HOW TO WRITE MONEY-MAKING FOLIOS
Today, there are hundreds of enterprising men and women who write simple
research papers (known in the mail order trade as folios) and sell them by mail. In the
pages that follow, I'll show you how you can do the same. I'll show you how to select a
subject, how to research it, how to write it, how to get it printed, and how to sell it.
I'll show you four ways to sell your reports. If you are new to folio selling, I'll
discuss which of the four ways would be the best for you. I hope you will read what
follows very carefully and very thoughtfully. THERE ARE NO CATCHES. I have nothing to sell
to you. I hope the information which follows can be of real benefit to you. That is why I
have written it!
EXACTLY WHAT IS A FOLIO?
A folio can be called a booklet, pamphlet, a report, a newsletter, a guide, an
instruction manual, a plan, or a manuscript. It is simply an easy-to-understand manual
which shows the reader "How To" do something that he does not already know how
to do. Most folios show the reader ...
How to start or expand a hobby
How to develop new abilities or qualities
How to start a new business or expand an old one
How to prepare for a new career
How to make or save money
How to solve personal problems
How to spend leisure time.
A well written folio is authoritative, factual, and helpful. It is written in simple,
easily understood language. It can be anything from a brief two-page photo copies report
to a professionally printed hardbound book. People who purchase folios by mail are
interested in the information they contain. Seldom do they care what brand of paper the
information is printed on.
WHAT KIND OF FOLIOS ARE NOW BEING SOLD BY MAIL?
Pick up almost any magazine that carries classified advertising at a newsstand and you
will find ads written by people selling their folios by mail. Below are a few sample ads
from magazines now sitting on my desk.
Be Secure, confident, successful! Learn the secret of personal power. $2.00
Secrets of the Spirit World! Only
$1.00 postpaid!
Learning Bridge? Send $3.00 for fact- filled 20 page guide.
Fluorescent Tubes rejuvenated at no cost. Instructions $1.00.
10 Wonder Working Prayers. Enrich, strengthen your life! $1.00 guaranteed.
Enjoy camping inside your Volkswagen. Do it yourself Plans - $2.00
Why grow old and die? Li Chung Yun lived 256 years. You could, too! Learn how, $2.00.
Guide to Witches Covens - $2.00
Beat Traffic Tickets every time! Step by step method. $1.95 postpaid.
Learn the secret of making every pair of slacks you sew fit perfectly, $1.00.
Homemade Cheese! Hard, soft, and cottage! Make it yourself! Easy. Delicious. Complete
instructions, recipes, $1.00
Toronto Area Job Opportunities $1.00.
If you can produce a "How To" manual that is NOVEL, INTERESTING, and
genuinely HELPFUL, you can do what the above advertisers have done. You can print it
yourself and sell it by mail.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WRITE ABOUT?
You should write only on subjects that really interest you and about which you already
have a working knowledge. For example, if you love to cook, write a folio on cooking. If
people like the first folio they buy from you, they will buy other folios in the future as
long as they are on the same basic subject. If you write on a subject that really doesn't
interest you very much, your writing will convey that sense of boredom and the folio will
fail to be a success. Ask yourself, "What do I do with my spare time?" There's
the topic for your first folio!
HOW DO YOU RESEARCH THE FOLIO?
You must make yourself an expert on the topic about which you are writing. Talk to
friends and neighbors. Ask questions of experts in the field. Read books, newspapers, and
magazines on the subject. Ask your librarian for suggestions. As you read, keep notes on
everything. When you have read everything you can lay your hands on, sit down and study
your notes. Read them over slowly and carefully. Next, lay the notes aside and think about
the whole subject for a day or two. You will be amazed at what your mind will do with the
subject if you have researched it thoroughly!
HOW DO YOU WRITE IT?
Here is a tip from a professional writer. Sit down and pretend that you are a person
who knows absolutely nothing about the proposed topic. On a sheet of paper list fifteen
questions such a person might ask you. When you have completed your list, write in your
own words the answers to the fifteen questions. Do not concentrate on literary style! When
you are finished, lay it aside for a day or two.
When you return to your manuscript, re-read it with a red pencil and cross out all
unnecessary words and sentences. Insert a new point here and there. Let a spouse or close
friend read the manuscript and give you their opinion as to the clarity, readability, and
overall appeal of the report. Ask for their honest opinions and suggestions. Consider
their advice and the rewrite the report. After you have rewritten the whole thing several
times you will be amazed to discover that your folio is ready to be published!
HOW DO YOU GET IT PRINTED?
Type your manuscript as neatly as possible on 8 1/2 x 11 white bond paper. If you have
access to a word processor you can make the report look all the better. Use boldface type,
italics or underlining where appropriate. Single space the text, leaving at least one
blank line between each paragraph. Take the finished product to a local quick-printer who
will make a few hundred copies for you at a very reasonable cost, usually within 24 hours.
If your folio is longer than four pages, have it printed on both sides of the paper. It
will lower your printing costs a good bit and will save you extra postage in the future.
To give your folio a professional touch, have it printed on canary yellow, pink or light
green paper. You may wish to bind the finished product and have a cardstock cover added.
Your local printer will be able to advise you as to the most appealing and most economical
methods of preparing a top-rate folio.
HOW DO YOU SELL IT?
There are four basic methods by which to market your report.
DIRECT FROM ADS IN MAGAZINES AND TABLOID PAPERS. If economically possible, set a cover
price of $1.00 to $2.00 for your folio. A longer report dealing with a hot new topic may
be priced at $3.00. Write a brief, eye-catching classified ad asking those interested to
send their orders directly to you. If your ad is novel, believable, and of genuine
interest, you will be surprised at how many people will respond. If your folio is about
stamp collecting, advertise it in the stamp collecting papers. If it is about astrology,
advertise in magazines that cater to persons interested in astrology. To do otherwise is
fatal. Be sure to run your ad in at least three consecutive issues. If you have never sold
folios by mail I urge you to give serious consideration to this method.
ADVERTISE FOR INQUIRIES. If your folio is quite elaborate and must be sold for more
than $3.00, do not expert to gain many sales from direct classified ads. Instead, write a
brief, tempting ad describing your folio and offer free details. Mail a short sales letter
describing the folio to those who respond to your ads. Don't expect more than one inquiry
in ten to actually purchase the report. Below are a few examples of ads using this sales
method, placed by folio writers, in a past issue of a national tabloid sold in
supermarkets.
Never Won Anything? Anyone can win sweepstakes contests! Free details.
Make Money clipping newspapers at home spare time. Details Free.
Overweight? I lost 53 pounds. Easily. Permanently! New Method. Information Free.
Troubled? God can help!
Free information.
DIRECT MAIL. This method involves mailing your advertising literature directly to a
targeted group you feel most likely to be interested in purchasing your report. For
example, if you have written a folio showing how to get inventions patented, you could
rent a list of amateur inventors or do-it-yourself magazine subscribers and mail your
sales literature to each individual on the list. Direct mail can be very effective for
experienced mail order operators, but it's usually far too costly for the beginner. It can
easily cost you four to five hundred dollars for every thousand letters you mail. Done
properly, you may sell your folio to five or six people out of a hundred.
SELLING THROUGH AGENTS. If you are willing to sell your folio in small wholesale
quantities, or if you are willing to dropship folios for other mail order dealers, then
you might find this method the most effective way to market your folios. Below are some
ads placed by folio writers seeking dealers to sell their reports.
Sell Health Books by Mail Order!
Write for complete details.
Free Newsletter! Sell Books by mail! We wholesale, drop-ship.
Sell Books by Mail! 400% Profit!
OWN YOUR OWN Mail Order Company. Complete dealer set-up, $2.00.
Some of the above ads have been running many, many years, indicating just how
successful this method of marketing reports can be for folio writers.
POSSIBLE TOPICS FOR FOLIO WRITERS
Over the past several years, I have been jotting down ideas for folios that could be
developed and sold by mail. I'm now printing the whole list for your use. I honestly feel
that any idea on this list could be marketed by mail if a person had the ambition and
ingenuity to develop it. You are free to use any idea on this list. You are free to change
the titles around to suit your own situation. For example, "Summer Jobs in
Nevada" could be "Summer Jobs in New York City". I'm sure you get the
point.
Best Wishes for Success!
MARRIAGE
Plan Your Wedding Now!
World's Best Honeymoon Spots
What to Wear at Your Wedding
Cooking Tips for Newlyweds
Do You Need a Marriage Counselor?
Living on a Budget
Survive Divorce
Get a Divorce
Teach Your Husband to Cook!
Organize Your Housework
Alimony Laws Made Simple
How to be a Successful Father
How to Win a Fight with Your Husband
Marry a Man with Money
Poor Men bake Better Husbands
FAMILY AND CHILDREN
So, You're Expecting a Baby!
Does Your Child Take Drugs?
Don't Spank Your Child!
Select the Right Name for Your Baby!
Inspire Your Child to Learn
Can Your Boy Defend Himself?
Listen to Your Child
How to Raise an Only Child
Teach Your Child to Read
Choosing a Babysitter
Loving an Adopted Child
Keep Your Child Busy!
Tell Your Child about Sex
How to Select a Baby Doctor
Understanding Your Teenager
Which Summer Camp for Your Child?
Teach Your Son a Trade
Facts about Childbirth for Husbands
FAMILY PROBLEMS
A Parents Guide to Dangerous Drugs
Save Money on Your Clothing Bill
Mother's Guide to Thrift Shop Buying
Where and How to Apply for a Loan
Better Health through Better Eating
How to Trace Your Family Tree
Single-Parent Families
Does Your Child Eat Right?
What Single Mothers Should Know
SALESMANSHIP
Ten Ways to Close the Sale
Sell it at the Flea Market!
Is Retail Selling for You?
Ten Successful Selling Tips
How to Improve Your Sales Technique
Why People Buy
How to Sell Sporting Goods
Positive Thinking Makes the Difference
Directory of Direct Selling Firms
How to Get Leads by Telephone
How to Recruit Salesmen
ENTERTAINING AT HOME
Single Man's Guide to Hosting Parties
24 Ideas for Your Next Birthday Party
Make Your Next Shower a Real Success!
How to be a Gracious Hostess
The Office Party Guide
Turn an Ordinary Meal into a FEAST!
How to Make Better Cocktails
BEAUTY
Glamour Tips for Teenagers
Beauty Tips for the Expectant Mother
Every Woman Can Be Beautiful
Apply Make-up Like a Professional
Your Personality Makes the Difference
What Color is Best for You?
How to Achieve the Natural Look
Choosing the Right Hair Style
ASTROLOGY
How to Chart your Horoscope
How to Read the Zodiac
Astrology and Your Marriage Partner
Apply Astrology to Your Daily Life
Astrology Made Simple
Your Future is in the Stars!
GARDENING
Build Your Own Greenhouse
Grow What You Eat!
How to Grow Gorgeous Roses
Beginners Guide to Landscaping
How to Grow Food in an Apartment
ANTIQUES
Introduction to Antique Collecting
Facts about Antique Auctions
How to Sell Antiques
Let's Go to an Antique Show
How to Become an Antique Dealer
Directory of Antique Publications
How to Detect Fake Antiques
How to Restore Antiques
WRITING
Writing Mystery Stories
How to Write Poetry
Writing Gags for Television
How to Write for Newspapers
Start a Writers Club
Opportunities in Ghost Writing
Can You Write Science Fiction?
How to Write for trade Papers
Writing for Children
Today's Market for Short Stories
How to Write for Religious Magazines
How to Plot a Novel
Write Pornography! It Sells!
Selecting a Literary Agent
How to Write Book Reviews
How to Review Plays and Movies
Become A Music Critic
Ten Writing Secrets they NEVER Tell You
HOME DECORATING
Decorating Tips for Your Bedroom
Patios Can be Beautiful
Thirteen Ways to Beautify Your Kitchen
How to Decorate Your Windows
Decorate Like Professional!
Beginner's Guide to Drapery Making
Wallpaper Makes the Difference
Glamour in Your Bathroom
Selecting Plants for Your Home
PHOTOGRAPHY
Repair Your Own Camera
Photo Retouching for Beginners
Become a Professional Photographer
How to make Better Home Movies
Selecting the Right Camera for You
Build Your Own Dark Room
Become a Wedding Photographer
Where to Sell Your Photographs
RELIGION
Sermon Outlines for Busy Pastors
Fund Raising Ideas for Your Church
Twelve Ways to Increase Attendance
Projects for Vacation Bible School
How to Use Chalk Talks Effectively
Become a Television Evangelist
Put Some ZIP into Your Church Bulletin
Every Parishioner an Evangelist!
Choir Practice Can Be Fun
Keep the Older Members Happy
Tips for Sunday School Teachers
Have You been Called to the Priesthood?
Religious Vocations for Women
Plan a Prayer Breakfast
AUTOMOBILES
How to Tune-up Your Own Car
Save Money on Auto Parts
Start Your Own Salvage Yard
Revitalize Your Transmission
How to Test a Car Before You Buy!
Repair the Brakes Yourself
Start a Windshield Repair Service
PETS
How to Raise Your Kitten
Tricks Your Dog Can Learn
Build Your Own Aquarium
Fashion Tips for Your Poodle
How to Operate a Dog Kennel
Start Your Own Pet Shop
Find Big Money in Pet Grooming
How to Win at the Next Dog Show
Do Snakes Make Good Pets?
The Successful Way to Raise Rabbits
TRAVEL
Overcome Your Fear of Flight
How to Obtain a Passport
Vacation Planning Tips
Travel Tips for Honeymooners
Let's Go Camping
Ghost Town Visits - A Must!
How to Survive in the Wilderness
Vacationing in the Desert
Plan a Hiking Trip
GAMBLING
How to Become a Blackjack Dealer
Job Opportunities in Las Vegas
Gambling Secrets Revealed
Win at the Race Track!
How to Play Keno
Baccarat for Beginners
Roulette Self Taught
Why Gambling Should be Legalized
Poker Player's Handbook
How to Win at Black Jack
Better Bingo!
Improve Your Pinochle Game
How to Cure a Compulsive Gambler
ART
How to Paint Landscapes
Make your Own Picture Frames
Oil Painting for Beginners
Working with Acrylics
Introduction to Water Colors
How to Exhibit Your Paintings
How to Buy Art Supplies
How to Model for Art Classes
How to Sketch Portraits
Working with Chalks
STAMP COLLECTING
Start a Stamp Collection
Stamp Mixtures can be Fun
Organize a Stamp Collectors Club
How to Find a Stamp Collectors Club
Stamps by Country or Topic - Which
How to Sell Your Stamp Collection
Let's Visit a Stamp Auction!
How to Sell Stamp Packets by Mail
Start a Stamp Approval Business
Recognizing Rare Stamps
Investing in Stamps
HANDICRAFTS
Working with Leather
Pottery Making for Beginners
Make Your Own Jewelry
How to Make Beautiful Dolls
Introduction to Metal Enameling
How to Make Puppets
Making a Potter's Wheel
Craft Projects for Pre-School Children
Profits in Indian Jewelry
How to Make Stained Glass Windows
Like Working with Beads?
Make Your Own Christmas Cards
Directory of Wholesale Handicraft Supplies
How to Build Doll Houses
Christmas Decorations You Can Make
Beginner's Knitting and Crocheting Ideas
Selling Handmade Crafts at Art Shows
Candlemaking for Beginners
Weave Your Own Rug
Selling Handicrafts on Consignment
Needlepoint for Beginners
Decorating Glass
The Art of Paper-Maché
An Introduction to Ceramics
Conducting Handicraft Classes
Creating Your Own Earrings
54 New Quilt Patterns
Making Gifts from Throwaways
The Basics of Macrame
NEW CAREERS
How to Ask for a Raise
Write Your own Resume
Earn Money Tutoring
Dance Your Way to Stardom
Your Future in Physics
Careers in Astronomy
How to Dress for Job Interviews
Becoming a Professional Astrologer
Raising Funds for Profit
Gun Repairing as a Career
Job Opportunities for Commercial Artists!
Have Fun! Be a Ski Instructor!
Job Opportunities in Law Enforcement
Can YOU Manage Apartments?
Become a Book Finder
Writing for Small Town Newspapers
Opportunities in Advertising
Become a Professional Librarian
Are you a BORN Mechanic
Is there a Place in Television for You?
Show Business Opportunity Guide
Your Place in the Electronics Industry
Environmental Careers
Your Aptitude and Your Job
A Career in Nursing for You!
How to Break into Public Relations
Air Freight - Transportation of the Future
Be a Management Consultant
Your Future as a Travel Agent
Opportunities for Part-Time Workers
Wanted! Aviation Mechanics
How to Succeed in a Job Interview
Summer Jobs in Nevada
Job Opportunities for Women in Alaska
Can you Counsel Alcoholics
Guide to Professional Acting Schools
How to Become a Recording Artist
Finding Satisfaction in your Job
Should you be a Social Worker?
How to be a Strip Tease Dancer
MONEY MAKING IDEAS
How to Run a Garage Sale
Marking Money with Old Comic Books
Start a Shopping Service
How to Start a Trade Paper
There's Money in Turquoise
Cash in on Today's Hobby Market!
Investing in Real Estate
Twenty Ways to Get Rich Quick!
How to be Your Own Boss
Turn Your Ideas into DOLLARS!
Your Town Needs a Typing Service!
Open an Art Gallery
How to Start a Delivery Service
Collecting Bills Can be Profitable
How to Start a Mobile Home Park
Start a Bookkeeping Service
Penpals are Big Business!
Cash in on the Nostalgia Craze
Form Your Own Rock Group!
Start a Resume Bureau
Teach Children How to Dance
Profits in auctions
Business Enterprises for College Students
HOBBIES
Collect Coins for Fun and Profit
Chess: Self Taught
Boat Building for Beginners
Let's Go to a Boat Show!
Bicycle Your Way to better Health
How to Repair Your Bicycle
Let's Motor Bike!
How to Join a Motorcycle Club
How to Repair Your Motorcycle
How to Enter a Chess Tournament
Start Your Own Chess Club!
How to Collect Military Medals
200 Things You Can Collect
Collecting Paper Weights
Gun Collecting as a Hobby
Collecting Nazi Relics
Guide to Antique Car Collecting
How to Collect Gems and Minerals
Become a Silent Film Buff
Model Railroading: An Introduction
How to Collect Old Postcards
How to Build Model Airplanes
Collecting Postmarks
Go Fly a Kite!
How to Perform Magis Tricks
Gardening - America's Number One Hobby
Guide to Seashell Collecting
Tips for Radio Hams
Collect Bottles for Fun and Profit
How to Collect Autographs
Collecting Old Automobile Manuals
Do You Collect Old Magazines?
Book Collecting for Beginners
PERSONAL PROBLEMS
Protect Yourself from Muggers
Protect Your Home from Burglary
How to Handle Obscene Phone Calls
How to Say "No" to a Salesman
Defend Yourself from Rape
How to File for Bankruptcy
How to Sublet Your Apartment
How to Sell Your Home
Investing in Jewelry
What YOU should Know about Banking
How to Buy Stocks and Bonds
Get the Creditors Off Your Back
What Credit Bureaus Know about You
How to Balance Your Checkbook
How to Save on Your Hospital Bills
SPORTS
How to Enter Professional Football
Improve Your Swimming Strokes
Can You Handle Racing Cars?
How to Play Better Baseball
Wrestling Holds: An Introduction
Guide to Ski Resorts
Amateur Boxing Guide
Know Your Hunting Rifle
Let's Go Trout Fishing
Tennis for Beginners
Keep in Shape: Bowl!
Treasure Hunting can be Fun
Let's Go Deer Hunting!
The Thrill of Salt Water Fishing
Jog Your Way to Health
How to Life Weights
Build Your Own Gym!
Ice Hockey: An Introduction
Play Basketball!
Are You Interested in Wild Game Hunting?
Body Building Tips
What to Wear in the Jungle!
OCCULTISM
Witchcraft Secrets Revealed
True Mystical Experiences
Your Handwriting Reveals the Real You
ESP for Beginners
Yoga for Beginners
You Can Change Your Destiny
An Introduction to Hypnotism
Relax! Learn to Meditate
MISCELLANEOUS
The Hitchhikers Manual
You Can be a TV Contestant!
Facts Every Inventor Should Know
How to Enjoy the Opera
Living in a Mobile Home
How to Read Blueprints
How They Make TV Commercials
Are Your Employees Stealing from You?
How to Prepare a Publicity Release
Understanding the Stock Market
Effective Lecturing for Beginners
All about Mutual Funds
How to Pass a Lie Detector Test
Get Free Publicity for Your Business
How to Pan for Gold
How to Select the Perfect Gift
How to Remove Tatoos
Learn Tattooing
Sewing Tips From a Professional!
Make Your Own Cheese
Director of UFO Groups
Build Your Own Canoe
How to be a Ventriloquist
The Florida Flea Market Guide
101 Ways to Decorate A Cake
How to Identify Counterfeit Money
Guide to Professional Cooking Schools
Facts about Franchises
20 Ways to Get Your Name in the Paper!
How to Meet Celebrities
Guide to Radio Talk Shows
How to Adjust to a New Neighborhood
Recipes for Homemade Jelly
How to train a Hunting Dog
How to Conduct a Political Campaign
How to Hold a Fashion Show!
How to Move Easily and Economically
Handbook for Street Musicians
How to Mold Public Opinion
How to Spot a Potential Suicide
HEALTH
Ten Old-Fashioned Cold Remedies
Facts about Arthritis
My Life with Polio
Ten Ways to Cure Insomnia
Recipes for Diet Candy
Fasting is Good for You
Are You Facing a Nervous Breakdown?
How to Care for Your Skin
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