Archive for September, 2008

Ebooks Vs. Self-Publishing: Which Will Make You Money Faster?

Monday, September 29th, 2008
self publishing
Glen Peebles asked:


Ebooks are a relatively new invention. Standing for “electronic book,” ebooks offer as much information as their printed counterparts. Of course, that’s assuming you’re in the mood for something informative. If you want to entertain yourself with fiction, there are plenty of ebooks out there to satisfy your mood.

Anyway, the beauty of the ebook is not in its simplicity, but rather its ease of distribution. Virtually anyone can sell an ebook, regardless of their previous writing experience. In fact, some of the best-selling ebooks have been written by people who have average writing skills. What makes their material attractive is what they are offering in addition to their conversational tone.

Yet, some would argue that self-publishing can offer the same benefits to independent authors. In some cases distribution might even be easier, because there are places like Lulu or Createspace that will sell your work for free. You just have to be willing to collect royalties.

And this is where the problem lies. With an ebook, you get to keep the majority of your profits, even if you sell it on networks like Clickbank. So, it won’t hurt you if you decide to sell it at a lower price. In the end, you would end up getting more money because your ebook’s price would be more attractive to your audience.

However, with many self-publishing companies, lowering your price could mean earning next to nothing even if your book sells many copies. Consider Createspace, where over 40% of your earnings are taken. True, your book will be exposed on Amazon, but depending on its length, a $5 book may only earn you a couple of dollars… if that. And if you sell it at $3 or less, you’ll be looking at cents for your earnings, not dollars.

In addition, as popular as Amazon is, customers do have to wait for their book to ship. This is never the case with an ebook. After a customer pays their fee, they are given immediate access. Indeed, ebooks offer instant gratification, which is what customers are craving for.

On the downside, though, there is a lot of legwork associated with writing and publishing an ebook. With ebooks, you must design the book itself as well as the website. On top of that, you will need to pay hosting fees. If you get your book put on Amazon, you don’t have to worry about paying any fees upfront. True, your money will be taken out of your royalties, but at least such a setup gets your work out there.

So, when it comes down to it, what will earn you money faster, ebooks or self-publishing? Ultimately, it will depend on your own skills. If you already know the ins and outs of website design, ebook design and Internet marketing, you’ll probably make money faster with ebooks. But if you lack this knowledge, self-publishing through networks like Createspace will give you a lot of exposure with no monetary investment. Basically, you’ll be given a chance to do what matters most… writing the material.



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Life With Parkinson’s Disease Chronicled in Self Published Book

Saturday, September 27th, 2008
self publishing
Michael McCain asked:


is release, Calvin’s Journey with Parkinson’s, chronicles Calvin Broadhead’s life and his efforts to survive Parkinson’s disease. Author Bonnie McCollough Broadhead brings full attention to her husband’s story and the degenerative disease that has beset Calvin and people in their twilight years.

Parkinson’s disease impairs a person’s motor skills, speech and other motor functions due to the degeneration of the central nervous system. The manifestation of this disease can range from movement disorders to high-level cognitive dysfunction to subtle language problems. It is these symptoms and other experiences that Bonnie details in this self-published book.

Calvin’s Journey with Parkinson’s also highlight’s the title character’s strength and courage throughout his experience of failing health. It is the Bonnie’s intention to bring wisdom pertaining to Parkinson’s disease, so others who suffer the illness can learn from similar circumstances that Calvin went through.

Calvin’s Journey with Parkinson’s is a helpful resource for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and people who have loved ones who suffer from the illness.

About the Author

Bonnie McCollough Broadhead was born December 25, 1928, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She was the first born of five children into the family of Amanda Josephine Hensarling McCollough and Myles McCollough. She finished high school and earned two years of college. She married Calvin C. Broadhead in January 1947 and they has two daughters — Carmen Colleen Broadhead Malone and Deborah Amanda Broadhead Houston.

Calvin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1987 shortly after his retirement. He died July 9, 2002. Both their daughters and all three of Bonnie’s brothers are very attentive to her. They take special care of her needs. Bonnie now reside in Madison, Mississippi, with her oldest daughter.

About Xlibris

Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit http://www.xlibris.com/requestkit/index.asp?src=apr&key=mm, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.

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10 Book Writing Secrets that Aid the Self Published Author

Saturday, September 27th, 2008
self publishing
Earma Brown asked:


Are you dreaming of writing a book? Yes. Then just do it. Not many things hold the potential for life changing experience like writing a book does.

You can receive life long income from writing a book. You can affect the lives of hundreds even thousands for the good. You gain the added respect of your colleagues after writing your book. You can leverage the increase of fees exponentially in your business.

Even so, many self published authors don’t receive the rewards they deserve. They miss out on the advantages given to those with the knowledge. Discover the following secrets and enjoy the rich rewards of a top selling self published book author:

Secret 1 Set realistic expectations.

To be honest, your book by itself probably won’t make you rich. Don’t be disappointed with the direct sales of your self-published book.

Instead, plan to use your book as an important leveraging tool to advance existing sales, increase your business or catapult your career. Plan to receive open door opportunities that you may not have received any other way.

Secret 2 Organize book project.

Researchers say we waste over 6 full days a year looking for mislaid information. Make it easy for yourself. Create a filing system for your book project. You’ll write faster and with less stress. Did you discover you can’t pull it all together by yourself? Delegate; hire an assistant to help. Do the part you are most skilled in and assign or barter the rest.

Secret 3 Turn off self-editor.

Turn off the self-editor while writing. The editor in you will want to stop and correct every error. Don’t allow him a voice until you finish the writing process. It’s more important to finish your rough draft than to write a perfect manuscript. Don’t let a too early editing process block your rewards.

Secret 4 Avoid marathon writing.

Prolific authors at some point realize they don’t have to sell their soul to write a saleable book. They write a little each day to get it done faster. They avoid marathon writing (going away). You unintentionally set yourself up for failure if you opt for the marathon writing. What happens to your book goals, if you come back and your book’s still not written?

Secret 5 Focus on one main topic.

Top selling authors focus on one main topic. They make sure each chapter supports that subject. If you scatter your focus, you’ll come across as unorganized, long winded, and boring. Your readers may find your book hard to understand.

Instead of an encyclopedia type book, chunk your information into modules, segments, chapters or parts. In each segment, offer plenty of detail to make it useful to your reader.

Secret 6 Write ‘Grab You by the Collar’ Titles.

It’s a known fact; titles sell books. In fact, titles sell a lot more than books. Titles sell newspapers. Titles sell magazines. Titles enhance the selling power of ads, brochures, web sites, booklets, and just about any kind of marketing element you can think of. Don’t forget chapter titles, sub heading titles, bulleted points (mini-titles) benefit from sizzling titles.

Secret 7 Think series.

Top selling authors focus on a series of books rather than one book. Publishers look for concepts that can be expanded into a series of books rather than individual titles. Even your readers (if they like it) will look for the sequel.

Secret 8 Think community.

Successful authors look for ways to engage and involve a nurturing relationship with readers and peers. You should seek to include the support of your family, friends, readers, other authors, book coaches and others who feed your enthusiasm. Most are eager to provide ideas, assistance and feedback.

Secret 9 Engage in promotion.

Most beginning authors hope someone else will come along and promote their book for them. In the real world, successful authors take ownership in promoting their book. They know if they want their book to succeed, they have to promote it.

Secret 10 Develop future income streams.

Even after you finish your book, new ideas will probably continue to surface. Ideas that you wish you had thought to include in your book. Instead of going back to re-work your manuscript consider using them in your promotional material.

Become a trusted resource and supplier of fresh information in your field. Create an ongoing relationship with your readers. Continue to develop your topic by creating articles, speeches, workshops, courses, or invite readers to submit questions and suggestions to your website.

If you continue in the mistakes above your book may never reach the level of success it deserves. Instead, implement good book writing tips and avoid the mistakes new authors make. Go ahead; take the wheel of writing well and drive your self published book to a wild success.



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Make Money Online Self Publishing

Thursday, September 25th, 2008
self publishing
JaWar asked:


Originally the Music Industry Connection Book Series was published in print form. In order to increase my cash flow and revenue stream I began looking at how I might make money online self publishing. Here’s what I found:

* The process to make money online self publishing is not hard.

* Making money online is not a get rich quick scheme.

* To make money online self publishing typically requires you take immediate daily action. You’ll want to get your own website.

* Typically to make money online self publishing you’ll need the following:

A burning desire, almost to the pint of obsession to succeed.

o A product like an ebook, info-product or special report to sell.

o Website, minisite, webpage or blogto sell and promote your product from.

o A way to accept credit cards online

o An ebook marketing plan.

o A quick secure way to deliver your ebook, info-product or special report to clients.

o You’ll want to get your own domain name, url or website address.

A burning desire is needed because you’ll undoubtedly have days, weeks even months were you are seeing little to know revenue being made. I’m not sure if your born with the capacity for burning desire to the point of obsession or not, but it seems like a prerequisite to achieve certain levels of success. You must tap into your own capacity for burning desire and apply it.

Creating a product like an ebook, info-product or special report is relatively straightforward and will afford you the opportunity to make money online self publishing. Here is what you do.

* Write about what you know.

* Include references and links to professionals and experts in that field, it adds credibility to your ebook, info-product or special report.

Your information can be as short or long as you want. To ensure value for your readers, your writing should do one or more of the following:

* Solve a problem

* Answer a question

* Tell a compelling story

* Give credible references and resources

In our micro-wave society we tend to want what we want, how we want it, when we want it. Give readers this, market your e-product daily almost to the point of obsession and you will position yourself to make money online self publishing.

This is meant to either get you started or get your creative juices flowing so you can create and implement a practical plan for your ebook, info-product, special report or self published paper back book. Remember your plan need not be elaborate for you to achieve success. It does call for you to take immediate daily action.



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A Quick Guide to Isbns for Self-publishers

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
self publishing
Panditsudhir asked:


ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a code assigned to every published book that uniquely identifies it in the marketplace. ISBNs make it easier and more efficient for libraries, booksellers and others in the publishing industry to order, distribute and catalog books.

When To Use an ISBN

You need to assign an ISBN to any content you intend to distribute through outside channels such as bookstores, catalogues or libraries. ISBNs should be placed on

– print books

– Electronic books

– Videos

– Audio cassettes and CDs

– CD-ROMs, and

– Other items as detailed by the International ISBN Agency.

You need to issue a separate ISBN for each edition of your book and for every format. For example, if you issued the same book as a print book, e-book, audio book and Braille book, you would require a separate identifier for each. If one year later, you updated the manuscript and re-issued the book, you would assign new ISBNs to this second edition in each of its different formats.

Deciphering the Numbering System

All ISBNs are currently 10 digits. (The industry will slowly be transitioning to a 13-digit system starting in 2005.

The digits identify

– The group (country, area or language area of the publisher)

– The publisher, and

– The title of the item.

The last digit is a check digit.

The group number is comprised of one to three digits. Zero is the number for the English language group that includes the United States, English-speaking Canada, the U.K., Australia and other countries.

The publisher number is comprised of two to seven digits. The more ISBNs a publisher uses, the small their publisher number.

Publishers that use more than 100,000 ISBNs are given a publisher number of only two digits. If you apply for 10 or fewer ISBNs, you will be assigned a publisher number with seven digits. Everyone else falls somewhere in the middle.

Thus anyone in the book trade can look at an ISBN and know roughly how big you are as a publisher by the number of ISBNs you have applied to use. This is why self-publishing gurus like Dan Poynter recommend acquiring your ISBNs in blocks of 100 to avoid being labeled “small potatoes.”

Poynter further recommends that you use an ISBN from the middle of your list of 100 for your first book, since a 0 or 1 as your title number will reveal you as a first-timer.

The check digits range from one to 10. Since there is space for only one check digit, the number 10 is represented by an X.

 



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Shocking Truths About Breast Cancer Revealed in Self-published Book ‘the Bumble Bee Miracle’

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
self publishing
Michael McCain asked:


conscious person who hardly got sick and regularly observed breast health care measures, Nina Hughes Anderson never suspected she would be diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), which is a very rare yet aggressive type of the disease.

In the self-published book “The Bumble Bee Miracle: a Story of Survival from Inflammatory Breast Cancer”, Anderson reveals through her experience why many women affected with inflammatory breast cancer do not survive this disease. She also narrates how this dreadful illness can be prevented.

Anyone can be a victim of breast cancer. Surprisingly, some types of breast cancer do not appear on a mammogram and it is possible that one can get breast cancer even without spotting a lump.

Anderson believes that no woman should go through the same horrible experience she had with inflammatory breast cancer. Through her miraculous survival and her self-published release, she hopes to educate and encourage women about the symptoms of IBC as well as ways to cope with the disease and keep IBC at bay.

In The Bumble Bee Miracle, Anderson also aims to give women with IBC the hope that they too, just like her, can survive.

About the Author

Nina Hughes Anderson is a breast cancer survivor for the last five years now. She is married and has two daughters, one of whom she lost in a tragic car accident. She retired in 2006 after spending most of her career in the accounting and finance industry. She has also been a servant-leader in her church as well. Her book, The Bumble Bee Miracle is a testament to her amazing story of survival, her faith and God’s infinite love.

About Xlibris

Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit www.xlibris.com/requestkit/index.asp?src=apr&key=gc, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.



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7 Proven Book Title Templates that Grab Attention for Your Self Published Book

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
self publishing
Earma Brown asked:


Is your book title the best it can be? I mean, does it do its job effectively? Is it clear and compelling? Or does its focus slink around like the letter “S”. Instead, write a sizzling book title designed to hook your potential readers and draw them in for the read.

One of the most important skills to develop as a marketer of your book is the skill of creating attention-grabbing titles. When you master this skill you may use it in every aspect of your writing to attract more readers, more sales, improve your cash flow and increase your profits.

You will need title writing skill for your book titles, chapter titles, sub-heading. Even the bullet points of your list will have pulling power if they are developed correctly. Don’t forget your website. Your website will need passionate headings to capture the attention of your web visitors.

In fact, all marketing material from your 5 page sales letter, tri-fold brochure or email campaign to the 2 line classified ad needs the attention grabbing power of a great headline.

Titles set the stage for your potential audience. They either work to grab your potential reader by the collar and pull them in for the read or they don’t. Top titles create excitement, anticipation and enthusiasm for more. You want your titles to express the heart and passion of your message. Here are 7 top title templates to help create your grab-you-by-the-collar titles:

1. Command your book readers through your book title.

“Get Clients Now!”

Most will say they don’t like being told what to do. But our human psyche seems to respond in spite of what we like. The command has an immediate effect. Why? It connects with the “Yes, I want that” spot within us all. Also, commands reassure us that helpful advice will follow to help us get what we want from the advice. It tells the readers it’s possible to achieve the benefit the author is claiming.

2. Include a How to in your book title.

“How to Make Your Article Marketing Go the Extra Mile”

People love magic pills, miracle solutions or just plain EASY. They love to learn with simple steps, easy ways and most of all fast. Combine it with a powerful benefit and you will reel your reader in every time. You decide. Does the title above, “How to Make Your Article Marketing Go the Extra Mile” or “16 Ways to Format Your Articles to Go Further” create a pull of interest?

3. Write a book title using a provocative statement.

“7 Book Writing Mistakes that Stamp Loser On Your Self Published Book & How to Avoid Them”

Are you saying I could be making mistakes that stamp loser on my self published book? You would want to know especially, if you’ve been working hard to self publish in excellence. Provocative statements pull at our attention like an electric shock. They make us curious. They sometimes make us mad. They make us feel a lot of different things but most of all they make us read.

4. Ask a question in your book title.

“Are You Getting Enough Sex In Your Marriage?

Most times people unconsciously answer the question you pose in their minds. The key is to provide the answers in your copy including statistics. For example, “Are You Afraid to Go Online ?” Like it or not, many are still cautious about going online and especially buying on the web. A Boston Consulting Group Consumer Survey found that 70% of respondents worry about making purchases online.”

5. Make a big promise in your book title.

“Write a Book and Grow Rich”

People will turn away from hype and never come back. But if you have a big gun promise, don’t be afraid to pull it out and use it. Consider carefully and use sparingly; then make your big promise and deliver. People will remember your promises and come back for more or purchase. Don’t forget to include the specific delivery or ‘how to’ in the content inside your big promise titled book.

6. Perplex your readers with a confusing book title.

“Who Moved My Cheese?”

Develop curiosity into your title. A seemingly opposite simile works like a charm. Use this one cautiously. Even so, sometimes the title that doesn’t make a lot of sense will pull your audience in for the read. Make sure the sub title does the explaining. Would the title above arouse your curiosity? The confusing title can capture the attention of your audience just to see what it’s about.

7. Offer your top benefit in the book’s title.

“Think and Grow Rich”

A winning non-fiction title immediately communicates the benefit readers will gain after reading your book. Benefit-oriented books often use the problem-solution approach. Master (A) this skill or technique and get (B) this benefit. Readers buy non-fiction books for a “benefit” for something that will help them, grow them, profit more, less expense, less trouble, gain more time, less stress, better relationships, better health, less drama, less trauma, more energy and vitality and less fatigue.

Develop the above valuable skill and you add magnetic pulling power and punch to all your marketing documents including your front book cover and chapter titles that will get your message read. Book titles set the stage for your potential audience. They either grab your potential reader by the collar or they don’t. Write a book title that gets your reader’s attention and make them want to read your important message. Title well and prosper!



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5 Key Advantages To Starting A Self Publishing Business

Friday, September 19th, 2008
self publishing
Sanyika Calloway-boyce asked:


I’m sure you can come up with all sorts of reasons for not starting your own business, the first, of many, being lack of money and uncertainty of its success. But no matter what the reasons are against starting a business, there are just as many reasons for starting one.

Actually, for the right person, the advantages of business ownership far outweigh the disadvantages. And deciding to write a book means, inevitably that you’ve decided to be in business.

If the very thought of it leaves you feeling a bit uneasy, the good news is that there are many differences (and advantages) in committing to the self publishing process as a business and starting a traditional small business.

Here are just a few of the reasons why starting your own self publishing company makes sense (even if you only have plans to write one book).

1. You’ll be your own boss. Having the flexibility and power to make the best and most profitable business choices for yourself is a great benefit of owning and operating your own business.

Couple those benefits with the ability to make your own production schedule, set your own publication date and the ease of print-on-demand publishing and you’ve got the perfect formula for self publishing success.

2. You can become a published author in 90 days or less. Believe it or not, it would take approximately 570 days to get your message out through a traditional publisher.

Self publishing allows you the opportunity to bring your message to the masses much faster than any other form of publishing and the faster you can bring it to market means the quicker you’ll make a profit.

3. Your earning and growth potential are far greater. At 6% to 10% royalties, very few published authors make any real money. But as a self published author you will keep 100% of the profits.

4. Writing a book is exciting. You can make a long time dream a reality and that will just inspire you to write and publish more.

Besides when you begin to get recognized as the expert, readers and the media look to you to offer insight and opinions to support them in achieving their life’s goals and that is very encouraging and exciting.

5. Publishing a book provides endless opportunities and exposure. Gaining media exposure and credibility because you “wrote the book” on a particular subject will allow you to showcase yourself, your business and your book to a larger audience than wouldn’t have been possible without it.

If you are a speaker, coach, consultant or entrepreneur looking to get more clients and add more cash flow to your bottom line, you need to seriously consider becoming an author.

And if you’re an author, you can expand your reach by becoming a speaker, coach or consultant.

Whether you’re running a traditional small business or you’re a self published author; being a business owner is a lot of work, there are often long hours and times of uncertainty.

But the rewards are great and having the flexibility and courage to call your own shot is exhilarating and potentially profitable too.



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Self Published Author Gives a Spiritual Guide on India’s Cultural Activity

Sunday, September 14th, 2008
self publishing
Michael McCain asked:


When tourists travel on foreign lands, they arm themselves with maps of the city and hope to help the economy with their retail therapy. It is quite different with David Carducci’s case because bringing home souvenirs was not the first thing that came to his mind when he travelled to India.

David Carducci self-published his book and fashioned it after the journal entries he made of his experiences for twenty-one days with the beautiful continent. His fascination with the ancient teachings of the Indian spiritual masters and his friendship with a wise Indian sage Surendra Vishwas enlightened his whole grasp of the Indian culture. Revelations of his social commentaries are patented in 21 Days in India and episodes of his adventures explain supernatural, paranormal and the unknown events that can only transpire in the continent.

“Of course, I did not know it at the time, because God and the Truth (one and the same as Gandhi would say), works in mysterious ways,” claimed self-published author of his new findings. Despite the cultural war now between India and Pakistan, David Carducci documented in his Xlibris published book that India is capable of sharing spiritual enlightenment and cosmic energy that can perhaps alleviate all the bad activity the countries are constantly balling at each other.

Surendra Vishwas said, “You should simply spend 24 minutes of each 24 hour day in quiet meditation. You cannot achieve it by anything I say to you or anything that you read. Speeches and books are just words. It takes practice to achieve the goal.” David Carducci spent 21 Days in India to accomplish such goal.

For more information, please visit http://www.xlibris.com/requestkit/index.asp?src=apr&key=kr , e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.



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It’s Easy to Earn by Self Publishing!

Thursday, September 11th, 2008
self publishing
Sarah Lyle asked:


on products allow potential clients to “get to know you” with little risk to them. Because your products are so good they want to “graduate” and go to your workshop or work with you one-on-one. Therefore information publishing is the easiest and cheapest business to develop because you can start online. You can start by creating info products, mainly ebooks, to sell. Information product buyers are purchasing your research. They want reliable information presented in a well organized manner.

Find a niche product or service you are passionate about. This will greatly improve your chances of being successful. Once you have decided on a particular topic you may want to write about, the second thing you have to do is start researching. Is this particular topic in high demand and just how many other such similar e-books are out there on the market? Researching a niche doesn’t have to take days or weeks of hard toil and studying. The tools that are available online can help you to gather some essential information pretty quickly. Develop a list of related keywords people are searching on. Type in some of your keywords. What questions are being asked and how much are people willing to pay for answers? Type in some search terms related to your niche and product. Google Trends gives you a qualitative idea of how many people are interested in your niche.

Listen to what people say are their biggest problems and deliver solutions on what they want most. There might be a huge difference between what you think people need and what they actually want.

Choose the wrong niche and you will be wasting time. Find the right niche and you can make $1,000.00 to $15,000 per month and even more. By choosing a subject or idea to work on that you know and love,(or that you are willing to find out more about), writing lots of information-packed, content pages then becomes an easy pleasure instead of a chore.

Marketing to the wrong market however is a time waster and one of the most common reasons why many people give up publishing their own information products. Believe me Internet Marketing works exceptionally well if you take the time to learn and apply what is proven to get results. In your sales pitch target the right potential customer, start by listing all the benefits provided by your product or service. Then list some of the characteristics of prospects whose current situation can be dramatically improved by those benefits.

Also the most common mistake rookies make is pricing the product too inexpensively. Price it according to the benefits it provides.

Imagine having your own programs that you create now and sell for years to come. The profit potential is exponential and almost incalculable! Imagine creating several ebooks, CDs, DVDs or program packages a year, and selling them. Can you see where this would be an income-generating business year after year - you only need to create an information product once, and it will keep on earning for you.



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