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3. Show, don't tell to keep your audience reading.
When you take
lazy shortcut using -ly words like suddenly, or
adverb "very," your telling makes your reader yawn a "ho hum" and stop reading. Instead show "suddenly." For example, "When she saw
pistol, she ran and slammed
door behind her,” shows "suddenly." Instead of "Alice was fat," say "Alice's girth prevented her from buying just one airline seat."
Circle
-ly and very words and sit down with your Thesaurus and replace them with power words that describe or show emotion.
4. Reduce your passive -ing constructions.
Think of a title that inspired you in
past. I like "Jump Start your Book Sales" by Marilyn and Tom Ross. "Jump Starting" lacks power because it doesn't ask for action. "-Ing" construction implies passive. Next time you think heading, title, or even compelling copy, think command verbs as sentence starters as well as using other strong verbs and nouns. Keep your sentences active using verbs in either present or past tense.
5. Take
"I" out of your writing to satisfy your reader
Whether you write a book introduction, biography, chapter or web sales message (did you know these are part of
essential "hot-selling points?"), keep
"I's" to a minimum. Your audience doesn't care about you, only what you can do for them. Think about where your audience is now--their challenges or concerns. Remember to answer their question, "Why should I buy this from you?" Put a big YOU at
top of each page you write. Write three or four paragraphs. Then, circle
"I's" and vow to replace them with a "you" centered sentence or question.
So instead of telling your story, (I know that's important to you) put your story in
third person. Use another name, maybe a client's or friend's. If you think your bio is important, instead of placing a long passage on your home page, place it instead, on your "About Us" page. On your book's back cover, put your longer bio and photo inside
back cover page, so you can put more of what sells on your back cover--testimonials and benefits. Get everything you write checked by a book or writing coach to make sure it sells.
You cannot only get more sales from what you write, you can put yourself out there as
savvy friend to your audience who wants a problem solved. In
long run, these satisfied readers will return to you again and again--even buy your products and services.

Judy Cullins: 20-year author, speaker, book coach Helps entrepreneurs manifest their book and web dreams eBk: "Drastically Increase your Web Traffic and Sales" 7000 Melody Lane, La Mesa, CA 91942 http://www.bookcoaching.com/teleclasses.shtml To receive FREE "The Book Coach Says..." or Business Tip of the Month go to http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml Judy@bookcoaching.com Orders: 866/200-9743 -- Ph:619/466-0622