts from the author’s many public appearances.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Total Annarchy newsletter’s emails
Source: Total Annarchy from Ann Handley

Other marketing, economics, and business newsletters you can check out:

Art and culture

Although content becomes shorter and shorter, some newsletters go against the grain and offer slow, thoughtful reading. This category is mostly for newsletters to subscribe to if you enjoy spending time pondering.  

And if you want music-related newsletters to subscribe to, check out our article on newsletters from musicians.

Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon is an artist best known for his book Steal Like an Artist. His eponymous newsletter is about art, writing, and creativity.

2 emails a week | Over 155,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Enjoy recurring emails on 10 things worth sharing and creative assignments.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Austin Kleon newsletter’s emails
Source: Austin Kleon

The Marginalian

Not every newsletter can boast a 10+ year history like The Marginalian (previously known as Brain Pickings). Solely created by author and writer Maria Popova, every email includes musings on art, culture, history, and philosophy.

One email a week | Unknown

Why subscribe:

Dive into slow reading and reflect on life.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Marginalian newsletter’s emails
Source: The Marginalian

The Present Age

The Present Age is a newsletter about communication in a hyper-connected world. It was created by writer and journalist Parker Molloy 2 years ago.

2-3 emails a week | Over 34,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Parker Molloy writes about publicized topics and media critically and encourages thinking the current news through. The newsletter won New York University’s American Journalism Online Award for Best Media Criticism in 2022.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Present Age newsletter’s emails
Source: The Present Age

The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jaouad

The Isolation Journals is a newsletter on inspiration and creativity amidst life’s uncertainties. Its creator, Suleika Jaouad is a writer and a journalist who created her own email community during the pandemic.

1 free email a week | Over 129,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

A cancer survivor, Suleika Jaouad is no stranger to life interruptions. But, as she writes, her newsletter helps to turn them into a part of the creative process.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Isolation Journals newsletter’s emails
Source: The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jaouad

Back Row

Back Row offers an independent perspective on fashion and culture. It’s the newsletter of fashion journalist Amy Odell.

2 emails a week | Over 26,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Nuanced, influence-free reflections on the media we consume and the fashion we see. 

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Back Row newsletter’s emails
Source: Back Row

Culture Study

Culture Study is a newsletter by a trained cultural studies professor and journalist Anne Helen Petersen. Interviews, essays, book reviews, link threads, and more.

2+ emails a week | Over 10,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Emails covering anything and everything from beauty culture to dog grief, from lining close to friends to scientific imagination.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Culture Study newsletter’s emails
Source: Culture Study

Embedded

Embedded is a newsletter on internet culture by Kate Lindsay and Nick Catucci. They claim to cover everything that is good on the internet.

4 emails a week | Over 22,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Interviews with different people about their use of social media, news, trends, and more. And essays covering parasocial relationships, branding, and everything else Kate Lindsay examines closely on the internet.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Embedded newsletter’s emails
Source: Embedded

Garbage Day

Garbage Day is a newsletter on internet culture by Ryan Broderick. Essays on trends, technology, and everything else on the internet with a focus on having fun and keeping an open mind.

3 emails a week | Over 59,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Learn about fun, bizarre, and interesting things you may have missed on the internet, get perspective on technological progress and media consumption.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Garbage Day newsletter’s emails
Source: Garbage Day

Emerging Form

Emerging Form is a newsletter and a podcast on creative processes. The podcast hosts science writer Christie Aschwanden and poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer converse with each other and often invite guests.

2+ emails or podcast episodes a week | Hundreds of subscribers

Why subscribe:

Learn more about different creative processes and get inspired to fulfill your projects.

Subscribe here

A screenshot of one of the Emerging Form newsletter’s emails
Source: Emerging Form

In the Writing Burrow

In the Writing Burrow is the newsletter of the Canadian author Margaret Atwood. She shares impressions from her tours, personal news, and stories.

Sporadically | Over 25,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Get personal comics and a peak into the mind of one of the most influential writers of our time.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the In the Writing Burrow newsletter’s emails
Source: In the Writing Burrow

That’s Marvelous!

That’s Marvelous! is a newsletter by writer and comedian Josh Gondelman. An email usually consists of four parts: news from the life of the author and his public appearances, a pep talk for a person, an animal, or an object (like orcas, classified documents, etc.), a pep talk for a reader of the publication, and a pick-me-up song.

1 email a week | Over 7,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Feel more enthusiastic, laugh a little, and enjoy a positive song!

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the That's Marvelous! newsletter’s emails
Source: That's Marvelous!

Other art and culture newsletters you can check out:

Comics

Cartoonists found a way to connect with their audience through newsletters just as the journalists did. It’s a way to introduce more people to their work and at the same time monetize the most loyal audience. Plus, newsletters aren’t influenced by any algorithms: in general, the newsletter will always show up in subscribers’ inboxes.

We’re switching the format for this section: less telling, more showing 👀

Seeing Things

Newsletter by Liza Donnelly, New Yorker cartoonist, writer, and journalist.

Subscribe here

A screenshot of one of the Seeing Things newsletter’s emails
Source: Seeing Things

New York Cartoons

Newsletter by Jason Chatfield, New Yorker cartoonist and comedian writer who moved to New York from Australia.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the New York Cartoons newsletter’s emails
Source: New York Cartoons

Zoe Sees

Newsletter by Zoe Si, Canadian cartoonist, illustrator, and 2022 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for her editorial cartoons published in The New Yorker.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Zoe Sees newsletter’s emails
Source: Zoe Sees

Never Not Nervous

Newsletter by Brooke Barker, writer, illustrator, and author of the Sad Animal Facts book.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Never Not Nervous newsletter’s emails
Source: Never Not Nervous

The Bob

Newsletter by Bob Eckstein, New Yorker cartoonist, art, comedy, and cartoons teacher.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Bob newsletter’s emails
Source: The Bob

Other comics newsletters you can check out:

Lifestyle

From food and cosmetics to ways of living a better life, you’ll find newsletters to subscribe to no matter your preferences.

Well Adjusted

Well Adjusted is Fortune’s newsletter with recommendations on better working and living. From relationship advice to sleep and working out, it covers most of the modern citizen’s interests.

3 emails a week | Unknown

Why subscribe:

Digestible and easy-to-read emails anyone can enjoy.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Well Adjusted newsletter’s emails
Source: Well Adjusted

Granted

Granted is author and organizational psychologist Adam Grant’s monthly newsletter. It’s filled with psychology and work-related content. 

1 email a month | Over 269,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Things to think about, read, watch, and listen to. Minimalistic emails with space for reflections.

Subscribe here

A screenshot of one of the Granted newsletter’s emails
Source: Granted

Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect is a newsletter where musicians, actors, and other influential people share what they like. 

2-3 emails a week | Over 37,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Honest and sometimes quite bizarre recommendations from famous people — what’s more can you even ask for?

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Perfectly Imperfect newsletter’s emails
Source: Perfectly Imperfect

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith

Burnt Toast is a newsletter about healthy relationships with food, body liberation, and parenting. Essays, interviews, and Q&As by journalist Virginia Sole-Smith and entrepreneur Corinne Fay.

3+ emails a week | Over 37,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Sane perspective on diet culture, an antidote for fatphobia, and a safe place to discuss everything eating.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Burnt Toast newsletter’s emails
Source: Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith

The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin

The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin is a newsletter with salad recipes by Emily Nunn.

1 free email a week | Over 48,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Simple and delicious concept to bring more greens into your diet.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin newsletter’s emails
Source: The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin

Marissa Rothkopf-Bakes: The Secret Life of Cookies

The Secret Life of Cookies is actually a newsletter about pastry with recipes and reflections by writer Marissa Rothkopf-Bakes.

2 emails a week | Over 5,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Beautifully photographed and delicious recipes.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Secret Life of Cookies newsletter’s emails
Source: Marissa Rothkopf-Bakes: The Secret Life of Cookies

How Not to F*ck Up Your Face

How Not to F*ck Up Your Face is a newsletter on skincare and makeup by Valerie Monroe. The experienced beauty editor writes about aesthetic treatments, must-have products for a night out, and other topics concerning women and their relationships with their faces.

1-3 emails a week | Over 14,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

A gentle, compassionate outlook on beauty and aging from a professional 73-year-old woman.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the How Not to F*ck Up Your Face newsletter’s emails
Source: How Not to F*ck Up Your Face

The Unpublishable

The Unpublishable shares unparalleled content on the beauty industry. Beauty critic Jessica DeFino writes honest essays.

1 email a week | Over 77,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Read about topics that would get rejected by media outlets: ageism and age inclusivity, controversies, unhealthy trends, etc.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Unpublishable newsletter’s emails
Source: The Unpublishable

¡Hola Papi!

¡Hola Papi! is a newsletter written by John Paul Brammer. It’s made up of writing, art, and queer advice.

1-2 emails a week | Over 21,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Heartfelt, poignant, yer humorous advice on different topics, and a way to connect for queer people.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the ¡Hola Papi! newsletter’s emails
Source: ¡Hola Papi!

Other lifestyle newsletters you can check out:

Technology

The ever-changing world of technology actually thrives in email newsletter format. Our picks help you to understand the world better, learn about the latest AI developments, and more. 

Check out our articles on AI in email marketing and ChatGPT for email marketing to read more on the topic.

The Road to AI We Can Trust

The Road to AI We Can Trust is a grounded newsletter on the development and implications of AI technology. Created by scientist and entrepreneur Gary Marcus.

Several times a month | Over 22,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Helps average readers to set the record on AI straight and rise over hype and romanticization to understand what’s really happening with this technology. 

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of The Road to AI We Can Trust newsletter’s emails
Source: The Road to AI We Can Trust

Platformer

Platformer covers technology news from a liberal perspective. Casey Newton and Zoë Schiffer write about social media and other platforms’ news.

3 emails a week | Over 149,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Helps to notice tendencies and events that aren’t apparent to the general public. Offers inside scoop from the technological giants.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Platformer newsletter’s emails
Source: Platformer

Last Week in AI

Last Week in AI — a weekly digest of AI news from a collective of 3 writers, researchers, and developers. Summarizing technological insights for those deeply interested in the sphere.

1 email a week | Over 18,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Keep up with the abundance of information and news on AI and be ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Last Week in AI newsletter’s emails
Source: Last Week in AI

Technically

Technically is a newsletter explainer that helps non-technical specialists better understand software. It covers fundamentals like databases, more advanced concepts like internal engineering, and different companies like Open AI.

1+ email a month | Over 58,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Understand the world around us which becomes more and more digitized. Plus, to communicate more skillfully with technical specialists on and off work.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Technically newsletter’s emails
Source: Technically

Wonder Tools

Wonder Tools is a newsletter about interesting and useful tools and websites. Created by Jeremy Caplan — journalist and educator.

Emails weekly | Over 27,000 subscribers

Why subscribe:

Learn about great new tools without hours of research.

Subscribe here

A fragment of one of the Wonder Tools newsletter’s emails
Source: Wonder Tools

In conclusion

How many newsletters have you signed up for? Hope you enjoy your picks and actually make a habit of reading something before starting your day. And if you ever feel overwhelmed with information, you can always go on a dopamine detox. 

10 August, 2023
Article by
Diana Kussainova
Writer, editor, and a nomad. Creating structured, approachable texts and helping others make their copies clearer. Learning and growing along the way. Interested in digital communications, UX writing, design. Can be spotted either in a bookshop, a local coffee place, or at Sephora. Otherwise probably traveling. Or moving yet again.
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