Riches for information entrepreneurs

 

by Marilyn and Tom Ross

 

A recent survey revealed that the most popular class at The Learning Annex, a New York based chain of adult education centers, is one entitled "How to Start Your Own Business." And Entrepreneur magazine reported on a growing trend termed "cashing out"—trading a demanding career for a better quality of life.

How can you can tap into this mushrooming interest of creating a positive lifestyle while operating a prosperous business? What are the options for those who would like to be their own boss yet don't want the expense of setting up a manufacturing company or the demands found in retailing?

The answer could be writing and publishing information. Knowledge is power. So why not capitalize on your own individual know-how? Become an "infopreneur."

Thousands have already discovered the value of utilizing their expertise to achieve their goals. The key is identifying your special knowledge, then packaging it into book form. Capturing ideas on the printed page often catapults new authors into overnight "expert" status.

So what do you write about? Readers are hungry for creative techniques to help them live fuller, more empowered lives. Do you have a unique approach to wellness, diet, or exercise? Have you found a winning technique for enriching relationships? Do you possess "insider's" business information?

A book is an excellent vehicle for promoting an existing business or service. Those in the healing professions, speakers, entrepreneurs, and countless others have discovered a book in print generates new business and opens doors to exciting new markets. Others have used this method as a tool to actually launch growing publishing companies.

Increasingly, a viable alternative for the enterprising individual is self-publishing. This "do-it-yourself," hands-on method places the author in complete creative control over the entire process. Critical decisions concerning content, title, design, marketing, and distribution are made by the writer/owner, not by some executive sitting in a remote New York office. Yes, you do invest in your project. Done properly, however, this can be a prudent investment in your future.

In the past ten years, overall quality in the industry has skyrocketed. Well-edited manuscripts, catchy covers, attractive interiors, and high-tech marketing techniques are the norm. Privately published titles typically command respect—and profits—for their hard-working authors.

Part of this upswing can be directly attributed to the support available to aspiring writers. When we founded About Books, Inc., back in 1978, we were the pioneers in the book production and packaging field. Today we accept a few select clients whom we help on an hourly basis or mentor with ongoing coaching sessions.

Keep in mind that self-publishing is no panacea. It's simply a tool. The bottom line is directly proportional to the efforts expended. As with any business, it requires self-discipline, investment, time, and creativity. Goals must be clear cut and understood well in advance. Yes, there are risks involved—but done properly, the financial and emotional rewards can be substantial. Putting your expertise between book covers may be the smartest thing you've ever done.

 

© Copyright 2005 Marilyn Ross

 

Marilyn and Tom Ross are the coauthors of 13 books including the best-selling Complete Guide to Self-Publishing and the award-winning Jump Start Your Book Sales. Through phone consultations and ongoing coaching/mentoring, Marilyn empowers authors and self-publishers to realize their dreams. She can be reached at 720-344-4388 or Sue@SelfPublishingResources.com. Visit http://www.SelfPublishingResources.com for free meaty information on writing, self-publishing, and book marketing strategies.

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