7 ways to repurpose your book’s content to earn even more money

Many authors don't realize they can repurpose their book's content to earn even more money. Here's what's possible and how to get started.

You worked hard to write that book — why stop there?

Whether you write nonfiction that teaches or inspires or fiction that entertains and transports, your book is packed with valuable content. And chances are, you’re sitting on opportunities to earn more from that content without writing a brand-new book.

That’s the beauty of repurposing: You get more mileage (and more income!) from what you’ve already created.

Here are seven ways to repurpose your book’s content to generate additional revenue — some are nonfiction-specific, others are fiction-friendly, and many will work for both.

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1. Create and sell a workbook or companion guide.

Best for: Nonfiction

If your nonfiction book helps people do something — start a business, get healthier, plan for retirement, you name it — you can create a workbook that walks them through your process.

Readers love resources that help them apply what they’re learning. A workbook gives them a reason to stay engaged with your content and recommend it to others, too.

How to repurpose it:

Extract exercises, prompts, or checklists from your book.

Format them into a fillable PDF or printable guide you can sell on your website or through online marketplaces like Etsy or Gumroad.

You can even use Amazon’s KDP to offer a printed version.

2. Repurpose your book’s content into an online course or workshop.

Best for: Nonfiction

Some people don’t want to read a book, preferring that someone walk them through the material and show them how to do what they want to learn.

That’s why courses and workshops are such powerful add-ons to nonfiction books.

They let you go deeper, offer guidance, and charge a premium — often hundreds of dollars — for what’s essentially an expanded version of your book.

But… turning your book into a course doesn’t mean all you need to do is read your book out loud while you move through bullet point slides. That’s what one author I know did.

They asked me to preview the course and provide a testimonial. I was happy to oblige until I logged in to the course.

There were no demonstrations showing how to do any of what’s covered in the book. There were no visual examples that would have illustrated specific points.

This almost $500 how-to course was nothing more than the author reading their book while showing slides with bulleted text.

That’s not how you do it.

How to repurpose it:

Break down your book into lessons or modules.

Record short videos or audio explanations. Include demonstrations when appropriate.

Add worksheets or discussion questions.

Use platforms like the one I use, Teachable, or others that include Kajabi and Thinkific to deliver it.

3. Offer bonus content through a paid newsletter or Patreon.

Best for: Both

Paid newsletters can work well for both fiction and nonfiction authors, especially if you’ve got a loyal audience that wants more from you.

Use deleted scenes, expanded character backstories (fiction), or bonus insights and commentary (nonfiction) as content. Your most engaged readers are often willing to pay for behind-the-scenes content or early access.

It’s a great way to create recurring revenue while deepening your connection with readers.

How to repurpose it:

Nonfiction authors can expand on topics, provide updates, or offer Q&A sessions.

Fiction writers can share deleted scenes, backstories, character sketches, or alternate endings.

Platforms like Substack and Patreon let you charge for access to this exclusive content.

4. License your content to organizations or educators.

Best for: Nonfiction

This is a lesser-known but high-value way to monetize your expertise.

If your nonfiction book addresses a business challenge, skill, or professional development need, it might be a great fit for licensing.

Organizations, schools, or businesses may pay to license your book’s content for training, curriculum, or internal use. You can offer this as a ready-made learning resource.

How to repurpose it:

Package your content as a training tool or curriculum. Companies, nonprofits, or schools may be interested in using your material internally — and they’ll pay for the right to do so.

5. Write and sell spin-off content.

Best for: Fiction

Novelists, your readers love your characters and the world you’ve created. Give them more of what they want!

Use your book’s universe to write side stories, character prequels, or alternate POVs and sell them as Kindle Singles, on your website, or through platforms like Ream or Radish.

These smaller projects keep readers engaged between book launches and bring in extra income, too.

How to repurpose it:

Expand your universe with short stories, novellas, or alternate points of view.

Dive into a beloved side character’s backstory or explore what happened after the final page.

6. Use your book as a platform for speaking or consulting.

Best for: Nonfiction

Because a book builds credibility, it’s a popular tool for attracting speaking, consulting, and coaching clients – think of it as a large business card or lead magnet.

How about using your book to introduce you to new professional opportunities?

Repurpose chapters into paid presentations or keynote addresses that you can give at conferences or events. Market paid webinars created from the book’s content.  

If you’re solving a specific problem, consider offering related coaching or consulting services.

How to repurpose it:

Identify the core problems your book solves or the transformation it delivers. Use that as the basis for a keynote presentation or workshop. (A keynote is typically motivational or inspirational while a workshop teaches how to do something specific.)

Offer consulting or coaching packages for people or organizations that want help applying your methods or ideas.

7. Bundle your content for special promotions or events.

Best for: Both

People love bundles because they feel like they’re getting more value.

Create themed bundles by combining your book with printables, audio versions, bonus chapters, or other products. These bundles can be sold during launches, holidays, or promotions, or offered as exclusive content to your email subscribers.

Even small add-ons can make your offer feel “worth more.”

How to repurpose it:

Pair your book with extras you already have or can create quickly — a printable checklist, audio version of a chapter, bonus content, or a workbook excerpt.

Offer the bundle during a launch, holiday, or promotion to boost revenue and add urgency.

Get started repurposing your book’s content

You worked so hard to write that book. It’s time for that content to pay back the favor and keep working harder for you.

Start by choosing one repurposing idea that makes sense for your book and audience. Not only can it bring in additional income, but it also helps you serve your readers in new ways — and that’s always a win.

And get a little help from me by downloading my free cheat sheet, “Turn Content Into Cash Quick-Start Checklist.”

This one-page PDF file walks you through the steps you need to take to repurpose any content into a new product or format. Get your free copy here.

Have you already repurposed your book in one of these ways — or another? Share your ideas in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s working for you!