One of the challenges of self-publishing is getting your book, bonus chapters, or Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) into the hands of readers. Author Jamie Biggs shares about a solution that she's using to deliver all those things and more: BookFunnel.

Being an indie author comes with its pros and cons. For me, I enjoy having control over the process from start to finish. One of the disadvantages of self-publishing is you do not own your customer list when people buy your book from Amazon or another online retailer.

That means you and your book are at the mercy of the retailer to market to potential readers. The ‘zon is not going to hand over their customer list to you. You have to build your own list.

That’s where BookFunnel comes in. One of BookFunnel’s best features for authors is its ability to help build and grow email lists. The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for you to connect directly with new readers. Having your own mailing list puts you in direct communication with your readers without relying on social media algorithms or third-party platforms. 

What is BookFunnel?

At its core, BookFunnel streamlines the often complex process of digital content distribution. It eliminates the technical hurdles that can arise when delivering ebooks, short audios and audiobooks, and other digital material such as PDFs directly to readers. This includes direct sales fulfillment. In other words, they make it easy for authors to deliver content to readers through their platform instead of sending a book via email.

Why do I need BookFunnel? 

You might be wondering, “Why do I need BookFunnel?” Well, if you're an author looking to grow your readership and build a strong connection with your audience, BookFunnel is a tool you won't want to overlook. BookFunnel will help you with list building. 

One of the key reasons you need BookFunnel is its ability to handle reader magnets. As an author, you know the value of offering free content to attract new readers. But managing the distribution of these freebies can be a hassle. That's where BookFunnel comes in. It simplifies the entire process of setting up and distributing your reader magnets, whether they're ebooks, short stories, or sample chapters.

But BookFunnel doesn't just make it easy for you – it also ensures a smooth experience for your readers. They can claim your offerings without any technical hiccups, which means more people are likely to follow through and join your mailing list. And speaking of mailing lists, BookFunnel integrates with various email marketing services, automatically adding new subscribers. This means you're not just giving away free content; you're building a direct line of communication with potential fans.

In essence, BookFunnel turns your reader magnets into powerful tools for audience growth and engagement. It helps you convert casual browsers into an engaged audience of readers, laying the foundation for a loyal fan base. So if you're serious about growing your author platform and connecting with your readers, BookFunnel isn't just nice to have – it's a necessity.

Key Features of BookFunnel

A standout feature is BookFunnel's promotional toolkit, which includes powerful capabilities for running giveaways, managing review teams, and distributing advance reader copies to your ARC (Advance Reader Copy) Team. These tools are invaluable for building buzz around new releases and maintaining engagement with your existing readership. Additionally, the platform's landing page creator allows you to design professional, customized pages for your books or promotions without any coding skills.

BookFunnel's newsletter swap feature is a game-changer for authors looking to expand their reach. This tool facilitates collaboration between authors, allowing you to cross-promote each other's books to your respective mailing lists. It simplifies the process of finding swap partners, managing promotions, and tracking results, making it easier than ever to tap into new audiences and grow your readership organically.

Perhaps most crucial for author marketing is BookFunnel's comprehensive support for growing and managing your mailing list. Its reader magnet functionality seamlessly integrates with popular email marketing services, automating the process of turning free content into new subscribers. The platform also offers detailed analytics, giving you insights into how your campaigns and swaps are performing. These features, combined with BookFunnel's user-friendly interface and stellar customer support, make it an indispensable tool for authors serious about expanding their reach and nurturing their readership.

Setting Up Your BookFunnel Account

Setting up a BookFunnel account is a straightforward process designed to get you up and running quickly. Select the plan that best aligns with your current needs and future aspirations as an author. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned bestseller, BookFunnel offers tiered options to accommodate various stages of an author's career.

Choosing the Right Plan for Indie Authors

Here is a breakdown of each plan. These tiers are designed to cater to authors at various stages of their careers, from newcomers to established writers. Each plan offers a unique set of features and capabilities, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your current needs and future growth objectives.

First Time Author Plan

This tier is tailored for authors just starting their journey. The low price point ($1.67/month – billed annually) makes it accessible to those testing the waters of self-publishing. The 500 downloads/month limit works for authors with a small readership or those primarily using the service for ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) and review copies. The inclusion of group promos and author swaps at this level is particularly valuable, as it helps new authors gain exposure.

Mid-List Author Plan

This tier represents a step up in capabilities. The price point begins at $10/month. The increase to 5000 downloads per month caters to authors with a growing readership. The addition of direct sales delivery and crowdsourcing delivery opens up new distribution channels and digital sales. The ability to collect reader email addresses is a game-changer for authors looking to build their mailing lists. The secure ARC delivery and watermarking features provide extra protection for pre-release content.

They offer a secondary Mid-List option with integrations for an additional $5/month. This option allows you to integrate your mailing list platform, such as ConvertKit and MailerLite (other platforms are available). This integration will automatically sync your newly collected email addresses with your email distribution list.

Bestseller Plan

This top-tier offering at $25/month is designed for established authors or those anticipating rapid growth. The unlimited downloads per month remove any constraints on distribution. The integration with three mailing lists streamlines the author's marketing efforts. Priority support ensures that any issues are addressed quickly, minimizing potential disruptions to an author's business.

Creating a Reader Magnet

What is a Reader Magnet?

A reader magnet is a free book in exchange for their email address or other contact information. It's called a “magnet” because it's designed to attract readers to your author universe.

Common Types of Reader Magnets for Writers

Reader magnets come in various forms, depending on your genre, writing style, and audience preferences. Some popular types include:

• Short stories featuring secondary characters from your book series
• Novellas that serve as prequels to your novels
• The first few chapters of your upcoming book
• Character backstories or “origin” tales
• Deleted scenes or alternate endings from published works
• A guidebook or encyclopedia to your fictional world
• A collection of flash fiction set in your story's universe
• If you're writing nonfiction, it might be a bonus chapter

How to Create an Effective Reader Magnet

Creating an engaging reader magnet for your audience doesn't have to be complicated. Here are the key steps:

1. Choose Your Format: Pick a format that suits your story and writing style. Options include:
   • Short story
   • First few chapters of your book
   • Character backstory
   • Novella
   • World guide or map
2. Provide Value: Offer a complete, satisfying read. It should showcase your writing style and leave readers wanting more.
3. Keep It Focused: Concentrate on a single character, event, or aspect of your world. Make it easy to read in one sitting.
4. Connect to Your Main Work: Set your reader magnet in the same world as your books or use characters from your series. This creates a bridge to your paid works.
5. Ensure Quality:
   • Edit thoroughly (I can't stress this enough!)
   • Prepare your story for digital reading apps using a formatting software like Vellum (Mac only) or Atticus.
   • Consider a simple book cover design made in Canva.
   • Choose a digital distribution platform such as BookFunnel.

Remember, your reader magnet is often a reader's first experience with your writing. Make it count by offering a taste of your storytelling that leaves them eager to dive into your world of writing. This is where the control you have as an indie author becomes crucial. You're not just crafting a story; you're creating a direct line to potential long-term readers. By offering a high-quality reader magnet through platforms like BookFunnel, you're taking charge of your marketing in a way traditional publishing doesn't allow.

Your reader magnet isn't just about growing a list; it's a showcase of your unique voice and style. By offering a taste of your work that leaves readers eager for more, you're leveraging the pros of self-publishing and creating a direct path to building and nurturing your readership.

Can BookFunnel Help Connect You with Readers? 

Yes! BookFunnel is a terrific way to connect with readers. BookFunnel makes it easy to get your lead magnets and ebooks into the hands of potential fans, simplifying the process and keeping you in control of your email list. I'm not an affiliate or connected with them in any way. Just a fellow indie author passing along the tools that are making my author life easier! Give it a try here if you want to level up your indie business and build your list.