Facebook prepares newsletter tools for publishers

Facebook is preparing to offer newsletter tools for freelance journalists and writers, they mention The New York Times.

The tools are believed to have the potential to help authors gain more followers using the social network, edit their email lists and manage paid subscriptions.

Although the project is reportedly in the early stages, according to information, Facebook executives hope it could start this summer.

The news comes as interest in newsletters grows. The Newsletter Substack service acquired more from 250.000 subscribers who have been paying since September last year, and just this week Twitter acquired the company newsletter Revue.

Some high-profile journalists have left the traditional publications to start independent newsletters, which promise full control of their work and the ability to earn more direct subscription revenue.

Facebook is trying to better highlight the news sources on its platform. The News Tab is a section of the service that includes content from affiliated media organizations, some of which are paid to include their articles.

In a statement to the NYT, a Facebook spokesman did not immediately confirm the post, but said the company was working on ways to support freelance journalists.
"We want to do more to support freelance journalists and business-creating experts and online audiences," said Campbell Brown, Facebook's vice president of global news collaboration.

"We are looking for ways to help them benefit from the news products we have created, such as Facebook News and subscriptions, while also creating new tools to complement what journalists already find useful."

Given the boom in newsletter popularity, it was a matter of time before Facebook. CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly asked his team to make the project a priority after noticing the trend.