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Now it's time to look at the delivery of
that material. Consider the following things about size that can make
a huge difference in the success of your booklet:
- Run of copy - Present your content
in short, pointed, 'bullet' format. Write your copy as tips instead
of as long narrative. Less is more. Your readers will be drawn
to the material faster when it is presented as 'sound bites' rather
than paragrahs. Group the tips in sub-categories of 10-12 tips
so the reader sees small, approachable groups of information as
they open any page of the booklet.
- Type size - Use a type size that
accommodates the ever-increasing numbers of Baby Boomers who now
reach for their reading glasses. A small type size can be an instant
discouragement to someone who would find your material to be just
what they need.
- Dimensions - Create your booklet
to be approximately 3.5" x 8.5", fitting into a #10
size business envelope. That size is vastly more flexible for
selling both single copies and large quantities. It is far superior
to 5.5" x 8.5" (catalog size), in use, production, and
shipping costs.
- Number of pages - Keep your booklet
in the range of 16-20 interior pages, with a maximum of 24 pages
if you really must. This is not The Great American Novel. It is
an informational booklet. Consider doing a second booklet to include
whatever material that couldn't fit into the pages of the first
booklet.
- Print quantity - Do a first print
run of 500-1000 copies. A print run of that size provides you
an adequate quantity for on-hand inventory to fill orders. It
also gives you a good number to send out as samples to publications
to excerpt from your booklet, and samples to prospective large
quantity buyers. Keep your first print run to this size so you
can make any corrections that slip past even the best proof readers.
By considering size in these ways, you will go a long way to positively
impacting the size of some other things: the contribution you make
to other people's lives AND the size of your checkbook balance!
© Paulette Ensign 2008
Paulette Ensign has learned her business by doing it. She has never
taken a formal business course in her life. Her company offers a
range of products and services to support your success regardless
of your budget of time or money.
Paulette Ensign
Founder, CEO and Chief Visionary
Tips Products International
paulette@tipsbooklets.com
13146 Kellam Court #133
San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: +1 (858) 481-0890 |
