Holiday Promotions & Bundles
As I write this, we're heading into the 4th quarter of 2026. After a busy year, it's time to figure out how to finish it strong in a fabulous and fun way. One way to do that is to create some fun promotions surrounding your book and business.
All things bookish make great gifts, and fun promos are a great way to get people to buy directly from you (if that's your goal). Here are some of my favorite promotion ideas to get you rolling this holiday season.
Creative Holiday Promotion Ideas
Percentage off: "Spooky" Savings — 13%, 31%, or 25% off your purchase. Whatever number talks to you and "goes" with your theme.
Grateful Gobble Turkey Day Bundle — throw in a coupon or discount for 2027 after they buy, just to say thanks.
Black Friday/Cyber Monday — shop on your site and get a free chapter, never-before-seen info, book club questions, a Spotify playlist, etc.
Hook up with a group from your social contacts or BookFunnel for a newsletter swap.
A group bundle where each author offers a book.
Have a holiday-themed book or novella? Promote it and offer a deal, or give it away free in digital format alongside your latest new release.
Host an online holiday party complete with prizes — team up with other authors or businesses to boost the fun, participation, and prize offerings.
Host an in-person holiday book signing with a local shop. Partner with someone who sells makeup, nails, or other goodies for small gift bags to go with purchases, and share the success.
6 Packaged Bundles to Get You Thinking
If you've got some in-person events coming up or are good with mailings, these bundle ideas can make for fun, giftable promotions.
1. The Cozy Christmas Collection
Bundle: Pair your book with a cozy blanket, a mug, and a box of gourmet hot cocoa mix.
Promotion: Offer a limited-time discount on the bundle and include a personalized holiday message from you.
2. The Spooky Halloween Surprise — Bewitching Bundle
Bundle: Create a chilling combo featuring your book, a spooky candle, and a horror movie or Halloween-themed candy.
Promotion: Host a Halloween-themed giveaway where readers can win the bundle and other prizes.
3. The Romantic Valentine's Day Escape
Bundle: Package your book with a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine, and a pair of cozy slippers.
Promotion: Offer a "Buy One, Get One Half Off" deal on the bundle for couples.
4. The Summer Solstice (or Cabin Fever) Sunshine Bundle
Bundle: Pair your book with a beach towel, a pair of sunglasses, and a tropical-scented candle.
Promotion: Host a reading contest with the bundle as the grand prize.
5. The Thanksgiving Gratitude Bundle
Bundle: Create a heartwarming package featuring your book, a journal, and a box of artisanal chocolates.
Promotion: Offer a "Buy One, Give One" deal, where a portion of the proceeds goes to a charity of your choice.
6. The New Year's Resolution Bundle
Bundle: Package your book with a planner, a motivational journal, and a set of inspirational quotes.
Promotion: Offer a "Pre-Order Bonus" for readers who purchase the bundle before the book's release.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the key to a successful holiday bundle is choosing items that complement your book's theme and appeal to your target audience. By offering unique and valuable combinations, you'll not only increase your book sales but also create lasting memories for your readers.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's get creative and make this holiday season a bestseller!
Need more ideas or want to brainstorm together? Shoot me an email and let's rock this holiday hustle!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should authors start planning holiday promotions?
Ideally 6–8 weeks before the holiday you're targeting. This gives you time to design bundles, line up partners or collaborators, and build anticipation with your email list and social audience before Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Christmas shopping begins.
Do holiday book bundles actually increase sales?
Yes. Bundling your book with complementary, theme-matched items increases perceived value and gives buyers a reason to purchase directly from you rather than a retailer, which often means better margins and direct access to reader data.
What's the easiest holiday promotion for a first-time author?
A simple percentage-off discount or a free bonus (like a bonus chapter, playlist, or book club questions) tied to a purchase is the lowest-lift option. It requires no physical inventory or shipping and can be set up in an afternoon.
Can I collaborate with other authors on holiday bundles?
Absolutely. Group bundles and newsletter swaps with other authors or small businesses can expand your reach, split the promotional workload, and introduce your book to a new, relevant audience.
Do these bundle ideas work for non-fiction authors and coaches too?
Yes. Swap out the genre-themed props (candles, wine, sunglasses) for items that fit your niche — a planner, workbook, or branded merchandise — and the same bundle-and-promote framework applies just as well.
