Many authors offer free e-books to help promote their writing and themselves.  These are of various lengths and formats.  Some even have been prepared as CDs.  (Other businesses can do the same.)
 Promotional e-books may include:

An excerpt from a current book
A complete small book that enhances a current book
An extension of a current book
A compilation of work by various authors
A collection of recipes from authors

 I’ve been involved in a number of these promotional projects and found them thoroughly enjoyable.  I haven’t used the promotional possibilities to the fullest, but know they’re ongoing.
 E-Cookbooks
 I’ve participated in two cookbooks coordinated by Kathleen (Katy) Walls, …read more

Free Classes, E-book, Bookmarks 
In addition to giveaways, something that’s become very popular at blogs and web sites nowadays, you can offer other items to viewers.  These might include free e-mail classes or something you can download and print off, such as free e-books, bookmarks or activity sheets.
Lindsay, blogger at Writing for Your Wealth, where she writes about monetizing your blogs, now offers e-mail classes on this topic. 
Other writers and bloggers have e-books you can download for free.  Often they may sell e-books and print books as well. 
Kathleen Walls mentions free cookbooks you can download.  I participated in one of these that Katy …read more