Giving Away Your Book Might Be the Smartest Move You Make

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Today’s Newsletter at a Glance

• Step-by-step walkthrough of a working book funnel.

• The hidden revenue sources inside your “free” offer.

• Real-world tactics to make your funnel feel authentic, not pushy.

The Free-Plus-Shipping Model Demystified

If you’ve ever wondered how some authors manage to build six-figure businesses from a book they’re practically giving away, you’ve likely encountered the free-plus-shipping funnel. On the surface, it looks like a generous offer: pay only for shipping, and you’ll get the author’s physical book delivered to your door. But behind the scenes, it’s one of the most effective client-acquisition tools ever created. When done right, it not only covers its own costs but also transforms casual browsers into paying, loyal customers.

At the heart of this model lies a simple principle: reduce friction at the front end to build trust and volume. Instead of trying to make a profit on the book itself, your goal is to start a relationship. By asking readers to pay only for shipping, you dramatically lower the barrier to entry. That small transaction...just a few dollars...turns a cold prospect into a buyer. And once someone buys from you once, even for a nominal amount, they’re far more likely to buy again.

The funnel itself is usually built in three key layers. The first is the book offer page, where you position your book as the gateway to solving a specific problem your reader faces. Think transformation, not transaction. Your headline and copy should focus less on “what’s inside the book” and more on why it matters right now. This is your first impression, so clarity and empathy matter far more than clever marketing language.

Next comes the order bump and upsell stage. This is where you introduce helpful next steps...perhaps a companion workbook, an audio version, or a short training video that expands on your book’s key ideas. The key here is not to overwhelm your buyer, but to offer logical extensions of what they’ve already decided they want. The right upsell feels like a service, not a sale.

Finally, your funnel’s back end is where real magic happens: the follow-up sequence. Once someone has received your book, that’s your cue to continue the conversation. Send a warm thank-you email. Invite them to a free training or webinar that explores your methods more deeply. Share behind-the-scenes stories or success examples. When readers feel connected to you as a person...not just as an author...they begin to see your higher-priced offers as natural next steps rather than sales pitches.

A successful free-plus-shipping funnel isn’t built on flashy gimmicks. It’s built on alignment: between what your readers need, what your book teaches, and what you can help them achieve next. It’s also built on math. Make sure your shipping and printing costs are covered, that your upsell offers are priced appropriately, and that your fulfillment process is smooth. The goal is to create an ecosystem where your book introduces value, and your funnel nurtures that value into results...for both you and your readers.

The biggest mistake most authors make? They stop at the book. They pour months into writing, designing, and printing, only to treat their launch as a one-time event instead of the start of a long-term relationship funnel. Your book isn’t the business...it’s the bridge. When you structure your funnel intentionally, every copy shipped becomes an introduction to your brand, your expertise, and the deeper transformation you provide.

So, before you spend a dime on ads or start tinkering with software, take a step back and map the experience you want your readers to have. Ask yourself: What journey do I want to lead them through after they open my book? If you can answer that clearly, your funnel will almost build itself. Because at its core, the Book Funnel Formula isn’t about selling a book...it’s about starting a conversation that leads to real change.

Stay tuned for more insights and tips from my “All Things Hollywood”, "Bestseller by Design" and the “Million Dollar Author” platform. Your journey to becoming a successful author continues here!

Until next time...

Travis Cody,
Million Dollar Author

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