Milt Strong writes and publishes books on square dancing. All his books measure about 4* x 8 inches. He explains that dancers want a tall, skinny book so they can read the steps and then slip the book into a back pocket

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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: "Fashion Your Book Like the Others in Its Field."
PUBLISHING TIP OF THE DAY

"Fashion Your Book Like the Others in Its Field."

In book design, different doesn't sell.

As you survey the shelves in the bookstore, you will note that each genre or category has its own unique look. For example, business books usually have a hard cover and a dust jacket. Books for professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants are hardcover without a dust jacket. Children's books are larger, four color and have 32 pages. Cookbooks are wider than they are tall so they will open and lie flat. Travel books are lightweight and easy to carry.

Your book must look like the rest on its shelf. Do not break out of the mold on your first attempt. If your book is different, it will lose credibility. Potential buyers will think you are an amateur and not ready to be a serious author-publisher.

Give your buyer what he or she expects, wants and deserves.

"If you want your book to sell like a book, it has to look like a book." (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

Quotes are the only place in your media release to insert "fluff" - superlatives, adjectives and other extra words that describe how wonderful your book and author is. Make sure your quotes sound like something your author would really say. Use words to which your target audience will relate.

(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?