I heard it said again this week that we don\u2019t buy a product, we buy what it can do for us. I\u2019ve been pondering the concept and I notice that it is fairly accurate. I did a little mall shopping yesterday and bought myself a new pair of walking shoes (at 70, I\u2019m still a dedicated power walker). I chose a pair that looked good to me (so I will look good wearing them), that have a familiar brand name (so I\u2019m assured that they will hold up) and that were on sale (now saving money is always a benefit). <\/p>\n
But what about benefits in books? Are you writing a book with benefits or are you writing it primarily for yourself? When you plan a book, do you do so with your audience in mind or because it\u2019s something you want to do\u2014you have something to say or share? <\/p>\n
Before you finish your book\u2014even better, before you start it\u2014consider first, your audience. Who is your target audience? Then think about the benefits they will be looking for in a book like yours.<\/p>\n
Do you know the difference between features and benefits? <\/p>\n
A feature<\/strong> is what a book or another product has\u2014four-color cover, spiral binding, resource list, thirty recipes, tips and techniques, etc.<\/p>\n A benefit<\/strong> is what the book does\u2014puts the reader with a fear of flying at ease, teaches readers how to make cr\u00e8me brulee, causes readers to relax and smile, saves readers time in the kitchen, and so forth.<\/p>\n If you are promoting a book, keep these descriptions in mind. As you represent your book in press releases, ads and verbally, be sure that you promote the benefits to readers instead of always spouting the features.<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> I believe we will be starting a \u201cBuild Your Platform\u201d course next month. Check out the description and course outline at the link below and sign up. There\u2019s still room. You can join the course that will begin probably during the first week of March or you can set your own starting date. <\/p>\n What does one of Patricia Fry\u2019s online, on-demand courses involve? A weekly lecture and assignment and valuable one-on-one assistance throughout the course.<\/p>\n Platform Course: <\/strong>
\n http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a><\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/course_platform.htm<\/a><\/p>\n