Start a Booklet Business Writing “How To” Books

Business Idea for Kids & Teens

Writing “How To” books.

A fabulous match for home school teenagers, how to booklet writing can be a great business and part of their education as well!

Here are some start up tips for your teen to get this business going:

1. Start with topics you are interested in yourself. For instance, if you really love knitting scarves, use that love to create your first booklet.

2. Narrow down your topic. You want the booklets to be short and to the point. The general topic of knitting, for instance would be too broad to make into a booklet, but a how to booklet on knitting plush boa scarves would work just fine.

3. Research your topic thoroughly so you are sure to include necessary details.

4. Start writing down your list of how to steps. Don’t worry about the finished product yet, just think through every step that you take when doing this particular project and write it down.

5. Now, look at your list again. If someone who knows nothing about your topic gets your booklet will they be able to actually DO what you’re suggesting?

6. Rewrite, fill in and organize as necessary. Think like someone who has never done/made/created what you’re topic is.

7. Find a parent, friend or older sibling to proof read your copy for any additional errors.

8. Find someone who doesn’t know about your topic and have them read through to see if what you are saying makes sense to them.

9. Once you have all your information, start creating your booklet. Many word processing programs now have so many options for making your booklet look fun and professional.

10. Make sure your contact information is on your booklet.

11. Don’t print out any booklets yet. Pick another topic, follow the steps above and get it ready for print as well.

12. Do this for about 5-10 booklets!

13. Now, on the back of each booklet, make a listing of all your other “how to” booklets and how the reader of the one with the current booklet in hand can get the other booklets.

14. Decide on a price for your booklets. Most booklets will fall in the $1-$2 per piece range.

15. Start marketing your booklets. Make flyers describing your how to booklets to post in the library, local shops and to hand out around the neighborhood.

15. As the orders start rolling in print off copies and mail.

16. Continue to write more booklets. Remember to research, write, proofread and write some more.

17. Eventually you could start a small website promoting your booklets as well – another way to market them.