Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Up to 15,000 Words for $24.91

Introduction

The definition of the perfect service sale is when all parties benefit from the sale far more than the cost or the work involved. In a normal service sale, one person does the work and the other person pays the money. 

So, how can I offer up to 15,000 words for only $24.91? Proofreaders on Fiverr charge around $5.00 per 1000 words. 

The Problem

The cost of proofreading deters many writers. It certainly deterred me when I was starting out! There is another thing that deters me. I don't like to write contracts or sign them. However, I do want money back protection for my clients. And, of course, I like to get paid so I can eat.

I don't want to manage money transfers through PayPal or credit cards. Besides, PayPal and the credit card companies would take a significant portion of the transaction.

My Mastermind takes the Challenge

A Mastermind, as defined by Napoleon Hill, is two or more peopled with a definite purpose working together in perfect harmony. 

My Mastermind is composed almost entirely of dead people. They speak to me through their books, and many of their thoughts become my thoughts. Internally, they speak to me as imaginary friends. 

There are two other members of my Mastermind: my conscious and my subconscious. I call my subconscious "Coach" and my Coach calls me different names depending on the topic. This is an infinitely powerful group, so I decided to turn the problem over to them.

Here was my statement of the problem: "Coach, I want my clients to pay less and get more. I want to be paid less and get more. Please come back when you have the answer." 

Ad Supported Proofreading

Later, my coach whispered these words and nothing else in my head. I knew better than to debate reasons why my Coach's suggestions might not work. I knew he had the answer, but I'll accept it more readily if I find it myself. 

Generally, my Coach asks questions and doesn't give answers. It's how he works with me.

Then it hit me in a series of brainstorming phrases:

I wrote nine eBooks about writing. All my clients are writers. All my clients want success. I've written about success. I called my shots as I was attaining success. All my clients NEED my books. Even experienced writers will learn something from each book. 

These nine books cost a total of $24.91. "What if," I thought, "I asked my clients to buy these books for $24.91 and charged nothing for proofreading?" 
  1. The client gets nine books.
  2. The proofreading is free.
  3. The client cost is less than half the normal rate for proofreading.
  4. I get paid less in cash, but I get the benefit of book sales which should lead to more immediate sales.
  5. My client may recommend my books to others. (There is no obligation.) 
  6. The long tail sales may pay me more than my highest price for proofreading.
  7. The client has a 7 day money back guarantee backed by Amazon. If they don't like my work, they can return my books.
Conclusion: Everyone wins!

True Knowledge comes from DOING

Knowledge is NOT information as many define it. Knowledge is KNOWING. KNOWING something will work because I tried it. Will this work? I don't know, but it's time to try it and find out!

The Offer

I will accept only three books with about 10,000 to 15,000 words under the terms of this offer.

For more information, contact me now at gershon_ben_franja@yahoo.com

PS: My next opening is Jan 5th. I have two books in the queue before then.

What does Proofreading Cost?

Introduction

I've been in professional sales since 1994, and usually I give a straight answer about cost. However, in this case I cannot as I haven't settled on the fair cost. I do have an answer for the first few books. If you want the quick answer, please email me at gershon_ben_franja@yahoo.com.

You will have to determine if the cost exceeds the benefit, so let's explore that.

What do you Value?

It's up to the client to determine if the value exceeds the cost. I'll ask a few questions to help you decide.

  1. Are you a logical buyer? If so, then you have to decide if the cost of proofreading will generate enough sales to cover the cost. The quick answer for eBooks is generally no.

    This is a business killer for me, but that is the reality of eBook publishing.

    However, there is a time when the cost is often recouped -- the dreaded one-star review for grammar and spelling. It's especially bad when it's one of the first reviews. Many times the reviewer didn't even read the book. They only read the "look inside" view on Amazon

    If this happens, you will never know if your book would have been successful had you hired a proofreader.
  2. Do you hate proofreading? I think every writer hates proofreading their own work because it's a different skill than writing. By the time they finish their books, many writers are tired and they miss glaring errors. Then, after they publish and read their books, they realize they overlooked many mistakes.

    Writers should still do the best job they can, but experienced writers know they can't find all their errors.
  3. Do you take pride in your work? I'm an easygoing reader, and I do overlook some minor errors. Most Indie writers make about one per page. When there are few errors, I know I've discovered a professional writer and I will often read all their books.

Client Relationship

A professional wants their clients to succeed. In a fair professional-client relationship the benefits to the client exceed the costs. These benefits are both tangible and intangible.

As a professional, I want to do a professional job. This mean limiting how much work I do a day. Proofreading is mentally difficult, and I'm currently limiting my work to 3,000 words a day. 

Since I'm limiting my work, I can be your accountability partner. You can schedule my services when you start the book, and email me every few days with your progress. When you schedule my services, tell me how many words you expect to write. This way I can fill in my calendar as much as possible. If you miss your due date, I may have to slip your book in the queue or proofread the first half of the book while you continue writing.

For more information, contact me now at gershon_ben_franja@yahoo.com

PS: My next opening is Jan 7th. I have two books in the queue.





Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Do you need a Professional Proofreader?

Introduction

Many people don't want to pay for a professional proofreader, and in the past I felt the same way.  I found it is difficult to find all the errors in my own books. It's embarrassing to find obvious errors months after publication even though I thought I found them all. The question still remains, should I have hired a professional proofreader?

Cost vs. Pride

Everyone wants to write a book they can be proud of and show their friends. How would you feel if a friend said, "It's a great book, but you should learn to spell." Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, most friends won't say that in order to spare your feelings. They may be sparing your feelings, but the errors remain.

What does a Proofreader do for you?

Proofreading is finding and correcting spelling errors, punctuation errors and minor grammar errors in a final draft. A proofreader does not do rewriting or major editing. A proofreader does not check historical facts or verify research. A proofreader doesn't do formatting.

A proofreader carefully reads your book, highlights the errors and makes a note about how to correct the errors. 

My Qualifications

I'm an American and American English is my native language. I've published about 50 books on Amazon. I'm usually in the top 2 or 3% of all eBook authors, and sometimes I touch the top 1%. 

Free Offer

I'm starting a proofreading business and I'm offering to proofread one book free for one client. 

The reason I'm doing this is because I want to determine how long it takes so I can set prices in the future. 

The other reason is the best way to get started is to get started. Free is the quickest way to start and begin learning the business.

Too keep it fair, the first person who asks in the comments will get the free service. The book should be no more than 25,000 words long. If I earn it, all I ask for is referrals in the future or an opportunity to proofread your next book.

This offer can't last long, so sign up quickly!

Sold!

I will start paid work on Jan 7th. I only do one project at a time, so schedule your book soon!