Funnel templates
Author Funnel Templates: Four Paths From Reader to Client
A simple author funnel template has five parts: a call to action in the book, a free lead magnet, a short email sequence, a starter offer, and a premium offer.
The Author Funnel Guide, published by Book Profits Club, outlines four complete templates below. Each one uses the same five-part shape but fits a different kind of author. Pick the one closest to how you already like to help people, then adapt the steps to your book.
Last updated: Published by Book Profits Club
Which author funnel template should I start with?
Start with the template that matches the help you already give. If you coach, use the coaching call template. If your book teaches a process, use the challenge template. If you love conversation, start with a community. If you speak, use the speaking template.
The coaching call path is usually the simplest because it needs the fewest new assets. The community and speaking paths fit narrower cases: they suit authors who can host consistently or who already get invited to stages and shows.
Template 1: Book to coaching call
Best for: Nonfiction authors who already coach or consult.
- Book chapter one mentions a free self-assessment or checklist.
- Signup page delivers the checklist and starts a five-email welcome sequence.
- Emails share a story, one quick win, and a common mistake readers make.
- Final email invites readers who want help to book a short strategy conversation.
- On the call, offer a coaching package only if it fits the reader.
Template 2: Book to challenge to group program
Best for: Authors whose book teaches a process readers can practice together.
- Back matter invites readers to a free mini-course delivered over several days.
- The mini-course leads into a live challenge based on the book.
- Each challenge day gives one action and one live or recorded lesson.
- The last day presents a group program that goes deeper.
- Graduates who want personal support are invited to 1-on-1 coaching.
Template 3: Book to free community to paid membership
Best for: Authors who want recurring revenue and enjoy hosting conversation.
- Book links to a free reader community with a welcome resource.
- Weekly prompts and a monthly live session keep members engaged.
- A paid tier adds group strategy calls, templates, and priority support.
- A top tier adds a small mastermind and direct access to you.
- Members move up as their goals grow, not because of pressure.
Template 4: Book to speaking and media to high-ticket
Best for: Authors who position themselves as experts on stages and podcasts.
- Pitch podcasts and events using the book as your credibility.
- End each appearance with one free resource and one web address.
- The resource joins listeners to your list and a short sequence.
- The sequence invites organizations to book you or individuals to apply for coaching.
- Each engagement becomes a new source of discovery for the book.
| Template | Needs before you start | Starter offer | Premium offer | Recurring revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book to coaching call | A defined coaching package | Strategy conversation | 1-on-1 coaching | Only if coaching is ongoing |
| Book to challenge | A teachable process from the book | Mini-course and live challenge | Group program, then coaching | Possible with repeat cohorts |
| Book to community | Time to host weekly | Free reader community | Paid tiers and mastermind | Yes, by design |
| Book to speaking | A talk and a media pitch | Free resource after each appearance | Speaking fees or coaching | Only if bookings repeat |
How we chose these templates
These four templates were written by the Author Funnel Guide team at Book Profits Club, the business that publishes this site. We chose them because they cover the main ways an author can help readers after the book: coaching, group teaching, community, and speaking. Each was judged on the same criteria: what you need before you start, the starter offer, the premium offer, and whether it can create recurring revenue. They are outlines, not guarantees of results. Book Profits Club Premium members also get advanced templates inside the club.
This page is part of our book marketing strategy guide for authors, which explains the full path from book launch to high-ticket offers.
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Common questions
What is an author sales funnel?
An author sales funnel is the path a reader follows from discovering your book to becoming a paying client. A common shape is book, free lead magnet, email list, starter offer, then a coaching or high-ticket offer. Each step asks for one small, natural next action, which is why funnels help authors earn beyond royalties.
What is a good lead magnet for authors?
A good lead magnet solves one specific problem fast. The Authors Unite 2026 book marketing guide lists examples such as a checklist or template that solves a specific problem in 15 minutes, and a free mini-course delivered over 5 to 7 days. Mention the offer inside your book so readers have a reason to join your list.
What does the Book Profits Club Premium membership include?
Premium costs $47 per month and includes everything in Standard plus monthly group strategy calls, advanced templates, and priority email support. Book Profits Club describes Premium as a fit for authors who already have a book and want to scale, are ready to build a signature curriculum, and need advanced marketing and funnels.
What is a high-ticket offer for an author?
A high-ticket offer is a premium product or service priced well above the book, such as coaching, a mastermind, consulting, or a speaking engagement. It sits at the top of the author sales funnel. Book Profits Club offers High-Ticket Sales Mastery training focused on refining your closing approach and structuring offers to command premium prices.
How long does it take to build an author sales funnel?
It depends on your starting point. An author with a finished book and a defined offer can move faster than one starting from scratch. Build in order: the call to action in your book, the lead magnet, a short email sequence, then one offer. Book Profits Club’s $5K Challenge Accelerator is a step-by-step roadmap aimed at acquiring clients.