If you are burned out with writing how-to articles to promote your business then consider writing a book review. I recommend you write a review about a book you enjoyed that is related to your products or services. Your review, of course, will be capped off with your 5-6 line byline that includes your contact information and web site URL. Many of
article directories, e-zines and web sites that normally accept articles will accept book reviews too. In addition, you can find and submit to many sites featuring book reviews.To begin a review, I start with format required by Midwest Book Review. I then adapt format and word count to what is required by each submission site. Midwest Book Review recommends following format (examples of paragraphs are enclosed in parenthesis):
Book Title: Author: Publisher: Publisher Address: ISBN: Price: Publication Date: Page Count:
Reviewer Contact Information:
Name: Address: E-mail:
First Paragraph: Include information about format of book. A nice touch is to comment on cover design, table of contents structure and/or glossary at back of book.
(Sample: This beautifully laid out trade paperback has a gorgeous and practical design both inside and out. I recommend you read this book with a highlighter and a pen, ready to take copious notes in blank pages thoughtfully provided between chapters.)
Second Paragraph: Detail recommended audience and note why they should read book.
(Sample: Manners That Sell: Adding The Polish That Builds Profits should be required reading for high school and college students and for anyone already in business environment. Once upon a time, good manners were taught in school and at home, but that time has long since passed. This book provides perfect refresher course for those of us who learned manners but no longer remember finer points of etiquette.)
Third Paragraph: Write about book structure and layout, number of chapters and topics covered.
(Sample: While reading this book, I discovered that author, Lydia Ramsey, covered every conceivable point of etiquette including many that I'd never been taught. Each of twelve chapters covers one main topic broken down into digestible bite sized chunks of rules and guidelines to enhance credibility and professionalism. Topics include first impressions, greetings and introductions, art of conversation, dressing for business, telephone courtesy, electronic etiquette, correspondence in business, etiquette in office, gift-giving in business, etiquette out of office, dining for profit and doing business internationally.)
