As an author, you know that your readers are the heart of your work. They’re the ones who preorder your books, share your posts, recommend you to friends, and wait (sometimes patiently) for the next release. Showing appreciation isn’t just kind—it’s a powerful author marketing strategy that helps you build a loyal reader community and keep your audience engaged between projects.
One of the best ways to do this is by offering bonus content for readers—little (or big) extras that give them something special and exclusive. These reader reward ideas don’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. In fact, some of the most meaningful ones come from showing your personality, your heart, and the behind-the-scenes of your creative world.
Keep reading for 20 reader reward ideas you can use to strengthen connection and grow your fanbase.
But first…
What Is Bonus Content and Why Does It Matter?
In the world of books, bonus content simply refers to anything extra an author gives their readers outside the main story. It could be a deleted scene, a behind-the-scenes note, a short story, a playlist, a devotional reflection—anything that adds value, deepens connection, or invites readers further into the world you’ve created. Bonus content doesn’t replace your book; instead, it enhances the reading experience.
These small extras have a big impact. When readers receive something special or exclusive, it sends a clear message: You matter to me. That sense of appreciation builds loyalty and encourages readers to stick around—book after book, year after year. It also strengthens your author platform naturally. Instead of constantly promoting, selling, or pushing content, you’re creating a relationship. And relationships are what turn casual readers into genuine fans—people who talk about your work, leave reviews, join your email list, and enthusiastically share your books with others.
Bonus content is community-building. And community is what grows an author’s influence in a meaningful, lasting way.
20 Reader Reward Ideas
Story & Character-Based Rewards
- Deleted Scenes: Share scenes that didn’t make the final edit, but still add depth and interest.
- Prequel or Epilogue Short Story: Offer more closure or more backstory for impatient readers.
- Alternate Ending: Perfect for curious fans who love a twist.
- Character Journals or Letters: Write from the perspective of a character your audience already loves.
- Character Playlists: Curate songs that match each character’s emotions or arc.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Author Commentary: Explain writing decisions in a chapter-by-chapter format.
- Research Notes or Fun Facts: Share real details or history that shaped your story.
- Worldbuilding or Setting Guides: Especially helpful for fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction.
- Timeline or Family Tree: Visual aids make your world feel more alive.
- Inspiration Mood Boards: Can be made quickly using Canva or Pinterest.
Interactive Reader Engagement
- Live Q&A or Reader Hangout: Connect on Zoom, Facebook Live, or Instagram.
- Reader Polls: Let your audience help you choose a character name, cover color, or special detail.
- Printable Bookmarks: Simple, pretty, and easy to share.
- Book Club Discussion Guide: Encourage readers to talk about your book with others.
- Reading Challenge Tracker: Fun for your newsletter audience.
Exclusive Access Rewards
- Early Sneak Peeks or First Chapters: Reward your email list or membership group.
- Beta or ARC Reader Invitations: Let your most engaged readers be part of your creative team.
- Signed Bookplates: Mail inexpensive flat stickers that turn books into “signed copies.”
- Patreon-Only Extra Stories or Early Releases: If you want a recurring support model.
- Private Community or Reader Group: A Facebook group, Discord server, or Mighty Networks hub where readers connect.
Why These Reader Reward Ideas Matter
Small gestures of appreciation help engage your readers on a deeper level. People support creators they feel connected to. By offering extra value—especially personal or exclusive experiences—you’re doing more than promoting a book. You’re growing a community that will celebrate your work for years to come.
How to Share Your Bonus Content
Once you’ve created bonus content for readers, the next step is sharing it in ways that engage your audience and reward loyal fans. There are several effective author marketing strategies you can use:
- Offer it as an exclusive freebie for email newsletter subscribers. Encourage readers to join your mailing list by giving them access to deleted scenes, character Q&As, or other extras.
- Use it as a thank-you gift. Show appreciation to readers who leave reviews, participate in a book launch, or engage with you on social media. Even a small bonus can make them feel valued and deepen their connection to your work.
- Share teasers or small excerpts online. Post snippets on your website, blog, or social media platforms to attract new readers. A taste of bonus content can spark curiosity and draw people into your stories.
- Create a reader rewards library. Bundle multiple extras into a dedicated bonus section on your author website. This central hub makes it easy for readers to access content, explore your world, and feel part of a special community.
The Benefits of Bonus Content
- Builds trust and loyalty among readers.
- Keeps readers engaged between book releases.
- Encourages email signups and reader community growth.
- Reinforces your message and brand as an author.
- Provides opportunities for ministry and meaningful connection.
Tips for Maximizing Reader Engagement with Bonus Content
Creating bonus content is just the first step—how you present and deliver it can make a huge difference in building reader loyalty and engagement. Here are some tips to get the most out of your efforts:
- Keep it consistent. Regularly sharing small extras—like monthly character insights, short stories, or behind-the-scenes notes—keeps readers coming back and builds anticipation for future releases.
- Make it easy to access. Whether it’s a PDF download, a password-protected page on your website, or a private newsletter link, ensure readers can get your bonus content without friction.
- Encourage interaction. Invite readers to comment, share their thoughts, or participate in polls related to your content. Engagement strengthens the sense of community and turns passive readers into active fans.
- Tie content to your story. Bonus material that complements your books (like deleted scenes, alternate endings, or character journals) feels meaningful and deepens the reader’s experience.
- Promote wisely. Tease your content on social media, in newsletters, and on your website, but save the full content as an exclusive reward. Scarcity increases perceived value and motivates readers to subscribe or engage.
- Collect feedback. Ask readers what they enjoy most or what types of bonus content they’d like to see next. Using their input shows appreciation and helps tailor content to their interests.
By following these strategies, your bonus content transforms into a powerful tool for building a loyal reader community, boosting engagement, and growing your author platform naturally.
Final Thoughts
Bonus content for readers and thoughtful reader rewards are ways to show appreciation and deepen connections with the readers who support your work. Small gestures, from deleted scenes to exclusive access, build loyalty, encourage repeat readership, and naturally grow your author platform. Meaningful extras don’t have to be complicated or costly; it’s the heart and personality you put into them that resonates. By consistently offering something special (like the above reader reward ideas), you’re building a community of engaged fans who will promote your books for years to come.
Action Step
Pick One Bonus Content Idea Today
Choose one of the 20 reader reward ideas and plan how to create it this week.
Your Turn
Tell me in the comments which one of these ideas you are most excited about? Which one causes you anxiety?
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