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increase your income
how to create your own e-book
With a high-perceived value and a low production cost, e-books are a perfect premium or promotional giveaway. They can even be sold for a profit. You can either make documents available for download from a computer or you can distribute the information on CDs by mail. In both cases, the cost is very little compared to the traditional printing and mailing method.
Marketing information is a big business � and you can implement it in virtually any field. You can use information to promote your already existing business, or you can build an information business that stands on its own. As long as people seek ways to improve their lives, there is money to be made in selling information.
The electronic format of an e-book or CD makes it easier and more convenient to both purchase and market this information. And, because it costs less to produce, it�s an easy way to increase profits.
There are many avenues you can go with this. You can find companies that will show you how to completely write and produce your own digital books, program your information on CDs or even supply entire digital books or reports for you to resell for profit.
The following is a basic overview of how to put together information for your digital publication.
s e l e c t i n g . t h e . c o n t e n t
Successful people achieve success because they know something special - and specialized knowledge and �how to� are the most sought after types of information.
Specialized information can be anything from instructions on how to make something to a strategy for achieving a specific goal. It may involve sports, hobbies, travel or self-improvement.
You may even know reliable sources for special items, and that could be valuable information.
c h o o s i n g . y o u r . f o r m a t
Information comes in many forms. Something sold for a little money and only a few pages might be plans or directions. A short piece (up to 50 pages) may be a report or manual. If you decide to get into multiple printing with many items to offer, you might produce catalogs, booklets or directories.
If you�re really good at what you do, you might even start a newsletter or correspondence course. Both of which can provide a great deal of money and provide ongoing income for years. Think about what you might have to offer, and how much commitment you want to make.
y o u . k n o w . s o m e t h i n g . s p e c i a l
Because your life is unique, you have knowledge and experience that is helpful to others. You have encountered and accomplished thousands of tasks that you have taught to friends, children or work associates. What�s sometimes hard for another person might be easy for you, and that�s why you�ve lent a helping hand. It is this information - specialized knowledge � that sells for a large profit.
What have you taken a special interest in? You probably do several unusual things well. Do you know how to make something that your friends think is great? Have you read about a specific subject for years? Maybe there�s something you would like to look into, find out about and share � something that other people are interested in as well.
No ideas? Look through magazine racks and bookstores for ideas. There�s always something you wanted to know about. Try the library and yellow pages for sources. Talk to your family and friends to brainstorm different ideas.
s h o w . t h e . v a l u e
Go ahead and be creative, but get the facts straight. Write what you know about. You should have something original and unique � especially if you write about a well-known subject. Know also that others need to see value in your information � will they?
p r e p a r i n g . y o u r . m a n u s c r i p t
After you have chosen a topic and decided on the appropriate length, now what? You don�t need to become a world authority on your subject, but you must research it. Read booklets or reports on the subject matter and compare the information. You may want to subscribe to magazines pertaining to the topic (you may already). Talk to experts for input.
Keep moving. You can begin writing as you research so you don�t get caught in the bog of details. Start with a basic outline or a list of the points you wish to cover. This will simplify the process. Then write. You have the ability to put ideas down on paper in a logical sequence that makes sense to other people. That�s it.
c a n . s o m e b o d y . h e l p ?
At any stage of the writing process, you can hire somebody to help. Need confidence? An editor can polish even the roughest copy. Grammar problems? A good typist can most times punctuate it and make it more readable. Need serious help? A �ghostwriter� can prepare a manuscript from your idea and outline. All of these people can be found by placing a small classified ad in a newspaper � a minimal cost.
w r i t i n g . t i p s
If you can write a letter, you can write a short report. Imagine writing to a friend: offer sound, friendly advice or instructions. Be careful to always assume the basic intelligence of your reader � don�t talk down. Although you are giving someone new information, that person can � and usually does � know a great deal about the subject.
The best writing is clear, easy to read, and follows an understandable sequence. Stay focused and don�t stray from your topic. Each idea or separate point should have a beginning, middle and an end. Use subheads to break up the blocks of writing and write short paragraphs and simple sentences. Be sure to include helpful information, tips or any keys to reading illustrations. Again, you don�t have to be an artist to draw a simple stick figure picture, as long as it�s clear and explains what you want to convey.
You must have something to say. Reread your manuscript and scrutinize it to be sure you have something valuable to offer. That�s a basic key to success in selling information.
h o w . t o . p r o t e c t . y o u r s e l f
To protect your rights against anyone else using what you�ve published, you copyright the material.
The copyright notice may appear in one of three forms: the word copyright; copy; or the copyright symbol. Place it at the front of your e-book and include the name of the owner and the year date it was published.
* . * . * . * . * . * Sue Barrett works for HomeBusinessCenter.com and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs successfully start their own home-based businesses.
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