Picture this: your dream reader stumbles across your book. They’re intrigued by your cover, your blurb, your genre. They almost click buy… but they hesitate. Maybe they’re not ready to commit to a full-length novel by an author they’ve never read. Maybe they’re just not sure yet. That’s where a prequel, or a free reader magnet, can make all the difference.
Prequels aren’t just prologues or deleted scenes dressed up in a clever title. When done right, they can be one of the most powerful tools in your author marketing toolbox, especially when it comes to growing your email list and building long-term reader relationships.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly what a prequel can do for your author business, how to create one, and how to put it to work; no prior marketing degree required. Let’s dig in.
What Is a Prequel (And Why Should Authors Care)?
A prequel is a short story, novella, or even a full-length novel that takes place before the events of your main book or series. It might explore a pivotal moment in a character’s backstory, the origin of your world’s magic system, or the “before” that sets up your novel’s “after.”
But for savvy indie authors, a prequel isn’t just backstory, it’s a reader magnet. 🎯
Reader magnets are free stories that readers receive in exchange for their email address, giving you permission to stay in touch through your author newsletter. And your newsletter? That’s where the magic happens. It’s where you nurture reader relationships, promote new releases, and turn curious browsers into loyal fans.
Why the Prequel Works So Well as a Magnet
Here’s why a prequel is uniquely positioned to hook readers and grow your list:
- It lowers the barrier to entry. Free is a powerful word. Readers love free stories, especially when they’re getting a taste of something more. If they like your prequel, they’re more likely to buy Book 1.
- It builds emotional investment. A great prequel gets readers attached to your characters, immersed in your world, and eager to know what happens next.
- It rewards curiosity. If you’ve ever finished a book and needed to know more about a side character’s past or a war that shaped the world, you already know how compelling a well-placed prequel can be.
Step One: Crafting Your Prequel
Not every prequel is created equal. A strong reader magnet should feel like a complete, satisfying story, not like a deleted scene or a series of outtakes. Here are a few guidelines to get you started:
✍️ Keep it tight, but polished
Aim for a length between 5,000 and 20,000 words. This gives you enough room to develop characters and stakes without overwhelming the reader. Even though it’s free, treat it with the same care and attention you give your full-length books; professional editing, eye-catching cover, the whole works.
🧩 Tie it to your main series
Your prequel should feel like a natural entry point into your main series or world. Consider focusing on:
- A fan-favorite side character’s origin story
- A pivotal historical event that shapes your book’s setting
- The first spark of the main romance, mystery, or conflict
And always, always include a call to action at the end: “Loved this story? Start the next chapter with [Book One Title].”
💞 Deliver value, not just setup
Remember: your prequel isn’t just an ad, it’s a gift. Your readers are giving you something valuable (their email address), so make sure the story you offer feels worth it. That means:
- A compelling hook
- A clear character arc
- An ending that satisfies and entices
Step Two: Setting Up Your Email List
If the prequel is the bait, your email list is the fishing line. And in this metaphor, your inbox is a shimmering lake full of eager readers 🐟
Here’s what you’ll need:
📬 An email service provider (ESP)
You can’t collect email addresses through your Gmail account. (Trust us. You don’t want to try it.) An ESP like MailerLite, Kit, or Mailchimp lets you collect subscribers, send newsletters, and stay compliant with email marketing laws like GDPR.
Most ESPs have a free tier to get you started, and they’ll walk you through creating your:
- Signup form (where readers enter their email address)
- Welcome email (where they receive your prequel)
- Subscriber list (where you keep track of everyone)
📎 A delivery method
To automatically deliver your prequel after signup, you’ll need a service like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin. These tools handle the tech (and the customer support!) of file delivery, making sure your readers can download your story on any device.
Bonus? Some of these platforms also offer reader swap opportunities and group promos to help you grow faster.
Step Three: Getting Your Prequel in Front of Readers
A reader magnet doesn’t do much good if it’s sitting quietly on your website like a wallflower at a party.
Let’s give it a proper spotlight. ✨
The more eyeballs you get on your prequel, the more subscribers you’ll collect—and the more engaged readers you’ll have when it comes time to launch or promote your next book. Here’s how to get your prequel in front of the right readers.
🎯 Run a Freebooksy Email Promo
If your prequel is at least 50 pages (that’s around 12,500 words), you’re eligible to run a Freebooksy Email Promo, which can drive thousands of free downloads in a single day.
That kind of exposure can be a huge accelerator for list growt, especially when your prequel contains a strong call to action inviting readers to join your email list in exchange for bonus content, an exclusive epilogue, or access to your main series.
Even better? Freebooksy readers are actively seeking new authors and free books. That means they’re primed to download your prequel and, if you wow them, stick around for your next release.
🧠 Pro Tip: If your prequel isn’t quite long enough yet, consider adding:
- A short excerpt from Book One
- Author Q&A or bonus content
- A preview of your next series
Just enough to boost your word count while delivering even more value.
🔄 Add It to the Back of Another Book
Okay, let’s be honest, adding a prequel to the back of the first book in a series might feel like putting the cart before the plot. But here’s a clever workaround:
If you’ve written other books or series in a related genre, leverage your existing readers by including a teaser and link to your prequel in the backmatter of those books.
Even better? Frame it as a bonus for your current fans:
“If you enjoyed this series, you’ll love this exclusive story that takes you back to the beginning…”
Readers who’ve already fallen for your writing style and world-building will jump at the chance to read more, especially if it’s free.
🌐 Feature It on Your Website (Front and Center)
Don’t make readers go on a scavenger hunt. A compelling, clear signup form should be one of the first things they see when they land on your homepage.
Your copy should focus on reader value, not just your need for subscribers:
“Get an exclusive story, free, when you join my newsletter.”
🧑🤝🧑 Join Group Giveaways or Reader Magnet Promos
Platforms like BookFunnel and StoryOrigin make it easy to participate in group giveaways with other authors in your genre. These promos gather dozens of free reads into one easy download page, great for readers, great for list-building.
Just be sure you’re joining genre-aligned promos to ensure you’re attracting readers who’ll actually love your books.
📣 Mention It on Social Media, But Make It Story-Driven
“Sign up for my newsletter” isn’t exactly irresistible. But “Want to read how the villain became the villain, before Book One even begins?” That’s click-worthy.
Try to spotlight:
- Intriguing plot hooks
- High-stakes choices
- Compelling character reveals
And always, always include the link.
Step Four: What to Do With Your List
Once you have subscribers, what’s next?
💌 Create a Welcoming Welcome Flow
Don’t leave new subscribers in the cold. A good welcome sequence introduces your world, your books, and your voice, and starts building trust from Day One.
Not sure what to include or when to send it?
🗓️ Email Them Regularly (But Not Constantly)
You don’t need to send daily missives like it’s the 1800s and your readers are on the Oregon Trail. But consistency helps you stay top of mind, and reminds your audience that there’s a real human behind the pen name.
Aim for once a month to start, and build up from there if you have more to share. And yes, you can promote your books, especially when:
- You’ve got a new release
- You’re running a sale
- You’re featured in an email promo (hello again, Freebooksy!)
Just make sure it’s not only about selling. Treat your email list like the VIPs they are.
🔁 Funnel Them Toward Your Main Series
Your prequel’s job isn’t just to entertain; it’s to guide readers to Book One (and beyond).
Make sure:
- Your prequel includes a strong CTA at the end
- You’re linking to your series in your welcome emails
- You’ve got a clear path for new readers to follow
Every touchpoint is a chance to deepen engagement and invite readers further through the funnel.
💌 Send regular newsletters
Consistency builds trust. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, choose a schedule and stick to it. Your emails can include:
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Personal updates
- Sneak peeks at upcoming books
- Promo announcements (just not only promos)
📚 Promote your books (thoughtfully)
Once a reader has enjoyed your prequel, they’re warm. They’ve met your characters, they trust your voice. It’s the perfect time to introduce them to the rest of your series, especially with a limited-time discount or launch offer.
This is where email promotions can really shine. For example, you could schedule a Freebooksy or Bargain Booksy email promo when launching Book One, knowing you already have a list of readers who’ve enjoyed your prequel and are primed to buy.
Just make sure you’re always providing value in your emails. A reader should be glad to see your name pop up in their inbox.
Bonus Tip: Stack the Deck with a Series Strategy
If you’re writing a series, a prequel can be the start of something big.
🪜 Think of it as a ramp; readers glide up into your world and then keep going, book after book.
🎁 Use your email list to promote the next title in the series, then the next. Readers who finish one book and immediately move on to the next are golden.
📊 And here’s the kicker: those readers are also more likely to leave reviews, recommend your series to friends, and stick around for future releases.
Final Thoughts: Give Readers a Way In
Your books might be spectacular. Your series might be unputdownable. But if a reader doesn’t know where to start, or isn’t quite ready to commit, you might lose them before they’ve ever cracked Chapter One.
A prequel offers an invitation. It’s the welcome mat to your author world. And with a strong email strategy behind it, it can become one of your most powerful marketing tools; no mega-budget or marketing degree required.
So if you haven’t written your prequel yet, here’s your sign.
Your future superfans are out there.
They just need a way in. ✨
Want more tips on building your readership and promoting your books? Subscribe to the Written Word Media newsletter or explore our blog for smart, author-friendly insights; always jargon-free and reader-focused.
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