From SRP Author Cameron Cooper:
Last week, I talked about author email lists, free books, and how to handle them in a way that benefits both readers and authors. This week, as promised, I’m diving into BookFunnel promotions—one of the biggest and best ways to load up your e-reader with fantastic books, discover new authors, and grab deals you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re not familiar with BookFunnel, here’s a quick rundown:
- It started as a service for authors to deliver ebooks directly to readers—whether for free downloads, review copies, or sales.
- Over time, it became a powerhouse for group promotions, where multiple authors team up to showcase their books in one place.
- These promos are mostly hidden from the general public—you typically have to be on an author’s email list to hear about them.
So why should you care? Because BookFunnel promos are an absolute goldmine for readers who know how to use them right.
Why You Should Pay Attention to BookFunnel Promos
BookFunnel promotions give you access to:
- New and new-to-you authors—discover writers you may not have found otherwise.
- Updates on your favorite series—find books that might not be widely promoted elsewhere.
- Freebies and heavily discounted books—get full-price books for free or at a deep discount.
- Exclusive deals—some sales and giveaways are only available through BookFunnel.
- Samples and excerpts—some books offer previews, so you can check them out before committing.
In short, BookFunnel lets you stuff your e-reader for very little money—or for free. But you have to know where to look and how to use it effectively.
The Two Types of BookFunnel Promos
There are two main kinds of BookFunnel promotions:
1. Giveaways (Free Books)
How they work:
- Books in these promos are 100% free, but you usually need to sign up for the author’s email list to get them.
- Some giveaways include full novels that are normally paid books.
- Others offer short stories, novellas, or series previews—a great way to try out a new author without committing to a full book.
- Some books are “partials”—a significant chunk of the book, often 10+ chapters, but not the full story. This is a great way to get an extended preview before deciding if you want to continue.
How to use giveaways wisely:
- Download books from your favorite authors—you might find paid books offered for free here.
- Use them to test new authors before buying their other books.
- See last week’s post about handling author email lists—if you’re not ready to read the book yet, unsubscribe.
2. Sales Promotions
How they work:
- These promos showcase books that are on sale, but you purchase them from external retailers (Amazon, Kobo, etc.).
- Sales can focus on specific themes or formats, such as:
- Kobo Plus (where books are free for subscribers)
- Boxed sets and anthologies
- Pre-orders and upcoming releases
- New releases
- Retailer-specific discounts (Amazon-only, Google-only, etc.)
- Direct sales from an author’s own bookstore
Important tip: Even though these are called “sales,” some books in the promo might still be free—so always check.
Hacks to Make the Most of BookFunnel Promos
1. Don’t get overwhelmed by the book covers.
When you open a BookFunnel promo, you’ll see a massive grid of book covers. That can be intimidating. Here’s what to do:
- Click on any book cover to open its full details page.
- Read the blurb, price, reviews, and check for discounts or excerpts.
- Hit your right arrow key—this moves you to the next book’s details page without going back to the main grid. (Or swipe to the right or left on mobile devices.)
Much easier than clicking back and forth.
2. Use the BookFunnel Bookshelf
Every book you download through BookFunnel is stored in your personal BookFunnel Bookshelf:
https://My.BookFunnel.com
If you lose the download email, can’t find the link, or just want to grab the book later, it’ll still be there waiting for you. No more lost books.
3. Read Books Directly on BookFunnel
Did you know that you don’t even need an e-reader to read books from BookFunnel?
Most books can be read right in your browser using BookFunnel’s built-in reader. This means you can start reading instantly—no downloads required.
4. Get the BookFunnel App
If you use BookFunnel a lot, download their app.
This makes downloading books much smoother, especially if you have multiple devices.
5. Stuck? BookFunnel’s Customer Support Is Amazing
Unlike big retailers, BookFunnel actually has helpful customer service—and their entire job is to make sure you get your books.
If you can’t get a book onto your device, click the “Get Help” link at the top right of any BookFunnel page.
Or email them directly: Help@BookFunnel.com
They will walk you through the process, no matter what kind of device you use.
6. BookFunnel Promos Aren’t Just for Ebooks—They Include Audiobooks, Too
If you love audiobooks, keep an eye out for BookFunnel promos that include them! Some authors offer full audiobooks, exclusive previews, or special discounts.
Final Thoughts
BookFunnel is one of the best reader resources out there, but a lot of people aren’t using it to its full potential. By understanding how giveaways and sales work—and using the hacks I outlined—you can get the most out of every promo while keeping your e-reader stocked with books you actually want to read.
Cameron Cooper
SRP Author
Check Cam’s books here on Stories Rule Press.
