Tips for Authors: What to Offer as a Freebie to Get More Readers on Your Email List
If you’re an author trying to build your email list, you’ve probably heard that offering a freebie (also called a lead magnet) is one of the best ways to attract readers. But what are the best author freebies to offer? The key is to give something valuable—something that makes readers excited to join your list and stick around for future book releases.
In this post, we’ll explore the best author freebies to help you grow your email list of readers and grow your fanbase.
Why Do You Need a Freebie?
The truth is—people are hesitant to hand over their email addresses unless there’s a good reason. But an exciting free gift? That is reason enough for a lot of people. The goal is to create an enticing lead magnet for your author website that gives readers a good reason to give you their email. Once they’re in, you can nurture that relationship, keep them engaged, and ultimately sell more books!
A great freebie can:
✅ Attract the right readers for your genre
✅ Build trust with your audience
✅ Keep your books top of mind
✅ Encourage future purchases
Now, let’s dive into the best author freebies so you can decide what kind of freebie will work best for you to grow your email list!
The Best Author Freebies to Offer
1. Exclusive Short Story or Prequel
Readers love exclusive content. A short story or prequel tied to your existing books is a fantastic way to hook new readers while rewarding loyal ones.
📌 Pro Tip: Format your freebie beautifully using Canva or Adobe Express to create a polished, professional look. These tools make it easy to design an eye-catching cover and layout.
2. A Bonus Epilogue or Deleted Scenes
Did your readers fall in love with your characters? Give them a little extra! A bonus epilogue or deleted scenes can be irresistible to those who want more from your books.
💡 Best for: Romance, fantasy, and series-based books.
3. A Character Art Pack or World-Building Extras
If you write fantasy, sci-fi, or historical fiction, consider offering:
- Character art (commissioned or AI-generated)
- Detailed maps of your book’s world
- Lore or behind-the-scenes extras
This type of freebie adds immersion and engagement for fans of your stories.
4. A Book Sampler or First-in-Series Freebie
If you have multiple books, a free sample is one of the best ways to draw readers in. Offer the first few chapters or even an entire first-in-series book as a free download.
🔥 Easy Distribution Tip: Use platforms like Kit, BookFunnel to deliver your freebie seamlessly and attract more readers to your email list.
5. A Themed Workbook or Journal
Nonfiction authors—this one’s for you! A printable journal, checklist, or workbook related to your book’s topic makes a fantastic freebie. For example:
📖 If you wrote a book on productivity, offer a daily planner.
💡 If you wrote a memoir, create writing prompts for personal reflection.
Design it using Canva or Adobe Express for a sleek, professional look.
6. An Exclusive Video or Audio Recording
Do you love connecting with your readers? Consider offering:
🎙 A private podcast episode
📹 A behind-the-scenes video about your writing process
📚 A live reading of a book excerpt
Audio and video freebies create a personal connection and make readers feel like VIPs.
7. A Reading Guide or Book Club Kit
If your book is discussion-worthy, why not create a reading guide or book club kit? Include:
- Discussion questions
- Behind-the-scenes notes
- A playlist inspired by your book
Readers and book clubs (both in person and virtual) will love this extra content!
How do you choose the right freebie to offer your readers? The best freebie isn’t just about giving something away—it’s about attracting the right audience for your books. It’s up to you to see what your readers resonate with.
💡 Not sure which freebie will work best? Test different ones and see what resonates with your audience! The more value you provide, the more engaged and loyal your readers will be.
How to Deliver Your Freebie (Without the Tech Headache)
Now that you have the perfect freebie idea, how do you get it into your readers’ hands?
📢 Use These Tools to Deliver Your Freebie:
✅ Kit – With Kit, authors can create automated opt-in forms and incentive emails that let you offer free chapters and other bonus content directly to your mailing list.
✅ BookFunnel – A must-have for indie authors! It delivers your freebie hassle-free and helps build your email list.
🚀 Ready to build your email list? We can help you set up your lead magnet today!
If you’re an author who wants to try out a lead magnet to gain more readers, but you don’t have a website yet, or if you’re wanting to improve your current site, our Done-For-You Author Websites could be the perfect solution for you!
What freebie do you plan to offer? Drop a comment below! ⬇️
