Selling books is just one way for authors to make money, but the most successful ones understand that readers want more than just a book. They want tools, resources, and experiences that help them apply what they’ve learned or deepen their connection to the story.
Offering a workbook, course, or companion product alongside your book not only provides extra value to readers but also increases your income streams and builds a more engaged audience. Whether you write nonfiction or fiction, creating additional products can boost sales, attract more readers, and make your book stand out in a crowded market.
For nonfiction authors, workbooks are a natural extension of a main book, especially if the content is educational, self-help, or business-related. Many readers don’t just want to read about a concept, they want to apply it to their own lives.
A workbook filled with exercises, prompts, checklists, and step-by-step activities allows them to interact with the material instead of just consuming it passively. This not only helps them get better results but also makes them more likely to recommend the book to others.
A well-structured workbook can be sold as a standalone product or bundled with the main book as a premium option, creating a higher-priced offer with little additional effort.
Courses take this concept even further.
Some readers prefer hands-on guidance, video explanations, or interactive lessons over reading alone. Turning a book into an online course provides a structured, immersive learning experience that can command a much higher price than a book alone.
Many successful authors create courses that expand on their book’s concepts, offering video tutorials, live Q&A sessions, and worksheets to help participants get deeper results.
Platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, and Udemy make it easy to create and sell courses, and since online education is booming, readers are willing to pay for extra learning support. Even a simple mini-course or workshop priced higher than the book itself can become a significant income stream.
Fiction authors can also benefit from companion products. Many readers become deeply invested in the worlds, characters, and themes of a story, and offering additional content gives them more ways to engage.
Workbooks aren’t just for nonfiction, fiction authors can create journals, activity books, or guided reading companions that enhance the reading experience. For example, a fantasy author could offer a world-building guide or a character backstory collection, while a romance author could create a discussion guide for book clubs. These products don’t just generate extra sales, they help readers feel more connected to the author and the book’s universe.
Courses are another overlooked opportunity for fiction writers. While nonfiction books naturally lend themselves to courses, fiction authors can also teach storytelling techniques, world-building, character development, or even behind-the-scenes insights.
Many fans would love to hear about an author’s writing process, creative inspiration, or how they developed certain characters. Some fiction authors even create writing workshops or fan-focused content that helps readers learn while also deepening their appreciation for the book.
The beauty of these companion products is that they increase the lifetime value of a reader. If someone buys your book and enjoys it, they may also be willing to pay for a workbook, a course, or exclusive content.
Instead of just making a one-time sale, you’re creating multiple opportunities for income from the same reader. This doesn’t just boost revenue, it builds a stronger, more loyal audience that’s more likely to follow your work long-term.
Another advantage of offering companion products is that they help with book marketing. When you have multiple products connected to your book, you can promote them in different ways.
A workbook or course gives you an excuse to talk about your book repeatedly without sounding like a broken record. Instead of just saying, “Buy my book,” you can offer valuable resources that naturally lead readers back to your main book. This makes your marketing feel more organic and engaging while keeping your book in front of potential buyers.
Pricing is another factor that makes companion products attractive. Books are generally low-cost items, and even though they can sell well, profit margins are often slim. But a workbook, course, or exclusive product can be priced significantly higher.
While an eBook might sell for $4.99, a companion workbook could be $19.99, and a course could be $97 or more. This allows authors to increase their earnings without needing to sell more books. Even if only a small percentage of readers buy the extra products, the additional revenue can add up quickly.
Creating companion products doesn’t have to be difficult. A workbook can be as simple as expanding on key concepts from your book and adding exercises. A course can start with recorded videos where you explain the book’s topics in more detail.
Even small add-ons like bonus chapters, downloadable guides, or printables can provide extra value to readers while increasing sales. The key is to think about what your audience would find most useful or enjoyable and create something that enhances their experience.
Another way companion products boost sales is by making your book more attractive to bulk buyers, educators, or corporate clients. If a book includes a workbook or course option, businesses, schools, or organisations may be more likely to order multiple copies.
A leadership book with a workshop component might appeal to companies looking for training materials. A personal development book with a guided journal could be picked up by book clubs or wellness programs. Having multiple formats and resources increases the chances that your book will be used in group settings, leading to larger sales opportunities.
Authors who sell companion products also have an easier time building an email list and a direct relationship with their readers. Many books are sold through Amazon or bookstores, where authors don’t get access to buyer information.
But when readers sign up for a course, workbook, or exclusive bonus, the author can collect their email address and continue engaging with them. This direct connection is incredibly valuable because it allows authors to market future books, offer special promotions, and build a long-term fan base without relying on third-party platforms.
The key to successfully selling companion products is making sure they genuinely add value to the reader. A poorly made workbook or a low-quality course can hurt an author’s reputation instead of helping it.
Readers should feel like they’re getting something worthwhile, whether it’s practical tools for nonfiction or immersive extras for fiction. The better the experience, the more likely they are to buy future products and recommend your book to others.
For authors looking to maximise their earnings, expand their audience, and create more stability in their income, offering a workbook, course, or companion product is one of the best strategies available.
Instead of relying on book sales alone, these additional products create multiple ways to make money while providing real value to readers. Whether you’re helping people learn something new, giving fans more ways to engage with your story, or offering interactive resources, companion products turn a single book into a full-scale business.
Until Next Time
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