Saturday, November 11, 2006

The Death of Internet Marketing

I just got an email about Mike Filsaime's Free Report called - "The Death of Internet Marketing"

I will admit, like you may be feeling now, that I thought it was some hyped up offer to get me to join for free and get some offer...

...Turns out I was wrong. Way wrong.

The bottom line is, this report really opened my eyes to what really is the death of Internet marketing. The good news is, the report also shows you what you need to know to succeed in the near future.

The times are changing and I it would be a shame for anyone to not read this report and fail like many will.

I read it, and I wanted to share it with you ASAP.

I recommend you take a break from what ever it is you are doing if you can and get access to this report now.

Consider your future success by going here now...

http://www.TheDeathofInternetMarketing.com/?see-why=2768

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Don’t Bin Your Research; You Never Know When It Might Come In Handy Again…

It happened to me just recently…

I was reviewing a mountain of files containing research material gathered over the years; years when I was churning out one book after another, articles galore for offline and online magazines, fulfilling my obligations on syndicated newspaper columns.

I thought about binning a huge chunk of it – but then I thought again - there’s enough stuff here to fill a directory.

And so I set about creating one, splitting it into a myriad of sections, and sub-sections with stuff like…

Articles
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Theatre
Film
Television
Contests

ARTICLES - I’d written myself and had published; articles I’d collected from other writers of note.

FICTION – Reams and reams of useful data that had contributed to my published novels and novellas.

NON-FICTION – Even more relating to the string of titles published under my own name since 1995.

POETRY – A genre I haven’t tackled so far but still have a yen to master.

THEATRE – My ongoing passion whether writing about it or not.

FILM – An even deeper passion that finally produced a book that has been accepted for publication in 2007.

TELEVISION – Masses and masses of material that resulted in an ill-fated televised sitcom pilot that bombed out of sight.

CONTESTS – Although I’ve never personally entered a writing contest I have amassed a pile of data a mile high.

And so I thought again…

I converted my bulging directory into my very first membership website.

Whether my accumulated bric-a-brac will be of interest to every aspiring author, playwright, poet, screenwriter, etc, I have no idea – but that doesn’t matter because I won’t be charging for access.

Learn more about how I’ve adapted my research into a membership website…

http://ultimate-creative-writing-solutions.com/prelaunch.html

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

The Ultimate Creative Writing Course Website is Live!

The remarkable file containing a lifetime of success in the realms of published creative writing launches today as the Ultimate Creative Writing Course

Don’t bother visiting the website though unless you are completely hooked on becoming a bestselling author with books flying off the shelves of major outlets world wide.

http://ultimate-creative-writing-course.com

The Ultimate Creative Writing Course is that POWERFUL and it comes complete with my personal mentoring service to ensure your progress.

If you are hooked and visit the website, not only will you receive a valuable complimentary book, but if you are among the first 25 early bird purchasers – you will get the Ultimate Creative Writing Course for HALF PRICE - including my personal mentoring.

The credibility I have acquired over the years can be yours irrespective of how you currently make your living - and it can be yours at a modest one-time cost.

Look around and you will find other writing courses clamouring for your attention; courses that cost a leg and an arm; courses that do not contain a fraction of the wisdom contained in the Ultimate Creative Writing Course - courses that do not offer personal mentoring from a proven bestselling author.

The Ultimate Creative Writing Course Website is Live!

http://ultimate-creative-writing-course.com

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

It’s doubly sad because it needn’t be so...

It’s doubly sad because it needn’t be so; there is a way, a tried and tested way to turn consistent failure on its head and convert it into sustained success; a way in the shape of a series of simple, proven, time-tested strategies that successful writers down the ages have always used to inject their work with the quantifiable bestselling potential that ensures publication in traditional hard copy print.

http://ultimate-creative-writing-course.com/prelaunch.html

When I first started writing in earnest I did not know about these age-old, time tested strategies but I was lucky, very lucky, inasmuch as my first piece of creative writing became my first published work and a bestseller.

First published in 1995 “Starting Your Own Business” is still around today, still selling in big numbers in bookstores world wide, and still featuring in the major online bestselling lists.

Now, with a clutch of bestsellers in my portfolio, not only do I know about these timeless strategies, not only do I consciously use them use them in all my writings, but now at last I have managed to package them all together in one single file.

I have done this to put something valuable back into a profession that’s been good to me and to assist aspiring authors following in my footsteps to realize their ambition to become published.

Would you like to lay hands on the remarkable little file that contains a lifetime of success in the realms of published creative writing?

Discover How You Can Do Just That

http://ultimate-creative-writing-course.com/prelaunch2.html

Monday, September 25, 2006

Why I Packed My Lifetime Knowledge Into A Single File

Well, not quite my lifetime knowledge, but certainly all of my expertise relating to creative writing, achieving publication, and aspiring to bestseller status in every literary work I set out to create.

So why have I done this: pack all my knowledge into a single file?

It was prompted by something in the response I received after giving away my proven formula for getting published; a gift to mark my birthday; a gift that was downloaded hundreds of times in just a few weeks.

http://ultimate-creative-writing-course.com/main.html

Most of the emails were from recipients expressing their gratitude but the remainder disturbed me; they were from writers claiming that no matter how hard they tried, they just could not get their work published.

Now that’s sad, very sad, but undeniably true…

Most writers spend a lifetime trying to get into traditionally published hard copy print but all they end up with is mounting frustration and a pile of rejection slips a mile high.

If you have suffered the pain of rejection as an aspiring author, take heart, the problem is not irresolvable; you can become a bestselling author with books flying off the shelves of major outlets world wide.

Visit This Web Page To Learn More

http://ultimate-creative-writing-course.com/main.html

Why I Packed My Lifetime Knowledge Into A Single File

Well, not quite my lifetime knowledge, but certainly all of my expertise relating to creative writing, achieving publication, and aspiring to bestseller status in every literary work I set out to create.

So why have I done this: pack all my knowledge into a single file?

It was prompted by something in the response I received after giving away my proven formula for getting published; a gift to mark my birthday; a gift that was downloaded hundreds of times in just a few weeks.

http://ultimate-creative-writing-course.com/main.html

Most of the emails were from recipients expressing their gratitude but the remainder disturbed me; they were from writers claiming that no matter how hard they tried, they just could not get their work published.

Now that’s sad, very sad, but undeniably true…

Most writers spend a lifetime trying to get into traditionally published hard copy print but all they end up with is mounting frustration and a pile of rejection slips a mile high.

If you have suffered the pain of rejection as an aspiring author, take heart, the problem is not irresolvable; you can become a bestselling author with books flying off the shelves of major outlets world wide.

Visit This Web Page To Learn More

http://ultimate-creative-writing-course.com/main.html

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Leverage Your List Building at Lightning Speed!

Visit this unique site that integrates some of my favorite list building sites like ListDotCom.com.

http://ListJoe.com/j/jimgreen

It also has 5 other top list building sites for a total of 6 sites to leverage your list
building all through one site.

Be sure to join to see how it can save you some time and assist in growing your list at:

Why not, it's Free!

Leverage Your List Building at Lightning Speed

http://ListJoe.com/j/jimgreen

Friday, September 01, 2006

Use Promo Codes To Build A Highly Profitable List From Scratch!

Today I want to let you in on a brand new concept that is both highly inventive and insanely profitable:

Promo Code Secrets

It contains some incredibly powerful ideas I think will really interest you.

Let me know what you think about the script!

Killer stuff...

Use Promo Codes To Build A Profitable List From Scratch!

http://www.promocodesecrets.com/pc/?pc=1091

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Butterfly Marketing Manuscript - Leaked Chapter Revealed!

Yesterday I gave you the details on Mike Filsaime’s newly released ‘Butterfly Marketing Manuscript’ and now I’m going one better – and it’s to your advantage if you act now.

Click on the link below to download a complimentary leaked chapter from this dynamic document

To your success

Jim Green

Download the Leaked Chapter

http://writingforprofit.o-f.com/bmb.pdf

Monday, August 14, 2006

Mastermind List Building Secrets Revealed!

How would you like to learn from a master online operator who has built his list to over 350,000 people and makes a steady 6 figures month in month out on total autopilot?

Well, now is your chance because for the first time ever Mike Filsaime is letting you get your hands on his Butterfly Marketing Manuscript.

These same tactics and strategies that he teaches in this breakthrough report helped Michael Cheney of Adsense Videos do over $200,000 in sales in just 7 days!

Here is a taste of what The Butterfly Marketing Manuscript will teach you:

-How to build a huge opt in list in record time.

-How to use Viral Marketing to get auto pilot traffic to your site day in and day out.

-How to put tiny little Butterfly Effects in your marketing to earn thousands of dollars per month for years and years to come.

-How to use free reports to bring you 50 new opt in members per day on total auto pilot.

-How to create a product in under 10 days.

-How to launch a site and get 5000 members in just 5 days or less.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg...

Don't miss out on this. There's no telling if or when Mike will pull his secrets from the market.

To your success

Jim Green

Download the Butterfly Marketing Manuscript

http://writing333.bfmscript.hop.clickbank.net

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Generate Flawless Writing -- Instantly!

You've NEVER seen writing software like this before!

Just think of the ability to instantly generate professional documents of almost any kind - at will. For example, let's say you wanted to attract some instant fame for yourself. You could simply activate the magic writing device and say...

"I want an article that I can use to become known as an expert in my field..."

And just like magic, the article appears - right before your very eyes.

You may be wondering, "What could I do with the article?"

You could simply use the device again to materialize a query letter that gives you the ability to get your article published in multiple magazines, newsletters and websites... again, at the click of a button.

You can also use this ingenious writing software for…

Stories (for kids by kids)
Book Proposals
Resumes
Synopses
Press Releases
Essays
Business Plans
Query Letters
Marketing Plans
Advertising Plans
Contracts
Memos
Grant Proposals
Lesson Plans
Reviews
Short Stories
Speeches
Research Reports
Abstracts

Download the Smart Author Software Collection

http://tinyurl.com/r8lto

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Make Money Daily Writing From Home!

I do more than just write books; I make money writing ads for other people…

And I'm going to teach you exactly how I make thousands of dollars every week by writing tiny ads from the comfort of my own home.

In case you're thinking this is some sort of a "get rich quick" scheme, think again.

This is no scheme, and it's a 100% legitimate business opportunity!

Let me tell you a few more of the great things about this program...

You don't need to find an employer.

The ads are very easy to write.

You can work as much or as little as you want.

There is nothing unethical involved.

There is no mailing or shipping involved.

You won't ever have to talk on the phone.

You won't have to deal with any customers.

Set your own hours, there is no boss.

Start earning money your very first day!

This program is available to men and women in any part of the world. You just need an internet connection so you can do your work online

Get The Facts Now and Start Earning Today!

http://tinyurl.com/mkfpr

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Earn Money from Articles

If you want to earn money from articles as I do every week here is the deal for you…

Article Submitter
Article Cash
Article Marketing Course
The Lazy Mans Guide to Writing Articles
Over 100 Articles and a Text to Html Converter

New products that give you an abundance of knowledge working with articles…

http://tinyurl.com/ordwd

Monday, July 31, 2006

Create Short Stories with This Smart Software

I use this software to create my own short stories…

‘Instant Short Story Creator'

The downloadable step-by-step software guide that coaches you on the short story writing process with easy instructions and helpful templates to keep you organized.

Most of my short stories are now published and selling in big numbers online and offline.

So too could yours with the help of Instant Short Story Creator…

Download the Software

http://tinyurl.com/r36bu

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Why My Creative Writing Course is Consistently at No1. on Yahoo!

Take a moment of your time today to check out Yahoo! for the keyword phrase 'creative writing course' and you will see why 'Secrets to Churning Out Bestsellers' is the most popular download online among aspiring authors world wide.

The website http://1st-creative-writing-course.com holds the No.1 Spot out of 16,900,000 competing offers.

Small wonder when you consider that it is the ONLY instructional writing course that contains the real secret, the mystery ingredient to converting your books into bestsellers - online and offline.

Download the entire course right now on 60 days approval and test out its incredible power for yourself.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Friday, July 21, 2006

30K in 30 Days DVD – FRESH SUPPLY!

I have just received a fresh supply of the sensational new product everyone everywhere wants to get their hands on straightaway and the price is still pegged at $97 – for now…

This is not a humdrum download but a physical creation; a dynamic 2-Hour DVD featuring a discussion between 13 millionaire online marketers as they hatch a plan to make 30K in 30 days, repeat the process, month after month after month, and then show you how to do it for yourself.

You will see this extraordinary presentation being advertised elsewhere for $197 and more - but save yourself a bundle by buying it from me NOW for only $97.

What you get for your outlay is not just a DVD (plastic costs peanuts) but a long term wealth strategy that you cannot put a price tag on.

If you have not got your 30K DVD yet, now is the time to act.

Click Now or Lose Out – They Will Soon Be Gone!

http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=432350

Thursday, July 20, 2006

30K in 30 Days DVD – ON RELEASE!

Just released and selling like hotcakes – the sensational new product everyone everywhere wants to get their hands on straightaway…

This is not a humdrum download but a physical creation; a dynamic 2-Hour DVD featuring a discussion between 13 millionaire online marketers as they hatch a plan to make 30K in 30 days, repeat the process, month after month after month, and then show you how to do it for yourself.

You will see this extraordinary presentation being advertised elsewhere for $197 and more - but you’ll save yourself a bundle if you buy it from me RIGHT NOW for only $97.

There’s a problem though; I’m fast running out of stock already…

Only 17 left at this price; they’ll all be gone by tonight!

http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=432350

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

I’m Giving Away My Proven Formula on How to Get a Book Published

If you are going to follow any formula on how to get a book published you’d better make sure it comes from an established bestselling author.

My proven formula does…

During the last ten years I’ve had over 30 fiction and non-fiction books published; published in hard copy format; published and selling in bookstores world wide – and selling in huge numbers online at Amazon.com.

The secret to my success hinges on two essential factors:

1. Quality of output
2. My own proven formula for getting published

So why am I now giving away the formula?

As I approach my 75th birthday I doubt I will have many more books published - although I have 3 more coming out this year bringing my total output up to 33 :-)

Writing has been good to me and publishing even better and so I would like to give something back in the shape of my formula to writers following in my footsteps; writers aspiring to publication.

What My Proven Formula Contains...

How to locate an appropriate publisher for your work
Matching your writing output to publisher profiles
Researching the marketplace
Where to find 1000s of publishers online
Guidelines for submitting a book proposal for fiction
Guidelines for submitting a book proposal for non-fiction
How to prepare your proposal acceptance
When to submit your proposal
What to ensure before you sign a contract
Addressing the author questionnaire
Employing the services of a literary agent
What to do when you cannot place your book with a traditional publisher
Self publishing without incurring substantial costs

How You Can Get the Formula Right Now for Free

I have set up a temporary page on one of my websites for your convenience. Complete the brief form and the download link for the formula will be sent to you by return.

Enjoy…

Jim Green

Collect Your Copy of My Formula on How to Get a Book Published...

http://formula.howtoproducts-xl.com

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Let every line tell its own story

Look upon the chapter heading as the trunk; subheads as the branches; and sub-subheads as the leaves. They all have a role to play in your list of contents and they should all be treated with equal significance. Energise them with action words and allow each line in the list to introduce its own story.

To master the art of compiling the list of contents for your book, study how other successful niche non-fiction authors do it. Compare the contents list with chapter headings, subheadings and subheads in the text and you will see how everything clicks neatly into place in logical progression.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Monday, July 10, 2006

Grasping ideas as they occur

Ideas occur at the oddest moments. You might be asleep, walking the dog, in the middle of a meeting; intuition leaves no calling cards. It just strikes. When it does, pay attention or the moment may be lost forever. To give you an example: I got the idea on how to close this tutorial (see final paragraph) when I was sorting out some old files - and that occurred before I had even started to work on the text…

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Structuring the list of contents

Compare the writing of your book to that of the task facing an artist painting a landscape.

The artist envisages in advance the composition of the picture (your list of contents), makes rough sketches of essential features (your draft copy) and arrives at a balanced decision on execution. The artist has choices on technique for implementation and so do you.

WHY YOU SHOULD COMPLETE THIS BEFORE YOU WRITE ANYTHING

When you work away conscientiously on compiling the list of contents in advance, you open the door to these choices on how you will tackle the actual writing of your book.

Authors exercise preferences on execution

Some start at the beginning and continue right to the end without diversion; others tend to cherry pick, darting back and forth from one chapter or section to another. A few authors manage to combine both techniques successfully in that while maintaining a regular course, they make the occasional detour as and when inspiration strikes.

Whichever route you decide to travel you'll need a reliable road map and that is why you should always compile your list of contents before you write a single word.

MATCHING THE SEQUENCE TO YOUR RESEARCH FINDINGS

As with any list of things-to-do, you begin compilation of the list of contents at the origin of your dissertation, progress through the middle by highlighting all of the essential elements and end up at the tail; the climax; the promise of fulfilment. To do this effectively, you must match what you know with what you have discovered and merge your accumulated findings into a logical sequence of factual information. Sounds easy, but you won't get it right first time. You just keep at it until everything clicks into perfect place.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Creating chapter headings, subheads, and sub-subheads

The creation of chapter headings, subheads and sub-subheads constitutes the first vital contribution to the writing up of your project. When you get this right, the strain is off and fulfilment begins to take over.

Get it wrong and you will struggle.

There is no easy way and no quick formula fixes; you must develop these essential 'bandings' until they meet with your ultimate satisfaction. You will know instinctively when you've got them right, and when you do, your creativity will flow freely and the manuscript will take shape faster than you ever thought possible. It will take shape in your subconscious as you sleep, as you walk, as you travel to work, collect the kids from school or pick up the weekly shop.

Now you can start to think about writing your book...

Chapter headings

These are the major signposts to the delineation of the core elements in your teaching module. Make them vibrant and follow the rules on creating action to stimulate reader involvement.

Subheads

These are secondary directional tags that lead the reader into strands of vital information under each chapter heading. Keep up the action and interest in their formulation.

The 'hidden persuader' influence of sub-subheads

If you turn back for a moment to the contents list for this book you will observe that only the chapter headings and main subheads are featured. Now look at this list relating to Chapter 4 (extracted from the working notes) where the sub-subheads appear italicised in parenthesis for the purpose of illustration.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Friday, July 07, 2006

Adopting Proven Formatting Techniques

Taking the trouble to familiarize yourself with the various formatting techniques employed by the how-to publishing industry will also help enhance your chances of producing a bestselling title.

How the title commands immediate attention.
How the cover design varies from one publisher to another.
How the contents list is laid out.
How illustrations are employed to support the text where appropriate.
How, where and where bullet points are included to highlight key aspects.
How appendices are compiled to assist the reader.
How the preface sparks off initial curiosity.
How the back cover 'blurb' sells the book.

This is vital work because should you choose to approach a publisher with sample material devoid of appropriate formatting, your proposal is unlikely to be treated seriously.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Developing Your Own Slant on a Prescribed Topic

The ability to develop your own particular slant on a given topic also contributes to bestselling potential. Everyone has their own way of looking at things, describing how they work and what makes them tick.

When Napoleon Hill and Clement Stone got together to produce the famous self-help book Think and Grow Rich, they took the timeless and much worked concept of mind over matter and subjected it to the twist of two disparate viewpoints blending together to yield a rich harvest.

Interestingly, although both names appear on the cover, there was only one author, Napoleon Hill, the architect of the slant that transformed their work into a bestselling book spanning eight decades in worldwide bookstores.

If you can find an unusual angle, a different approach or a hitherto unworked technique for your topic, you are on the way to developing the unique proclivity that will set your work apart from similar tomes.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Establishing the depth of your knowledge before you write your book

Never take for granted that you already know enough about your special subject to fill a book. No one is that clever. Spend some time testing out the depth of your knowledge by making lists of what you know and what you don't know. Take particular note of those areas that require substantiation or where you are lacking corroborative detail.

CONFIRMING ITS VALIDITY
AND EXPANDING ON THE INFORMATION

This is where you start your research and it is so important that the whole of the next chapter is devoted to the subject. Most of what you need you will find online at home or in the free-to-use 'active learning' centres provided by your local library where you can double up by accessing appropriate hard copy references manuals.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

What the Prospect Reads First After the Title

Book browsers have a choice when a title arouses initial interest: they might opt to read the preface, check out the contents list or go straight to the back cover.

My bet is that most of them head for the latter (I know I always do) but wherever they go don't risk disappointing them when they get there.

You spent some time polishing the contents to your satisfaction; spend an equal amount of time on both preface and blurb.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Monday, July 03, 2006

Managing your time to speed up the creative writing process

The only time constraints are those of your own making. This is not a race and you are not competing with anyone else, so don’t rush.

1. Make out an action list for every day of your new adventure but don’t overload it.

2. Never start on tomorrow’s work today. Tomorrow will be time enough.

3. Take a break when hit a snag. Rest, go for a walk, watch a movie – and come back refreshed.

You will work best during your most creative time of the day or week. We have already established that for some people, that is very early in the morning; for others, late at night or over the weekend. Try to discover when your creative moments occur and capitalise on them.

Don’t work when you’re tired or jaded. You run the risk of turning out garbage and opening the door to disillusion

When you’re surfing the Net for information, always be on the lookout for items of relevance to your project. These could be in the form of articles and reports. They are in the public domain, so incorporate extracts if you feel they would enhance your content. If you need author consent, ask for it; permission will not be unreasonably withheld.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Sunday, July 02, 2006

What Attracts People to Works of Non-Fiction?

Autobiographies and biographies of celebrities are always in demand because they arouse the curiosity factor and particularly so when the material evokes an expectation of salacity.

The curiosity factor is equally evident in readers of how-to books, guides and manuals, but directed by a more responsible motive: the thirst for information on how to do something, do it better and excel at it. And so the chosen topic must be capable of fulfilling these wholesome expectations by ensuring that readers will become better informed on the subject matter for which you and they share a common interest.

Your personal expertise must be equal to the task you set yourself because otherwise, no matter how cleverly conceived or creatively scripted, your work will never be published. Commissioning editors can spot a fake a mile away. While they may not be expert on your subject, they will very quickly ascertain whether or not you are.

PASSIVE V ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

Levels of reader participation tend to vary between different genres and the differential with regard to commitment invariably favors non-fiction.

People read fiction to be entertained
(Passive participation: in one ear and out the other)

People read non-fiction to…
- Become better informed
- Learn new skills
- Hone existing talents
(Active participation: invoking the faculties of reasoning and memory retention)

Much popular fiction is in style for just a while but superior niche non-fiction can be around forever, earning the estates of its originators drip feed residuals in perpetuity. For example How to Win Friends and Influence People by Norman Vincent Peale was first published in the mid-1930s, sold millions of copies worldwide, and is still re-issued from time to time. This famous book has been through several publishing houses but it has only one originator.

Whenever people pick up a how-to book they are demonstrating willingness to engage in active participation. They know they are in for some work and you should in there pitching with them, providing an interesting topic and knowledgeable text in an easy-to-read format that transforms a chore into a pleasure.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Why Writing Part Time Works Best for Most Authors

Most established authors start out writing on a part time basis and while many go on to make a career of the art form, others find it more convenient to continue writing part time for a number of reasons, including:

They are at liberty to pursue other commercial interests.

They prefer to use their creative skills as an outlet from workaday pressures.

They derive therapeutic benefits from part time writing.

They find it hones their expertise in diverse directions.

They reckon it adds to the quality of life.

They enjoy financial advantages from a second income.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Friday, June 30, 2006

Creating Chapter Headings, Subheads, and Sub-subheads

The creation of chapter headings, subheads and sub-subheads constitutes the first vital contribution to the writing up of your project. When you get this right, the strain is off and fulfilment begins to take over.

Get it wrong and you will struggle.

There is no easy way and no quick formula fixes; you must develop these essential 'bandings' until they meet with your ultimate satisfaction.

You will know instinctively when you've got them right, and when you do, your creativity will flow freely and the manuscript will take shape faster than you ever thought possible. It will take shape in your subconscious as you sleep, as you walk, as you travel to work, collect the kids from school or pick up the weekly shop.

Now you can start to think about writing your book.

Chapter headings

These are the major signposts to the delineation of the core elements in your teaching module. Make them vibrant and follow the rules on creating action to stimulate reader involvement.

Subheads

These are secondary directional tags that lead the reader into strands of vital information under each chapter heading. Keep up the action and interest in their formulation.

The 'hidden persuader' influence of sub-subheads

If you turn back for a moment to the contents list for this book you will observe that only the chapter headings and main subheads are featured. Now look at this list relating to Chapter 4 (extracted from the working notes) where the sub-subheads appear italicised in parenthesis for the purpose of illustration.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Niche Researching

An excellent method for conducting online niche research is to use the keyword suggestion tool provided by http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/

At that page, enter a keyword relating to the potential niche feature you have in mind, and the tool will present you with the number of times that keyword was searched on via the network. It will also show the number of times related keywords were searched on.

This will give you an indication of what your possible niche bears for interest. If you find a decent amount of interest, say a few thousand or more combined monthly searches on keywords directly related to what you want to write about then you may be in a solid niche. Keep a file of the results of your keyword research.

Next, go to your favorite search engine and search on some of those same keywords. Keep a file of these results too. The information you uncover will be invaluable.

As you can readily appreciate, developing your concept requires some legwork and even after you have completed the research, you still have to write your book. But as with all good things, you get out of it only what you put in.

These online models for effective research can yield excellent results when done properly.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Why You Should Never Dispose of Your Research Material

Why should you never do that?

Quite simply because you never know when it might come in handy.

The questions to which you found answers for your first project will return again and again in different guises when you set about researching on new book concepts.

Never dispose of any research material; store it away for future reference.

You may have to do some updating but even so, the task won’t be nearly so difficult with a benchmark to start from.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Monday, June 26, 2006

Contributing Articles to Magazines and Periodicals

Likewise you could be asked to contribute articles to general interest magazines and periodicals. If this should happen to you, grab the offer without delay. It's an excellent way of increasing awareness and adds to your reputation as an established author - and it pays well (up to $500 for 1000 words).

A few years back I was invited to contribute a five-page article to an in-flight magazine. The subject of the commission was 'setting up in business on your own' and it coincided with the release of the 2nd edition of my book Starting Your Own Business. Not only did the article attract direct sales; it also increased awareness of the title, which did no harm to world wide bookstore and online disposals.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Charting the Route Before You Research Your New Project

Let’s imagine you are intent on producing a resource manual notionally entitled How to Become an Expert on Light Bulbs (you wouldn’t, but let’s just hypothecate for illustration purposes). Make out a list of the pivotal aspects of the subject. It might pan out like this.

Light bulb sizes
Shapes
Power requirements
Manufacturers
Types of fitting
Novelty bulbs
Industrial bulbs
Lighting for sports stadia
Christmas lighting
Stage lighting
Street lighting
High intensity
Low intensity
…and so on

Now compare this listing with your list of what you know, what you don't know, and annotate each item on the list accordingly; tick for 'yes', cross for 'no'.

1. Connect to the Internet and open your browser - choose a search engine and type in ‘light bulbs’.

2. Start collecting links for everything you come across.

3. Divide the links into categories and sub-categories.

Finding out what you need to know online shouldn’t prove too difficult but you will cut down considerably on research time if you follow the directions outlined in the next section.

HOW TO CONDUCT INTENSIVE RESEARCH ONLINE

For best results the bulk of your research ought to be conducted online, but unless you know the shortcuts to effective cyberspace fact-finding, you could spend hours on end in fruitless searches. It's very easy to stray when you are using the search engines because loads of similar looking topics and dissertations abound on the Internet. But with your goals properly defined before you go out searching, you will be able to focus on exactly what it is you are setting out to uncover.

Comprehensive briefings are available in three authoritative reports you can read online or download for free.

How to Conduct Research on the Internet
http://www.tbchad.com/resrch.html
How to Conduct a Search Online
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/ivc/library/how1.htm
Internet Research - Finding Hard Data
http://www.bugsoft.com/research/index.html

Having absorbed the valuable information contained in these reports, I recommend you restrict your searching to http://www.google.com. Use the ‘advanced search’ facility and you’ll reduce your workload by several hours. For some of the items on the list where you thought you knew it all, you'll learn more; for those you marked with a cross, you will locate answers to further enhance your grasp on the topic.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Saturday, June 24, 2006

How to Adopt Proven Formatting Techniques in Your Creative Writing Endevors

Taking the trouble to familiarize yourself with the various formatting techniques employed by the how-to publishing industry will also help enhance your chances of producing a bestselling title.

How the title commands immediate attention.

How the cover design varies from one publisher to another.

How the contents list is laid out.

How illustrations are employed to support the text where appropriate.

How, where and where bullet points are included to highlight key aspects.

How appendices are compiled to assist the reader.

How the preface sparks off initial curiosity.

How the back cover 'blurb' sells the book.

This is vital work because should you choose to approach a publisher with sample material devoid of appropriate formatting, your proposal is unlikely to be treated seriously.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Friday, June 23, 2006

Implanting Essential Disciplines for Success in Part Time Creative Writing

As with any worthwhile enterprise there are certain disciplines you have to set in motion before you'll get the best out of your part time writing activities. There are just a few, they are painless to implant, and you will need them to see you safely through the starting gate.

DECIDING THE WORKSPACE

It can be spartan, it can be luxurious; the choice is yours. Try though to locate in a spot that's light and airy; a view to look out on is okay but avoid noisy distractions. We all live in a mind world but you will be spending a lot more time there than most people you know, so ensure that your surroundings are quiet and comfortable. That way you will be at ease with yourself and your creative output will prosper.

Treat the workspace as your den, a place of private solitude that you look forward to visiting for peace, inspiration and inner fulfilment.

ALLOCATING TIME TO WRITE

Some people find it conducive to confine their writing to the early morning when the brain is refreshed, alert and eager to start work; others set an allotted time during the day which they stick to regardless of demands on their attention, while a fortunate few (who only ever seem to write when the muse is upon them) find that as soon as the pen is uncapped or the word processor switched on, their creativity is automatically unleashed.

Whichever path you follow, try to write a little every day and never allow a week to pass without some progress; otherwise you may start to lose interest, or worse still, lose confidence in your ability to complete the project.

Individual circumstances also have a bearing on allocating time to write. If you are out working 9-5 on weekdays, then early morning and/or late evening may be your only options. If you are a homemaker, retired, or currently unemployed, you may be more relaxed about choosing times to write. In general terms though, the best advice anyone can give is to go with the flow and never try to force creativity. Write when you feel like writing don't write when you don't feel like it.

EVALUATING BASIC SKILLS

You already possess the rudiments of the skills required to become an income-generating part time writer. All you have to do now is to attend to those areas that may be in need of some spit and polish to bring them up to snuff. You know your own strengths and you know your limitations, so evaluate and take requisite action to reduce the incidence of the latter.

Vocabulary and grammar are essential areas you might want to start with because they reflect on one's ability to commit measured thought to paper authoritatively.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Why Enjoying Your Own Company Produces Superior Work

It's a fact. If it does not faze you to be totally on your own for an hour or two every day you will discover that indulging in introspection and cultivating innate intuition comes easy. As a result, your output will rapidly increase and improve in quality.

This is not to imply that gregarious people don't make good writers. They do, providing there is no necessity for a backdrop of din and chatter while they work.

CONSIDERING YOUR WRITING AS A PART TIME BUSINESS

It is a sound practice to take your writing activities so seriously that you treat them as you would any other part time home business. In other words, work to strict disciplines and hold yourself accountable for all that you do.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Where to Find 1000s of Publishers Online

To make your researching ultra simple, there is a secret vertical portal (or vortal) where you can access thousands of publishers and their respective web sites.

You click on a subject hyperlink, then on to a publisher hyperlink where you can read a resume of the categories in which they specialize. When you come across something that matches your topic, click on another link to go straight to the web site. Couldn't be simpler. If you are really keen, you can access tens of thousands of similar web sites spanning over 200 countries.

What you will be looking for are web pages devoted to authoring, hyperlinks that announce 'authors', 'getting published' or even 'about us'. Copy to file, or print out everything you come across and study the material carefully.

However, try as you may elsewhere, you will only find this unique online resource in the home study tutorial available for download at this website...

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

What You Will Gain Through Consistent Application to Your Creative Writing

People who make a practice of writing about what they know quickly discover that they know a lot more than they ever imagined about matters they thought they knew little or nothing.

Consistent application draws on all three levels of the mind and opens up the labyrinth of the subconscious, providing a steady stream of factual information and hitherto untapped ideas.

You will experience the magic of this phenomenon for yourself if you decide to take the plunge and embark on your first assignment as a niche non-fiction writer.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Monday, June 19, 2006

What Attracts People to Works of Non-Fiction?

Autobiographies and biographies of celebrities are always in demand because they arouse the curiosity factor and particularly so when the material evokes an expectation of salacity.

The curiosity factor is equally evident in readers of how-to books, guides and manuals, but directed by a more responsible motive: the thirst for information on how to do something, do it better and excel at it. And so the chosen topic must be capable of fulfilling these wholesome expectations by ensuring that readers will become better informed on the subject matter for which you and they share a common interest.

Your personal expertise must be equal to the task you set yourself because otherwise, no matter how cleverly conceived or creatively scripted, your work will never be published. Commissioning editors can spot a fake a mile away. While they may not be expert on your subject, they will very quickly ascertain whether or not you are.

PASSIVE V ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

Levels of reader participation tend to vary between different genres and the differential with regard to commitment invariably favors non-fiction.

People read fiction to be entertained
(Passive participation: in one ear and out the other)

People read non-fiction to…
1. Become better informed
2. Learn new skills
3. Hone existing talents
(Active participation: invoking the faculties of reasoning and memory retention)

Much popular fiction is in style for just a while but superior niche non-fiction can be around forever, earning the estates of its originators drip feed residuals in perpetuity. For example How to Win Friends and Influence People by Norman Vincent Peale was first published in the mid-1930s, sold millions of copies worldwide, and is still re-issued from time to time. This famous book has been through several publishing houses but it has only one originator.

Whenever people pick up a how-to book they are demonstrating willingness to engage in active participation. They know they are in for some work and you should in there pitching with them, providing an interesting topic and knowledgeable text in an easy-to-read format that transforms a chore into a pleasure.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Dipping your toe into the waters of essential research

While you are in the process of conducting the required tests on your chosen topic, there in no better way of dipping your toe into the waters of essential research than to survey the produce of fellow writers in the how-to genre.

This will give you an initial feel for:

The various categories covered by published authors.

The miscellaneous topics occurring in each category.

Comparison of writing styles.

Which titles have progressed to a second edition.

How many and which have been successful in attaining multiple editions.

The impact of all of this on the prospects for your chosen topic.

How to undertake your survey

Start by sending off for a copy of the current catalogue of each of the mainstream publishers specialising in the how-to market (see Chapter 10 for a simple access route). Spend some time studying these promotional pieces so that you become acquainted with the genre from the viewpoint of:

1. The publishers
2. The authors
3. The booksellers
4. The book buyers

Zero in on those categories that are even remotely connected to your area of special interest and endeavour to gauge their impact on the market. How many titles have reached the second edition stage? Are any on their 3rd, 4th, 5th or even 6th edition? If you can spot a few results, the omens are looking good. And while to have your category represented would be advantageous, it might prove equally advantageous if it is not. It could just be that no author has yet come up with a proposal on an acceptable approach.

Should you be successful in so doing you may well persuade a publisher to introduce a new category to match your chosen topic.

Next item on the agenda

Purchase one or two titles (or borrow them from your local lending library) and read the books through from cover to cover, noting style, content, execution, and the appeal of front and back covers.

This exercise will serve you well before you start writing your own book.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Saturday, June 17, 2006

What to Do When You're Stuck for Your Next Writing Project

The renowned self-help author Vernon Howard only ever wrote on one subject: mind control. His first work Physco-Pictography was published at the outset of the 1965 and from that one book he contrived to produce another thirty.

How did he manage to do that?

The original work was so fulsome and all embracing that he was able to extrapolate twenty-nine powerful individual principles, which over the next twenty years he expanded into full-blown stand-alone volumes.

All of his books incidentally were bestsellers in their time except the original, which was rejected several times before being released on a small print run. This same original edition is now sold on private subscription for £100 per copy.

How's that for niche marketing?

Where Vernon Howard looked for his next project you ought also to look after publication or rejection of your first project. It won't contain as many stand-alone ideas but it might contain one, two, or maybe more.

In my own small way and from my bestseller Starting an Internet Business Home (published in 2001 by Kogan Page) I have successfully produced two more published works on the same subject together with three online instruction courses.

Unlike Vernon though, I've also had several other ideas from the book turned down flat.

Do as Vernon Howard did and see if you can identify more gems buried deep in the wisdom of your initial project.

Good luck…and may the wind be always at your back in all of your creative endeavors.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Friday, June 16, 2006

How to Grade Online Publishing Options

There are good and bad guys operating in online publishing. Take care by exercising due diligence before you decide, lest you hand over your precious manuscript to a charlatan.

When reviewing options for online download

Deal only with operations where…

Business is conducted through a professionally created, multi-faceted web site.
There is a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section on the site
Testimonials are provided
Examples of current produce are available for inspection
You are not tied to a long term contract
The service is free of charge

When reviewing options for print-on-demand/online purchase

All of the above (save the last) but including…

Production times quoted are guaranteed
There are no hidden extras
You consider the package to be value for money

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Marketing Your Creative Writing Output as Electronic Books

Market your produce as an ebook - or even a series of ebooks if the topic can be broken down into meaningful stand-alone dissertations.

Creating your own ebooks is easier than you think

It couldn’t simpler. Just select a compiler, read the instructions, hit the first button – and you’re on your way to becoming an instant electronic publisher.

Choosing the software

I recommend that you examine the individual features of several compiler options before you decide to buy (prices range from $20) or even download on a free trial basis. You can accomplish this by visiting the undernoted web sites. Read the FAQ on each site and compare the differentials between alternative compiler software options.

http://www.e-editor.com/
http://www.ebookcompiler.com/
http://www.webcompiler.com/
http://www.ebookcreator.com/
http://www.bersoft.com/
http://www.e-editorial.com/
http://www.neosoftware.com/

Organisation is the key

Many would-be cyberspace publishers topple at the first hurdle because of disorganized file formatting. Follow the instructions provided with the compiler of your choice and you won’t fall into that category; your formatting will be pristine and your e-produce ultra professional in execution.

Test before you start

Before starting on the manufacturing process, you may if you wish test out the compiler and the best way to do this is to feed in a few pages and then compile them. Testing the system will give you an appreciation of how easily and quickly the pages go through.

Working with cover templates

Your ebook will need a front cover for promotional purposes and (unless you are an experienced graphic artist) it could prove problematic if you attempt to create one by yourself. Happily, there is no requirement because here is a source that will provide you with a selection of free quality templates for your front cover. http://www.ebookcovermakers.com

You will find all you need to know about creating electronic books at this website...

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

How to Establish Your Propensity for Becoming a Successful Creative Writer

Ask yourself these questions and spend a few minutes in quiet reflection before you provide the answers.

Do you like to read, be it fiction or non-fiction?
Do you enjoy writing letters, reports, or whatever?
Do you have a better than average vocabulary?
Do you strive at every opportunity to enhance your personal word power?
Do you persist with crosswords until you've solved all the clues?
Do you have an enquiring mind?
Do you have special interests?
Do you have expertise in any particular subject(s)?
Would you undertake research to confirm and expand on what you think you know?
Would you be prepared to share this knowledge with others?
Would you be willing to make time to write about it for pleasure and profit?
Are you comfortable about committing your private thoughts to paper?
Are you self-disciplined?
Are you relaxed about working on your own?

If you can genuinely answer 'yes' to all of these questions, you already have the nucleus of a powerful propensity for creating niche non-fiction in the shape of self-help and how-to guides. The chapters that follow will provide you with the attributes for professional execution.

If on the other hand you answered 'yes' to most and 'no' to a few, then work on those negative areas.

If you answered 'no' to Question 8, then think again and dig deeply this time. Most people have expert knowledge on something or other. It could be a job, a hobby, or any of a thousand disparate topics. And should you consider that what you know would be of little value to anyone else, you would be wrong. Many people share a passion for your particular area of interest and are anxious to become even better informed.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Attracting Additional Streams of Incremental Income from Your Writing Output

Apart from the direct income accrued from book sales and library loans, you will now be in a position to attract additional streams of indirect incremental income - and into the bargain, increase your visibility as a published author. Examples include:

Public speaking
Writing articles
Book reviewing

PUTTING YOURSELF AROUND AS A PLATFORM SPEAKER

New published works often pull in offers to engage in public speaking assignments linked to the topic. The majority of these will command a fee together with the opportunity to set up a stall and sell copies of your book to attendees. But even if no fee is involved you can still put yourself around and sell a few copies. Exhibitions and conferences are good sources for this type of opportunity.

CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES TO MAGAZINES AND PERIODICALS

Likewise you could be asked to contribute articles to general interest magazines and periodicals. If this should happen to you, grab the offer without delay. It's an excellent way of increasing awareness and adds to your reputation as an established author - and it pays well (up to $500 for 1000 words).

A few years back I was invited to contribute a five-page article to an in-flight magazine. The subject of the commission was 'setting up in business on your own' and it coincided with the release of the 2nd edition of my book Starting Your Own Business. Not only did the article attract direct sales; it also increased awareness of the title, which did no harm to world wide bookstore and online disposals.

ATTRACTING ASSIGNMENTS AS A BOOK REVIEWER

The majority of book reviewers nowadays are authors in their own right and in time you might well be asked to become one yourself (as I was). You will receive a token fee, a credit, and a reference to your own title. All of this is grist to the mill.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Monday, June 12, 2006

Why Not to be Dismayed if Your Book Topic is Already Indexed

What if your topic is already listed and not just once but twice or even three times?

What if some of these titles have already knocked up multiple editions?

Rejoice...

There is documented evidence of consumer demand for your topic. Self-help publishers are always on the lookout for acceptable alternatives to top selling products.

It's a case of market forces and the in-house competition factor coming into play; like several leading brands of detergent powder emanating from the same manufacturing source.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Sunday, June 11, 2006

What Attracts People to Works of Non-Fiction?

Autobiographies and biographies of celebrities are always in demand because they arouse the curiosity factor and particularly so when the material evokes an expectation of salacity.

The curiosity factor is equally evident in readers of how-to books, guides and manuals, but directed by a more responsible motive: the thirst for information on how to do something, do it better and excel at it. And so the chosen topic must be capable of fulfilling these wholesome expectations by ensuring that readers will become better informed on the subject matter for which you and they share a common interest.

Your personal expertise must be equal to the task you set yourself because otherwise, no matter how cleverly conceived or creatively scripted, your work will never be published. Commissioning editors can spot a fake a mile away. While they may not be expert on your subject, they will very quickly ascertain whether or not you are.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Write At Least 1000 Words Every Day For A Week

Now why would anyone want to do that: write 1000 words every day for a week?

Well you wouldn't if you are an established writer; you are already pumping out much more than that on an average day.

But you might want to give it a try if you are just starting out or if you have been writing for a while and are still struggling to break through.

Not just any old 1000 words though because that would be pointless; 1000 words tagged to the premise that presupposes you have identified a topic, you have researched the topic; you know your topic inside out - be it in the realms of fiction or non-fiction.

When you stick at it and knock out 1000 words every day for seven days you will discover in Week 2 that 2000 words a day is feasible, then 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000; whatever.

And as the weeks roll by not only will your output improve but so too will the quality of your writing.

But here is the real cruncher...

In tandem with your ever-increasing output will be a commensurate decrease in information overload, freeing your subconscious to work on new ideas, new concepts, new projects - and soon the fruits of its creativity will come flying at you in all directions.

So here in essence is what you get when you make up your mind to write 1000 words every day for a week:

1. Your output will automatically increase in the weeks to follow;

2. The quality of your writing will improve dramatically;

3. Information overload will decrease and make way for a fusion of new creativity.

This is the formula I used at the outset of my own writing career and currently I churn out around 10,000 words every day of which only 1000 might be directly related to a specific book project; the majority of my productivity being dispersed between articles, press releases, web copy and the like.

But it’s all grist to the mill; the mill, the catalyst, the engine room that creates the harvest; your overall creative output.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Friday, June 09, 2006

Confirming Validity and Expanding on Your Information

This is where you start your research...

Most of what you need you will find online at home or in the free-to-use 'active learning' centres provided by your local library where you can double up by accessing appropriate hard copy references manuals.

TESTING THE POTENTIAL FOR LONGEVITY IN YOUR CHOSEN TOPIC

Testing out the potential for life beyond a single edition is something you can do for yourself quite easily by carrying out this simple test which is only to found in my exclusive home study course...

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Establish the Depth of Your Knowledge Before You Attempt to Write a Book

Never take for granted that you already know enough about your special subject to fill a book. No one is that clever. Spend some time testing out the depth of your knowledge by making lists of what you know and what you don't know. Take particular note of those areas that require substantiation or where you are lacking corroborative detail.

CONFIRMING ITS VALIDITY
AND EXPANDING ON THE INFORMATION

This is where you start your research and it is so important that the whole of the next chapter is devoted to the subject. Most of what you need you will find online at home or in the free-to-use 'active learning' centres provided by your local library where you can double up by accessing appropriate hard copy references manuals.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

How to Earn Money in Retirement and Beat the Pension Crisis

The call to earn money in retirement is fast becoming a necessity and this is so because when you retire from the workplace you continue forevermore to face the prospect of escalating living expenses: food, shelter; clothing, power supply, insurances, communications, income tax, etc, with less left over than you had at your disposal before for enjoying the minor luxuries of life.

For the majority of seniors the prospect is doubly daunting as a direct result of vastly reduced incomings due to the world wide pension crisis and so the need to earn money in retirement becomes imperative.

What do you do when there is too much month left at the end of your pension - do you bite the bullet and settle for cutbacks in the quality of life?

Not inevitably so because with tried and tested guidance you can stretch your abilities to make some extra cash in retirement and for some this is not so much an option as a necessity.

How do you visualize life in retirement?

You have reached or are approaching your 60th/65th year and are eligible for retirement. Or maybe you’re only 50 and opted out early.

o Do you punch the air with a tightly clenched fist now that you have finally escaped from the workplace?

o Or do you ask yourself, ‘What do I do now?’

For many retirees, lounging around the house or lying in the sun in a deck chair is not a prerequisite for third age enjoyment and fulfilment.

While the world is undoubtedly aging and the number of elderly people is increasing, the current crop of senior citizens is in better health and lead longer, more active lives than their parents did.

o They want action, not eternal relaxation;
o Excitement, not enforced leisure;
o Accomplishment, not resignation.

Conventional retirement is just too dreary, and many remain emotionally unprepared to throw the working life concept entirely to the wind. Some could also make good use of opportunities to increase basic income.

So, in lieu of conventional retirement, a significant number of third age people are turning to entrepreneurship as an alternative.

With valuable commercial skills acquired through years of practical experience, many of these retirees give serious consideration to launching their own businesses. They believe they still have what it takes and are highly motivated to succeed on their own.

Is it hard to earn money in retirement?

o Is it so restrictive that only a small number can succeed?

o Is it so demanding that only able-bodied retirees can make a go of it?

o Is it so difficult that only the super-intelligent stand a chance?

No – anyone can do it. If, for example, you are disabled or handicapped to some degree and would find it impossible to engage in a physical money-making activity you can still participate in ‘online’ enterprise - for which alternative route you will find many options.

So who is Jim Green and why should you read what he has to say about how to earn money in retirement?

Jim Green is 75 years young and as active in business as he was 50 years ago. He is also a bestselling author with 24 titles to his credit including "Your Retirement Masterplan" and "Earn Money in Retirement"

http://earn-money-in-retirement.com

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Developing Your Own Slant on a Prescribed Topic

The ability to develop your own particular slant on a given topic also contributes to bestselling potential. Everyone has their own way of looking at things, describing how they work and what makes them tick.

When Napoleon Hill and Clement Stone got together to produce the famous self-help book Think and Grow Rich, they took the timeless and much worked concept of mind over matter and subjected it to the twist of two disparate viewpoints blending together to yield a rich harvest. Interestingly, although both names appear on the cover, there was only one author, Napoleon Hill, the architect of the slant that transformed their work into a bestselling book spanning eight decades in worldwide bookstores.

If you can find an unusual angle, a different approach or a hitherto unworked technique for your topic, you are on the way to developing the unique proclivity that will set your work apart from similar tomes.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Monday, June 05, 2006

Selling Your Writing Through Online Outlets

The internet has emerged as a significant (albeit virtual) channel of distribution for the sale of books.

All the major players are represented.

In tandem with dominant retailers such as Amazon, BOL, Barnes & Noble, every mainstream publisher has its own multi-function website.

All this is good news for writers because not only does the internet provide a powerful marketing tool for the publishing industry as a whole, it also presents authors with a unique opportunity to participate in the sale of their own produce.

In the previous post we discussed how you could use the internet to assist promotion of your book after publication - but there are options available to you to become involved even while you are still actively seeking to procure a contract with a traditional publishing house.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Setting up your own dedicated website to promote your writing output

Until the incidence and rapid growth of the Internet, authors found it virtually impossible to create let alone maintain contact with their readers. Now they are able to do this easily and automatically. In my own writing activities (and in common with an ever-increasing number of authors) I operate several multi-page information web sites where I provide my readers with a variety of channels for news and contact:

Home Page - with the focus on my latest work
Bibliography - listing all published titles
Services - information on my availability for lecturing, book reviewing, etc.
Guest Page - where readers can log in and record comments
Contact - providing my personal email address
Ezine - where they can subscribe to my free newsletter

But you can do more than communicate with your readers with a dedicated web site; you can assist the publisher with the marketing of your book - and you can do this in various ways. Your contribution to the overall plan in the highly competitive industry of book publishing will be small but nonetheless valuable.

WHY YOU SHOULD DO THIS FOLLOWING PUBLICATION

The sooner you set up a site, the sooner you will start a dialogue flowing with readers and potential readers; the sooner you will start contributing to the promotional thrust; and all the sooner you will start selling the odd copy or two yourself.

How do you do that? Easy - follow this simple 4-point plan.

1. Buy direct from the publisher's distributor at trade discounts of up 35%.
2. Gear up to accept payments by credit card from anywhere in the world. You can do this for free at http://www.clickbank.com
3. Place an order button on your home page.
4. Sell at the cover price and pocket the difference.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Saturday, June 03, 2006

How to Prepare a Book Proposal for Acceptance

Now you know what to include, how will you format your proposal?

You have choices...

You could include everything in a single communication.

You could sectionalize it (covering letter + separate lists for the elements).

You could present it in the form of a bound report.

However you do it, do it professionally. This is your one shot at making a lasting impression and you can't do it face-to-face (not even experienced practitioners get that opportunity). Put as much concentration into the preparation of your proposal as you afford every other aspect of the project. It's that important.

Some authors make use of all three techniques, but for what it's worth (and especially for first time out of the trap) I favor the bound report accompanied by a brief but succinct covering note.

WHEN TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

The guidelines tell you how but not when. What they do tell you though is that you don't have to wait until you've finished writing the book. Publishers know that you won't submit a proposal until you have done your homework: crafted the outline, composed the list of contents, and produced a few chapters.

This is the time to submit the proposal - and if you are really up for it - enclose 2 or 3 sample chapters.

They won't turn you down for showing initiative.

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER SUBMIT THE ENTIRE MANUSCRIPT

The core reason for the proposal is to enable the publisher to judge the validity of the project, so resist at all costs the temptation to submit the entire manuscript. It is unlikely to be read and much more likely to be binned unless you have included return postage.

WHY MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS ARE A NO-NO

Sending your proposal to a string of publishers simultaneously or sequentially is a pointless exercise and will do you no favors. Better by far to await a reaction to the first submission. Should it prove inconclusive, take note of the comments because additional guidelines may be provided enabling you to re-submit; should it prove unsuccessful, move on to the next candidate on your list.

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Friday, June 02, 2006

Attracting Additional Streams of Incremental Income

Apart from the direct income accrued from book sales and library loans, you will now be in a position to attract additional streams of indirect incremental income - and into the bargain, increase your visibility as a published author. Examples include:

Public speaking
Writing articles
Book reviewing

PUTTING YOURSELF AROUND AS A PLATFORM SPEAKER

New published works often pull in offers to engage in public speaking assignments linked to the topic. The majority of these will command a fee together with the opportunity to set up a stall and sell copies of your book to attendees. But even if no fee is involved you can still put yourself around and sell a few copies. Exhibitions and conferences are good sources for this type of opportunity.

CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES TO MAGAZINES AND PERIODICALS

Likewise you could be asked to contribute articles to general interest magazines and periodicals. If this should happen to you, grab the offer without delay. It's an excellent way of increasing awareness and adds to your reputation as an established author - and it pays well (up to $500 for 1000 words).

A few years back I was invited to contribute a five-page article to an in-flight magazine. The subject of the commission was 'setting up in business on your own' and it coincided with the release of the 2nd edition of my book Starting Your Own Business. Not only did the article attract direct sales; it also increased awareness of the title, which did no harm to world wide bookstore and online disposals.

ATTRACTING ASSIGNMENTS AS A BOOK REVIEWER

The majority of book reviewers nowadays are authors in their own right and in time you might well be asked to become one yourself (as I was). You will receive a token fee, a credit, and a reference to your own title. All of this is grist to the mill.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Thursday, June 01, 2006

How Many Words? How Many Chapters?

It's never that easy to estimate the eventual length of your first work but (as a rough guide) if you are planning on turning out 10/12 chapters your word count should be somewhere between 20,000 to 25,000; for 12/15 chapters allow for 25,000 to 35,000 words.

Do not set firm targets at the outset though because as your list of contents develops so too will the potential number of chapters in the final draft. Some material will merge with other data, some will expand, and some will disappear altogether.

HOW DRAFY COPY HELPS TO SHAPE THE FINAL PRODUCT

Even with a fully structured outline to work from, committing the first paragraph to your word processor can often prove problematic. When you’ve accomplished the opening salvo and it is to your liking, press on with the composition but stop now and again to review what you have written.

Doing it this way, your output operates much in the same way as a fountain; ideas spill out presenting you with new angles and twists in direction. This will continue to happen every time you return to work on your draft copy – and all to the betterment of the final product.

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Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Marketing Your Writing Output as e-Books

Creating your own ebooks is easier than you think...

It couldn’t simpler. Just select a compiler, read the instructions, hit the first button – and you’re on your way to becoming an instant electronic publisher.

Choosing the software

I recommend that you examine the individual features of several compiler options before you decide to buy (prices range from $20) or even download on a free trial basis. You can accomplish this by visiting the undernoted web sites. Read the FAQ on each site and compare the differentials between alternative compiler software options.

http://www.e-editor.com
http://www.ebookcompiler.com
http://www.Webcompiler.com
http://www.ebookcreator.com
http://www.bersoft.com
http://www.e-editorial.com
http://www.neosoftware.com

Organisation is the key

Many would-be cyberspace publishers topple at the first hurdle because of disorganized file formatting. Follow the instructions provided with the compiler of your choice and you won’t fall into that category; your formatting will be pristine and your e-produce ultra professional in execution.

Test before you start

Before starting on the manufacturing process, you may if you wish test out the compiler and the best way to do this is to feed in a few pages and then compile them. Testing the system will give you an appreciation of how easily and quickly the pages go through.

Working with cover templates

Your ebook will need a front cover for promotional purposes and (unless you are an experienced graphic artist) it could prove problematic if you attempt to create one by yourself. Happily, there is no requirement because here is a source that will provide you with a selection of free quality templates for your front cover. http://www.ebookcovermakers.com

Learn the secrets to churning out bestselling eBooks one after another, time and time again...

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Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Position Your Research Findings in Sequential Order

Sift through the data, moving all items of prime significance to the top of the list and those of secondary and tertiary significance to middle and bottom respectively. This is how to position your findings in sequential order and it will be of immense assistance when you come to sketch out an initial outline of the content for your book.

PUTTING YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS TO WORK

When you have completed your research, do not indulge in any rash decision-making. Put all your findings to the back of your mind. Allow osmosis and catharsis to take over the work for a while - and just watch the ideas for execution spill out from your subconscious.

SKETCHING THE INITIAL OUTLINE

Now you can have a stab at producing the first outline of the list of contents: chapter headings and sub-heads. At the outset you will find yourself jumping all over the place, moving items from one section to another and perhaps even toying with the idea of starting the book from a direction entirely different to that initially envisaged.

Do not be fazed or irritated by any of this; you are in exploratory mode and a long way away from setting anything in stone.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Sunday, May 28, 2006

What To Ensure Before You Sign a Book Contract

Should your proposal prove successful you will receive a contract (memorandum of agreement) detailing the terms and conditions, warranties and indemnities governing the agreement. It is your responsibility to protect your intellectual property, so check out everything with a fine toothcomb.

Note in particular those sections relating to potential avenues of income for your published work. These would normally appear under headings such as those listed below and would include royalty percentages:

Home hardback sales
Export and special discount hard back sales
Home trade paperback sales
Export and special discount trade paperback sales
Publisher's cheap editions
Editions licensed for manufacture to another publisher
Royalty-inclusive sales
Mail order sales
Premium sales
Book clubs

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Creating a Website to Promote Your Writing is a Breeze with Site Build It!

When you are up and running with your first writing project you ought to seriously consider launching a website to promote your produce and you couldn't do better than to invest in Site Build It! - the complete all-in-one solution that was used to construct the web pages of the site where you first learned about this tutorial. You’ll be downloading in just 60 seconds if you order from this link.

http://buildit.sitesell.com/interactive1.html

Here is what you will get for your investment of CAD $427 (which will be transcribed into your own currency on the Order form):

Domain name registration
Hosting
Graphic tools
Point &Click page building
Blogging facility
Data transfer
Email
Newsletter publishing facility
Brainstorming &researching
Spam check
Open rate
Traffic stats & click analysis
Search engine optimization
Automatic search engine submission
Automatic search engine tracking
Automatic search engine ranking
Pay-per-click research & mass-bidding
4 traffic headquarters
Action guide & fast track guide
Integrated online help
SBI express ezine
Tips & techniques
Customer support
Choice of page templates
FTP
Form builder/Autoresponder
Value Exchange
Facility for selling e-goods
2-tier affiliate program
Charge for services facility

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Saturday, May 27, 2006

How to Handle the Fear of Rejection Slips

Experienced authors frequently suffer rejection and they've got slips to prove it (I've got a pile a mile high :-)

The best way to handle this is to maintain a middle course on book proposals: don't get overexcited on acceptance and never become unduly depressed over rejection.

You reckon your text is brilliant, you've hit the target dead center, you've answered the WIIFM question and you are certain of its bestseller potential.

But the publisher doesn't agree...

Accept it. Publishing houses invariably know whether or not a book will sell in given market conditions - and if it goes pear shape, they and not you incur financial loss.

So what to do?

Hold on to your manuscript (you'll find out why in a minute) pick yourself up and start immediately on the next project.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Friday, May 26, 2006

Why It Pays To Listen Even When You Think They’re Nuts

My first published work became a bestseller as soon as it hit the bookshelves back in 1995 and it has been topping the lists ever since. Lucky you, some might say.

By and large the content has remained unchanged (apart from essential updating) and although ten years is a fair old run, what goes up must eventually come down.

So with that in mind I approached my publishing house with a suggestion for a commemorative 10th anniversary edition; new chapters, new cover, new cosmetics, new typesetting.

They loved the idea but balked at producing a new edition per se.

“Why?” I said, “It will start the ball rolling all over again.”

“No it won’t,” they said, “It will kill the golden goose.”

And so instead the publisher opted for a reprint dressed up as a new edition: new imprint, new chapters; new cosmetics, new typesetting – but no new cover; only a subtle color change to preserve continuity.

I thought they were nuts but they were right of course; stop supplying bookstores with a bestseller for five months and you risk consigning it to oblivion for evermore. And a block on supply there must be to allow the trade to dispose of existing stock.

That’s the price you pay with every new edition.

My author copies duly arrived and. I was well pleased with the new production and contacted the publishing house to express my satisfaction, intimating only mild concern over the lack of a new cover design.

“Oh, there will be a new cover,” they said. “We’ll incorporate that on the next reprint of the reprint – now that the link has been maintained”.

My idea was good but I hadn’t thought it through.

The publisher house did.

The 4th edition of “Starting Your Own Business” (How To Books ISBN 1845280709) hit the bookstores worldwide mid-April 2005 – and the reprint complete with brand new cover is due out in August 2006.

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Thursday, May 25, 2006

How to Craft a Series of Bestselling Titles from a Single Topic

During the past ten years I have authored seventeen traditionally published niche non-fiction books, all of which (save one) have achieved bestselling status in their respective genres.

Here’s the thing though; I have used only 2 topics to produce 16 bestsellers.

How do you do that; craft a series of titles from a single topic?

It’s a little-known technique that dates back to the dawn of literature and is used by all bestselling authors either consciously or unwittingly.

And when you know the secret, you can also use this technique in writing fiction.

It has a lot in common with what the late great Alfred Hitchcock called the ‘McGuffin’;
the singular device he employed in all of his screenplays.

Hitch reckoned that everyone is looking for something whether they are watching a movie or reading a book and when you discover what people are searching for in your particular niche you will be well on your way to writing a successful book in record time.

And when you’ve done it once, you can do it all over again - as many times as you like.

Although considerable mileage still remains in the 2 topics I used to produce 16 bestsellers, I decided eighteen months ago to research a third topic for its McGuffin potential and the result was “Your Retirement Masterplan” (How To Books ISBN 1857039874) published in October 2004.

This title currently ranks No.7 out of 3328 competitive titles on Amazon.co.uk and is due for a 2nd upgraded edition in February 2006; to be followed by “How to Earn Money in Retirement” (How To Books ISBN 1845281128) in April of the same year.

But the McGuffin on this third topic is only just starting to bite…

I also have signed contracts for these forthcoming titles:

”Maximising Mindpower to Enrich Your Retirement” – Publication date 2007

“Give Your Mind a Daily Workout in Retirement” - Publication date 2008

“101 Retirement Holiday Options” - Publication date 2008

“101 Projects to Spice Up Your Retirement” - Publication date 2009

“101 Online Venues for Stimulating Retirement Interests”- Publication date 2010

“Chronicling Your Lifetime Achievements in Retirement” - Publication date 2011

“Achieving Your Greatest Successes of Retirement” - Publication date 2011

Have you guessed the secret yet?

There is no end to its power in producing bestsellers and if you would like to incorporate it in your creative writing, you will find out how in the website featured below.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Build Your Own List of 2,000+ Subscribers in Under 30 Days!

I will be real quick with this posting…

You will have to act immediately if you want in on this opportunity…

For the first time ever you will discover how to build your own list of at least 2,000+ optin subscribers in less than 30 days - and make $3,000 every month with it from scratch.

Be prepared to be amazed!

Go For It Now - This Is A Steal – But It Won’t Last

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Increasing Your Earnings from Rights and Translations

On top of your royalties from home and export sales you could also receive (as, when, or if you qualify) additional remuneration from rights and translations as indicated below.

1. Editions licensed for manufacture to another publisher
2. Single issue or one-shot periodical rights
3. Translation rights
4. Sound broadcasting rights
5. Merchandising rights
6. Educational reprint rights

On (1) to (6) you could earn up to 50 per cent of the net amounts received by the publisher.

7. Royalty-inclusive sales
8. Mail order sales

On (7) and (8) 7.5 per cent of the net amounts received by the publisher.

9. Book clubs

7.5 per cent of the net where the publisher manufactures the book at a price inclusive of royalty.

Or...

Up to 50 per cent of the royalties received by the publisher where the transaction with the book club is on a royalty basis.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Negotiating an Advance

Your initial yearly/half yearly accounting statement will make reference to an advance payment but whether you receive one or not will depend on either of two factors.

Whether you have been offered an advance.
Whether you successfully negotiated one.

You may be automatically offered such a payment if your work is of such outstanding merit that the publisher is anxious to have the title on its list and doesn't want to risk the book slipping away to another house. In that event you would normally receive your advance in three phases.

1. 35 per cent on signing the contract
2. 35 percent on delivery of acceptable text
3. 30 per cent on publication

If on the other hand the memorandum of agreement makes no mention of an advance, you could endeavor to obtain one through negotiation. There's no harm in asking - they can only say 'no'.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Monday, May 22, 2006

Highlighting Your Residual Income Opportunity

Here is how your residual income opportunity starts as you set out to write for profit:

When your book is published the royalties from home and export sales will home in at around 10 percent unit.

Say it quickly and it doesn’t sound like much but these basic royalties soon mount up to provide you with a handsome return year after year.

When you start to hit reprints and multiple editions it gets even better and that's when your residual income opportunity starts to take off.

But why settle for nugatory rewards when you can have it all?

There are other avenues open to you if you know how to milk them.

- Editions licensed for manufacture to another publisher
- Single issue or one-shot periodical rights
- Translation rights
- Sound broadcasting rights
- Merchandising rights
- Educational reprint rights
- Royalty-inclusive sales
- Mail order sales
- Book clubs
- PLR (Public Lending Rights)

Take translations for example: My first bestseller “Starting Your Own Business” has been translated in French, German, Spanish, Romanian, Italian, Hindi and Urdu.

http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Researching Your First Writing Project

This is a core objective and it's where your work begins in earnest.

Without efficient research you are blowing in the wind and your proposal for publication is unlikely to touch the vital nerve that captures the attention of commissioning editors.

For many established authors researching is often the most fulfilling aspect of preparing a given topic for publication.

As you research you will find yourself uncovering diverse strands of critical new information that will tempt you veer off in other rewarding directions or even on occasion, change direction completely.

CHARTING THE ROUTE BEFORE YOU RESEARCH

Let’s imagine you are intent on producing a resource manual notionally entitled How to Become an Expert on Light Bulbs (you wouldn’t, but let’s just hypothecate for illustration purposes). Make out a list of the pivotal aspects of the subject. It might pan out like this.

o Light bulb sizes
o Shapes
o Power requirements
o Manufacturers
o Types of fitting
o Novelty bulbs
o Industrial bulbs
o Lighting for sports stadia
o Christmas lighting
o Stage lighting
o Street lighting
o High intensity
o Low intensity
…and so on

Now compare this listing with your list of what you know, what you don't know, and annotate each item on the list accordingly; tick for 'yes', cross for 'no'.

1. Connect to the Internet and open your browser - choose a search engine and type in ‘light bulbs’.

2. Start collecting links for everything you come across.

3. Divide the links into categories and sub-categories.

Finding out what you need to know online shouldn’t prove too difficult but you will cut down considerably on research time if you follow the directions outlined in the next section.

HOW TO CONDUCT INTENSIVE RESEARCH ONLINE

For best results the bulk of your research ought to be conducted online, but unless you know the shortcuts to effective cyberspace fact-finding, you could spend hours on end in fruitless searches.

It's very easy to stray when you are using the search engines because loads of similar looking topics and dissertations abound on the Internet.

But with your goals properly defined before you go out searching, you will be able to focus on exactly what it is you are setting out to uncover.

Comprehensive briefings are available in three authoritative reports you can read online or download for free.

How to Conduct Research on the Internet
http://www.tbchad.com/resrch.html
How to Conduct a Search Online
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/ivc/library/how1.htm
Internet Research - Finding Hard Data
http://www.bugsoft.com/research/index.html

Having absorbed the valuable information contained in these reports, I recommend you restrict your searching to http://www.google.com. Use the ‘advanced search’ facility and you’ll reduce your workload by several hours.

For some of the items on the list where you thought you knew it all, you'll learn more; for those you marked with a cross, you will locate answers to further enhance your grasp on the topic.

NICHE RESEARCHING

An excellent method for conducting online niche research is to use the keyword suggestion tool provided by http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/

At that page, enter a keyword relating to the potential niche feature you have in mind, and the tool will present you with the number of times that keyword was searched on via the network. It will also show the number of times related keywords were searched on.

This will give you an indication of what your possible niche bears for interest.

If you find a decent amount of interest, say a few thousand or more combined monthly searches on keywords directly related to what you want to write about then you may be in a solid niche. Keep a file of the results of your keyword research.

Next, go to your favorite search engine and search on some of those same keywords. Keep a file of these results too. The information you uncover will be invaluable.

As you can readily appreciate, developing your concept requires some legwork and even after you have completed the research, you still have to write your book. But as with all good things, you get out of it only what you put in.

These online models for effective research can yield excellent results when done properly

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