Thursday’s profit tip for authors

Nonfiction authors who want to leverage their books into back-end profits should consider include worksheets that links to pages of their websites where readers can download copies of the actual worksheets. By driving traffic to their website, authors can begin profitable relationships with their readers.

Often, the only indication that an author has a website is a single, short announcement on the “author bio” page!

It takes more than one announcement to drive your reader to your website

For example, when I wrote The Streetwise Guide to Relationship Marketing on the Internet, I emphasized that readers could access full-sized copies of every worksheet shown in the book. (Ever try to fill out a worksheet reproduced at 40% actual size in a book? I don’t recommend it!)

To convert book sales into a growing e-mail prospect list or future profits, it’s important to include as many “hooks” in your book promoting the worksheets as often as possible in your book. Ideally, the thumbnails–or, reduced size images–showing each worksheet should be accompanied by text listing the URL of the specific page of your website where readers can access the worksheets.

Alternately, you can promote your downloadable worksheets in the text of each chapter, footnotes on the page where the workshop is illustrated, or the Resources list  at the end of each chapter. The important thing is to provide as many opportunities for readers to visit your website as possible.

Multiple formats add value to worksheets

In addition, for maximum utility, readers and website visitors could access each worksheet in a desired format:

• Web page. Each worksheet is available as a web page visitors can immediately print. This alternative is best for environments which discourage downloading files.
• PDF file. This format saves space because it prints on fewer pages and eliminates awkward page breaks. It’s a great choice since corporate trainers can photocopy and distribute the worksheets. Use .PDF files when you, your coworkers, or your students are going to fill-in the worksheets using pencil or pen.
• MS Word .DOC file. This is the ideal format for business owners, managers and workgroups because–after you download and save each worksheet–you can work directly (i.e., enter text) on it. When created as tables, rows automatically expand as text is added. This format also helps readers save, share, and e-mail their finished worksheets as attachments and recipients can use Word’s Track Changes feature to add comments and suggestions.

Click here to view an illustrated example of another book that contains links to drive readers to the author’s website.