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, . 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!
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 "> to find out how to get started.



"How do I set up a media event?" -- As... Read More
Nowadays it's no longer a matter of whether or not... Read More
Once upon a time, people went to bookstores when they... Read More
Hi Noel,I absolutely love your website, As an MS sufferer... Read More
Why write an introduction? Nobody reads it anyway. Up until... Read More
Imagine your book at the top of the Best Sellers... Read More
Have you ever walked into a bookstore when an author... Read More
I am twenty three years old, have sold over four... Read More
How would you like to have countless people clamoring for... Read More
NOTE: Because many words in this article are likely to... Read More
For many of us, marketing our titles is one of... Read More
You've just been notified a review of your book has... Read More
Since I self-published my first book, "101 Ways to Improve... Read More
Authors, especially self published, small press and Print on Demand... Read More
Review Your Reviewer: You will be sorry if you do... Read More
When I meet an author with a great book concept,... Read More
Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. But after... Read More
If you're like me, you have a book and the... Read More
There's just something so gratifying about owning your own books... Read More
A book event (a book signing) is a popular way... Read More
Make your book stand out from the crowd! Test your... Read More
Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More
Why write a book and get attention and loads of... Read More
The topic of your book or eBook counts-big time. Which... Read More
If I was asked to describe the perfect book, one... Read More
Wouldn't you rather write a book that sells well than... Read More
Working in the publishing industry comes with a high expectation,... Read More
Obtaining agency representation is your first step toward getting profitably... Read More
Imagine you share a huge penny... Read More
Posters can be a great and inexpensive way to promote... Read More
Still marketing your book through press releases, networking groups, and... Read More
Many self-publishing authors plan on eventually selling their book to... Read More
Writing a book is becoming more and more of a... Read More
You've been thinking about writing a tips booklet. After all,... Read More
If you're like me, you have a book and the... Read More
What is your excuse for not being published? "I don't... Read More
Great! The Chamber of Commerce, or a similar group, has... Read More
Review Your Reviewer: You will be sorry if you do... Read More
I've been selling my own self-published information products (mainly e-books)... Read More
Play a bigger game with your book sales by expanding... Read More
Are you an author who is looking for new ways... Read More
To have your work accepted for hard copy publication is... Read More
When authors think of their audience buying books they think... Read More
Your print or ebook is nearly finished. You wonder if... Read More
No matter what any publisher or marketing company tells you... Read More
Want to sell a lot more books? Want clients calling... Read More
Play a bigger game with your book sales by expanding... Read More
Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. But after... Read More
Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More
Nowadays it's no longer a matter of whether or not... Read More
Book Marketing |