| If you are burned out with writing how-to | | | | provides the perfect refresher course for |
| articles to promote your business then | | | | those of us who learned manners but no longer |
| consider writing a book review. I recommend | | | | remember the finer points of etiquette.) |
| you write a review about a book you enjoyed | | | | |
| that is related to your products or services. | | | | Third Paragraph: Write about the book |
| Your review, of course, will be capped off | | | | structure and layout, number of chapters and |
| with your 5-6 line by line that includes your | | | | topics covered. |
| contact information and web site URL. Many of | | | | |
| the article directories, e-zines and web | | | | (Sample: While reading this book, I |
| sites that normally accept articles will | | | | discovered that the author, Lydia Ramsey, |
| accept book reviews too. In addition, you can | | | | covered every conceivable point of etiquette |
| find and submit to the many sites featuring | | | | including many that I had never been taught. |
| book reviews. | | | | Each of the twelve chapters covers one main |
| | | | topic broken down into digestible bite sized |
| To begin a review, I start with the format | | | | chunks of rules and guidelines to enhance |
| required by Midwest Book Review. I then adapt | | | | credibility and professionalism. Topics |
| the format and word count to what is required | | | | include first impressions, greetings and |
| by each submission site. Midwest Book Review | | | | introductions, the art of conversation, |
| recommends the following format (examples of | | | | dressing for business, telephone courtesy, |
| paragraphs are enclosed in parenthesis): | | | | electronic etiquette, correspondence in |
| | | | business, etiquette in the office, |
| Book Title: | | | | gift-giving in business, etiquette out of the |
| | | | office, dining for profit and doing business |
| Author: | | | | internationally.) |
| | | | |
| Publisher: | | | | Fourth Paragraph: Give a brief biography of |
| | | | the author including their name, name of |
| Publisher Address: | | | | their business (if applicable), business or |
| | | | personal expertise and if available, include |
| ISBN: | | | | titles of their other books. |
| | | | |
| Price: Publication Date: Page Count: | | | | (Sample: The author of this delightful book, |
| | | | Lydia Ramsey, is a business etiquette expert |
| Reviewer Contact Information: | | | | with over thirty years of experience working |
| | | | with non-profits, corporations, colleges and |
| Name: Address: E-mail: | | | | universities. She is a frequently published |
| | | | author who presents workshops, seminars and |
| First Paragraph: Include information about | | | | keynotes on all aspects of business |
| the format of the book. A nice touch is to | | | | etiquette.) |
| comment on the cover design, table of | | | | |
| contents structure and/or glossary at the | | | | Fifth Paragraph: Recommend the book and offer |
| back of the book. | | | | some ideas of its practical use by |
| | | | individuals or groups. If applicable, mention |
| (Sample: This beautifully laid out trade | | | | that it would make a good gift book and wrap |
| paperback has a gorgeous and practical design | | | | up the review with a positive summary of the |
| both inside and out. I recommend you read | | | | book. |
| this book with a highlighter and a pen, ready | | | | |
| to take copious notes in the blank pages | | | | (Sample: I recommend businesses buy this book |
| thoughtfully provided between chapters.) | | | | in bulk and present one to every employee |
| | | | from the frontline up to the top management. |
| Second Paragraph: Detail the recommended | | | | In this ever-changing world of so many |
| audience and note why they should read the | | | | consumer choices, the bottom line is often |
| book. | | | | affected by the simple courtesies that can |
| | | | and should be afforded to customers. You need |
| (Sample: Manners That Sell: Adding The Polish | | | | this book if you want your employees to |
| That Builds Profits should be required | | | | succeed and your business to thrive.) |
| reading for high school and college students | | | | |
| and for anyone already in the business | | | | Add your copyright statement and byline to |
| environment. Once upon a time, good manners | | | | the bottom of the review and, as usual, have |
| were taught in school and at home, but that | | | | the review proofread by an editor before you |
| time has long since passed. This book | | | | begin submission. |