Sidney J. Smith, happily married for many years, was deeply troubled by the high rate of divorce. So, he developed a number of key questions a couple contemplating marriage should ask each other. Then he realized he could reach more people if he put the questions into a book.He visited a large bookstore and could find only one book like the one he contemplated, and it was rather dry and clinical. A Web search found several sites on preparing for marriage so he concluded that there are a lot of people interested in the subject. Encouraged, he charged ahead on Before Saying Yes to Marriage: 101 Questions to Ask Yourself.

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Book Publishing Tips of the Day

Daily words of wisdom from Dan Poynter and other publishing industry experts. (Search on "tip" in archives for complete list.) - Today's Tip from Poynter: "Gather Information."
PUBLISHING TIP OF THE DAY

"Gather Information."

How much material is available?

Before you set off on your writing and publishing journey, you must conduct some research. You want to know how much information is available on the subject, if this book has been done before and whether there is a market for it. Once you see what is out there, your approach, angle, hook, direction or niche may change. Research will provide material and help you quantify your project.

Research has a stimulating effect. Your book will take shape in your mind as you figure where each new fact will fit in.

"Never skimp on your research. So-called writer's block is invariably the result of too little research. If you know enough, you won't have trouble filling as many pages as you want to." -Louise Purwin Zobel, author, The Travel Writer's Handbook.

(c) 2000 by Dan Poynter. For more tips and information on book writing, publishing and promoting, see the Para Publishing Web site.

MARKETING TIP OF THE DAY

THEME: COPYWRITING Before a media contact will say "yes" the best publicists are asked "could you send me more information on that?" Don't forget. Media people are journalists. They are writers. The materials you send them had better be well-written. Here are a few . . .

Rules for Powerful Copywriting

The lead of a media release (first line in the first paragraph of text) should be twisted, catchy and clever. It should evoke emotion - a giggle, alarm, or an "oh, I get it!"

(c) 2000 by Tami DePalma. For more tips and information about "Marketing with a Twist," visit the MarketAbility Web site. Don't your books deserve MAXIMUM EXPOSURE?