← Author tools

Lead magnet ideas to capture emails

8 free gifts built around your book to capture your readers' emails.

Your gift attracts readers, your book keeps them. Makebook helps you write the book that keeps that promise.

Write my book

The guide

A good free gift solves a small, specific problem for the reader, directly tied to the book's topic. A checklist, a fill-in template or a mini-guide is enough, as long as it can be used in under ten minutes. The reader should receive value before they've even read your book.

Think of the gift as a doorway, not a summary of the book. It should make people want to know more: it shows a preview of your method but keeps the best for the book. That's what turns a subscriber into a reader.

Only collect the addresses you need and say clearly what they'll be used for. An email list built honestly stays loyal, and it's what will make your next launch easier.

Frequently asked questions

What is a lead magnet?

It's a free, useful, short gift offered in exchange for an email address. It lets you build a list of readers you can present your book to.

Which format should I choose for my gift?

A checklist, a fill-in template or a short audio excerpt are easy to produce and quick to consume. The format should match what your reader wants to do next.

How do I collect emails within the law?

Ask for explicit consent, with an unticked checkbox or a clear form. Say what the address will be used for and make it easy to unsubscribe.

More tools