Why write an introduction? Nobody reads it anyway. Up until now, this opinion has had clout. But now, with a shorter introduction of one to two pages, and through the five essentials below, your introduction will become the fourth sales tool for your book. When people read your clear, concise personal note to them, they will buy your book on the spot!
Your Book's Introduction Includes:
1. The hook. Your first paragraph must compel your potential buyer to read more, so they will buy your book. Make your opener short--one sentence is best. Answer their question, "So What? Why should I buy your book?" Your opener might be a shocking statistic or fact, powerful quote, or headline of a top benefit. It may be a short vignette from one of your chapters. Whatever it is, it must grab the reader's attention.
2. The background. Your particular audience has challenges. Describe where they are now, why they haven't succeeded, how they are uninformed in a few paragraphs. Include a few sentences on why you wrote the book. At the end of this information, state your thesis statement, a general statement of what your book will give them.
3. The benefits. In the next paragraphs, keep answering the "So what?" that is inside every potential buyer's mind. Show the general benefits such as increased health, communication, finances or fortune. Show specific benefits. For instance, in "Write your eBook or Other Short Book-Fast!" Create each part of your book as a sales tool, rewrite less, publish cheaper and faster."
4. The format. Every non-fiction book needs a format that gives your audience an idea of what they will experience ahead. They have already looked at the Table of Contents that gives them a general format and direction. In your introduction you need to say what will happen in the coming chapters.
5. The last sentence. Invite your reader into the text of your book. Entice them once again with an enthusiastic "read on." For example in one of my writing books I used this last line, "You've been waiting too long to share your unique message. Read on and apply all the simple steps I give to make you a successful author."
Now that you've written a sparkling introduction you have helped your potential buyer decide to take out their wallet and purchase your book.
Judy Cullins, 20-year book and Internet Marketing Coach, Author of 10 eBooks including "Write your eBook Fast," and "How to Market your Business on the Internet," she offers free help through her 2 monthly ezines, The Book Coach Says...and Business Tip of the Month at and over 140 free articles. Email her at



1991 was a pivotal year in my life. My professional... Read More
If you're like me, you have a book and the... Read More
If Random House pulls up to your house with a... Read More
Do you know how readers decide to buy a book?... Read More
I've been selling my own self-published information products (mainly e-books)... Read More
Did you know that your back cover information is, after... Read More
Whether you are an ebook author/publisher or a print book... Read More
When my first book was published way back ten years... Read More
Obtaining agency representation is your first step toward getting profitably... Read More
If you are reading this article then you have already... Read More
Most authors sigh a sigh of relief when they finish... Read More
Authors, especially self published, small press and Print on Demand... Read More
A book event (a book signing) is a popular way... Read More
A clever title is great if it is clear, but... Read More
Publicity is that elusive thing that can make or break... Read More
Does a title really sell a book? The short answer... Read More
Successful authors are convinced that radio interviews are the very... Read More
Are you an avid reader? Are you trying to instill... Read More
Editors will buy a book for one or more of... Read More
Surprise your potential buyers. Give them chocolate frosting!After we entered... Read More
We hear a lot these days about more books actually... Read More
Remember that the miracle of cloning sheep has its drawbacks.... Read More
Your book cover is the first impression a potential client... Read More
How would you like to have countless people clamoring for... Read More
Think of your book on the bookstore shelf trying to... Read More
Still marketing your book through press releases, networking groups, and... Read More
The topic of your book or eBook counts-big time. Which... Read More
Obtaining agency representation is your first step toward getting profitably... Read More
"Are you disappointed and tired of time and money down... Read More
If you're like me, you have a book and the... Read More
Did you know that your back cover information is, after... Read More
Why Should Your Book Be on Amazon.com? Credibility. If your... Read More
Much has been written about book proposals. But less has... Read More
A book event (a book signing) is a popular way... Read More
Have you always wanted to write?Are there ideas churning in... Read More
Wouldn't you rather write a book that sells well than... Read More
For you writers aspiring to greatness, you might need a... Read More
Do you have books sitting in your garage that you... Read More
Authors, especially self published, small press and Print on Demand... Read More
Marketing your own book can seem like a scary task.... Read More
Does a title really sell a book? The short answer... Read More
Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More
During the past year or so, I have done nearly... Read More
Your print or ebook is nearly finished. You wonder if... Read More
Successful authors are convinced that radio interviews are the very... Read More
Have you ever walked into a bookstore when an author... Read More
To get a book cover design may be expensive and... Read More
This is intended for informational purposes only. Selling books by... Read More
Imagine your book at the top of the Best Sellers... Read More
Since I self-published my first book, "101 Ways to Improve... Read More
Book Marketing |