Bonus Content Ideas

Easy-to-create bonuses that readers love

The Formula for Great Bonuses

Do This

  • Easy to create (1-2 hours max)
  • High perceived value
  • Directly related to your book
  • Exclusive content
  • Encourages sharing

Avoid This

  • Generic content found online
  • Takes weeks to create
  • Unrelated to the book
  • Low perceived value
What Works Best (Data-Driven)

Most Downloaded:

Deleted/Bonus Chapters
87%
Templates/Worksheets
82%
Video Tutorials
78%

Generate Most Reviews:

Email Courses (7-day)
24%
Deleted Chapters
21%
Video Content
19%
Ideas by Book Type

Mystery/Thriller

Deleted Scene

2-3 hours

The interrogation that was cut (1,000-2,000 words)

Character Dossier

1 hour

Detective's case files and backstory

Alternate Ending

1-2 hours

What if... scenario (500-1,000 words)

Crime Scene Map

30 min

Visual map of key locations

Interview with Killer

1 hour

Q&A format from antagonist POV

Romance

Deleted Love Scene

2 hours

Extended version of key romantic moment

Character Playlists

30 min

15-20 songs with Spotify link

Bonus Epilogue

2-3 hours

The proposal or wedding scene

Love Letters

1 hour

3-5 letters between characters

Where Are They Now?

1-2 hours

5 years later update (1,000 words)

Fantasy/Sci-Fi

World Map

2-3 hours

Hand-drawn or digital map of your world

Magic System Guide

2 hours

How magic works, spell list, rules

Character Artwork

1-2 hours

5-10 character portraits (commission or AI)

Deleted Battle Scene

2-3 hours

Epic action sequence cut from book

Glossary of Terms

1 hour

Fantasy words, pronunciation guide

Historical Fiction

Horror

Universal Bonuses (Works for ANY Book)

Author Q&A (30 questions)

Book Club Guide

Reading List Recommendations

Writing Process Behind-the-Scenes

Early Draft Excerpt

Character Name Meanings

Soundtrack Playlist

Photo Diary

Bloopers & Mistakes