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Top Ten Ways to Write a Book That Sells

by: Judy Cullins

Judy Cullins c.2004 All Rights Reserved.

Is there a book inside of you? Yes? Then why don't you write it? Or, if you've already written a book, wouldn't you like to sell more? So many of you have a great idea for a book, even a dynamite title, but much more is needed to write a book that sells. Here's the top ten ways to write a book that sells:

1. Write what's interesting to you and what will still interest you in two plus years. You can maintain all of the parts to writing a book much better if you know a little and want to know more about your subject.

2. Have passion about your topic. If your book is an extension of you, you'll be more willing to do the work involved. You'll need sustained passion to develop talks, seminars, articles or consulting services. Passion helps you be a titillating radio or teleclass guest.

3. Prepare for each chapter before you write. Have a format plan that includes headlines throughout to organize your chapter so well; your reader can't put it down. To avoid a thin chapter list questions and facts that relate only to the one chapter and thesis you work on at a time. You will then answer these questions, thus fulfilling your need to benefit your audience. These techniques make it easy for your reader to understand.

4. Commit to a regular writing schedule. Lackadaisical or non-focused efforts fail. A book doesn't finish itself. A page a day equals a book a year. Think about your circumstances. Just how much time can you put into this effort with all of your other priorities? Take a minute and decide to let go of something not as compelling for the moment. Dong it all at once dilutes your efforts.

5. Write fast so you can produce chapters fast enough to get published sooner to get the cash flow going faster. Use the "fast-forward" writing technique in chapter seven of the book "How to Write your eBook or Other Short Book--Fast!" Each chapter must answer all of your readers' questions. All non-fiction chapters have a similar length because their format is the same. Remember, you can write a short book (25-90 pages) your first time.

6. Market your book as your write each chapter. Know and write such essential "hot-selling points" as your 60-second "tell and sell," your specific audience, your sparkling introduction that is a mini sales letter, and your back cover or Web sales letter for each book you write.

7. Know your audience before your write your book to keep it organized, flowing, and compelling. Keep their picture by your workstation. Write your audience profile first to include their sex, their top interest, what they spend money on, their Internet savvy, what books they want and need. Your subject must benefit your audience or they won't buy your book. What audiences want what you have? Who will let go of their hard-earned money to buy your book?

Remember that women buy 78 percent of all trade books. Is your subject narrow enough?

8. Write your non-fiction, self-help book first. While writing a novel may draw you, start with the moneymaking book first, so you can finance your other efforts. Think a shorter first book, maybe 30-90 pages. Today, people are busy. They want information fast and easy. Make your chapters shorter too. If you answer 4 questions about one chapter topic, you will create a four-page chapter.

9. Put your book into your readers? hands. Think first, "What's the purpose of my book?" Think about your audience and your fame. Will they really go the bookstore looking for your book? Since distributors often go broke, think about distributing your book yourself. Today it is easy with the number one way to promote--Online. And, it's free with a short learning curve. Ask your book or Internet marketing coach.

10. Make things happen. Even if you are one of the chosen 1-2% an agent or publisher accepts, if you are an unknown, they will provide little marketing. After a book tour and placing your book on the bookstore shelves for three months, you'll have to pick up the talon and lead your own marketing efforts.

So start early and take a teleclass or read a book on how a non-techie can sell a book Online through free articles and other free, easy ways.

About the author:
Judy Cullins, 20-year book and Internet Marketing Coach works with small business people who want to make a difference in people's lives, build their credibility and clients, and make a consistent life-long income. 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 athttp://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml and 140 free articles.

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