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What is your excuse for not
being published? "I don't know enough to fill a
book." "I don't have time to write a whole
book." "It's too hard to get an agent or
publisher, and I don't want to self publish." None of
these excuses apply to booklets. Anyone can write and
publish an 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" booklet of 16 to 48
pages. Publishing a booklet is a good way to create an
information product which will give you both credibility
as an author and almost instant profits.
A few years ago, I was
looking for a way to create a new income stream as well as
to promote sales of my book, The
Mystery Shopper’s Manual. I decided to create a
16-page booklet that would explain the basics of mystery
shopping, and promoted it by sending copies of the booklet
along with press releases to newspapers and magazines.
You can’t tell everything
you know in a short booklet, so keep the topic narrowly
focused. My booklet explained the basics of what mystery
shopping is and how to get started. It had to give enough
information that readers could become mystery shoppers
with only what was in the booklet; however, people who
wanted to know even more would be encouraged to buy the
book.
Within a few months, with
no advertising at all, I had sold thousands of dollars
worth of booklets (at $5 each), and increased sales of The
Mystery Shopper’s Manual. You can use a booklet to
promote your products and services, as a way to create new
streams of income, as a publicity generator, as a
credibility builder and more.
Even if you don’t think
of yourself as a writer, writing a booklet is simple. One
format which works well is to answer frequently asked
questions. Write down a list of the questions your
customers ask (or should ask). You could write the answer
to one question, couldn't you? Then answer another and
another--before you know it, you've got a booklet! Use one
of the questions as your title, with a subtitle such as
"The 47 things you must know about (subject)."
Booklets can be produced in
small quantities at your local copy or print shop, usually
for less than $1. Have covers printed on glossy paper or
card stock. The copy shop can "bookletize"
(fold, staple and trim) for you.
Your booklets can be sold
at the back of the room when you speak, you can promote
them on your web site, they can be an add-on item to your
catalog, etc. You may even be able to place them in retail
outlets and bookstores. Send them to media to get free
publicity. Consultants can use them as a "leave
behind" with potential clients—while you won't
profit directly from the booklet, they can help you
attract clients.
Booklets make good premium
items. Sell them in quantity to companies or other
professionals in your field to give or sell to their
clients. Use booklets as a premium when your customers
place an order of $50 or more. Make your booklet something
that is only available as a bonus with purchase. Customers
who want it will buy other items to get it.
And don't forget to include
in your bio sheet and press materials that you are
"the author of (booklet title)." That gives you
credibility and enhances your reputation and visibility.
Take the first step: Choose
your topic. Then, write the booklet and take it to your
local copy shop. You can be published in just days. Try
it!
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About
The Author
Copyright
Cathy Stucker. Cathy Stucker made
thousands of dollars from one 16-page
booklet without paying for advertising.
You can write, publish and sell booklets
for money, fame and more. Visit Cathy
Stucker’s web site at http://www.IdeaLady.com/booklet.htm
to find out how to get started. |
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