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