Reader magnet ideas for romance authors

Romance readers are some of the most loyal readers there are. When they love a couple, they want more of them, and that makes romance one of the easiest genres to build a mailing list in. The trick is offering the right free extra: something a reader who has just finished your book will want immediately.

This guide covers the reader magnets that work best for romance, ideas by subgenre, and where to put your signup link so readers actually see it. For ideas across every genre, see our general reader magnet ideas.

The best reader magnets for romance

1. A bonus epilogue

The classic romance reader magnet, and for good reason. A short scene set months or years after the ending (the proposal, the wedding, the first baby, the anniversary) gives readers exactly what they want at exactly the moment they want it: the last page. It is usually only a few thousand words, so it is quick to write.

2. The other point of view

If your book is told from one character's point of view, retell a key scene from the other's: the first meeting, the first kiss, the moment they realised. Readers love finding out what the other person was really thinking, and it costs you a chapter rather than a book.

3. A prequel novella

A short story about how the couple first crossed paths, or a side couple's own romance, works well at the front of a series. It also suits readers who have not read you yet: it is a low-risk way to try your writing.

4. Book one of a series, free

If you write a series, giving away the first book is the most generous offer you can make, and it often turns a new reader into someone who buys the rest. It works best when the series is long enough for the giveaway to pay for itself.

5. Deleted or extended scenes

Scenes that did not make the final cut, or a longer version of a fan-favourite moment, appeal to readers who already love the book. They are less effective for bringing in new readers, so pair them with something else at the front of the book.

6. Extras that are not story

Character profiles, "dating app" bios for your leads, a playlist, a map of your small town, or recipes from the bakery your heroine runs. These are easy to make and fun to share, though story content usually converts better.

Ideas by subgenre

• Contemporary: a bonus epilogue, or the hero's point of view on the meet-cute.
• Small-town: a holiday novella set in the town, featuring couples from across the series.
• Historical and Regency: a wedding-day epilogue, or a letter the hero never sent.
• Romantasy and paranormal: a prequel set before the world-changing event, or a short story about the side couple everyone asked about.
• Romantic suspense: a short case or mission that comes before book one, so the reader meets the hero in action.
• Sports romance: the big game from the other point of view, or the off-season epilogue.

Where to put your signup link

For romance, the most valuable place is the last page of the book, straight after "The End". A reader who has just finished a romance they loved is at their most eager for more of the couple, so a line like "Want to see their wedding? Get the bonus epilogue free" lands at exactly the right moment.

Also put it at the front of the book (briefly), in your social profiles, and on your website if you have one. You do not need a website: a hosted signup page works anywhere you can paste a link.

Make it match the book

• Match the heat level. If your book is sweet, keep the bonus sweet. If it is steamy, readers will expect the extra to be too. A mismatch disappoints the readers you most want to keep.
• Design the cover for the genre. Even a short bonus deserves a cover that looks like it belongs with your book.
• Say what they get. "A bonus epilogue: Mia and Jack's wedding day" beats "Join my newsletter for exclusive content".
• Do not spoil. If the magnet sits at the front of the book, make sure it does not give away the ending.

Then keep in touch

A reader magnet starts the relationship; your emails keep it going. A short welcome sequence that introduces you and your other books turns a new subscriber into a regular reader. Our welcome email sequence guide has a simple outline.

Frequently asked questions