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You probably
already have have access to several public domain files.
But first,
a quick reference sheet on what can be considered public domain:
- Unpublished
works from authors who died before 1935.
- Works
published in the US before 1923.
- Works
published without a copyright notice from 1923 through 1977.
- Works
published without notice, and without subsequent registration
from 1978 to March 1, 1989.
- Works
published with notice but copyright was not renewed from
1923 through 1963.
- Works
published outside the US before July 1, 1909.
- Works
published outside the US in compliance with US formalities
between July 1, 1909 and 1922.
- Works
published outside the US between 1923 and 1977 and in the
public domain of its home country as of January 1, 1996.
Anytime
a copyright expires, it is added to the public domain and
anyone can use it anyway they like without paying a cent in
royalties.
But are
all these just worthless old information? Let's
explore ways you can tap into and profit from the vast resources
of the public domain.
It
starts in the mind
First
things first. You need to KNOW what your public domain file
is about.
That's
right. READ IT !
This may
sound elementary but many people overlook and underestimate
the importance of this. Spend some time reading it. Get an
understanding of the contents. If you don't have the time,
at least, scan through the material and look out for the main
points.
Why is
this important? A good understanding of the contents of the
file will help you make the best use of the product. (Not
to mention, it puts you ahead of others who also download
the product but do nothing with it.)
Studies
have shown that less than 5% would actually take action. So
don't worry if you think that since anyone can download the
products, you'll have thousands of competitors. You'll probably
only have a small minority to compete with. Even then, these
lessons will show you how to get ahead of the top bracket.
And it all starts with this.
When you
make an effort to understand the material, you gain knowledge.
Sometimes that can be more valuable than anything else. For
instance, if you have a public domain file on health matters,
and you read something about migraine that has troubled you
for years. And the writer has suggestions that works for you
and gives you relief from the pain.
Once you'
ve read the material, THINK of different ways that you can
repackage the file. (Don't worry if you're not inspired with
any ideas yet. After going through this course, you'll be
doing this like a pro.)
For me,
I find that it helps to think in terms of a website. What
do I mean by this?
Think
of the public domain file as a website (or a book)
Browse
the public domain file and ask yourself....
 If
this was a website (or book), what would it's title be?
(You wouldn't
have any idea unless you have read the public domain file
yourself). Yes, I know the the original file probably comes
with a title. And yes, you can use that too. (Just like others
who will promoting it.) But I always recommend that you change
it to something more compelling to attract people's attention.
Make the title a benefit-laden statement. Take a look at the
title of this page you're reading. "How To Use
Your Public Domain Files Intelligently To Make Money".
This title tells the reader exactly what he wants to know
and gain. It's a little long but it works because everyone
wants to be thought of as intelligent and everyone wants to
make money and I am addressing them personally by using the
word "your' in the title.
Another
example: Let's say you have just downloaded a file called
"Tennis For Beginners." This is a good enough title.
One that most people would use. But can you make it better
and stand out from the rest? How about something dramatic
like, "Learn Tennis In 10 Days".
Wow! That's something. You add a 'time frame' statement that
tells the reader that he can get what he wants (i.e. learn
tennis) fast. I'm not suggesting you make ridiculous statements
like "How To Play Tennis Like Federer Even If
You've Never Held A Racket." No one's going
to buy the hype. (Although you might certainly get some attention!)
Browse
your local bookstore and just look at the titles on display?
Which ones attract you? Learn from the kinds of words they
use. And come up with one that you yourself would be interested
in if you were the visitor. Put yourself in the visitors shoe.
Does this title make me want to read on? Will I find what
I am looking for here? If your website title is "Welcome
to My HomePage", I think you just lost your visitor.
This simple
exercise helps you visualize and THINK how best to package
your public domain file. And I am not just talking about creating
a website as we shall see in the coming days. However, we
will talk more about websites in tomorrow's lesson.
At the
end of every lesson, I will give you a niche product that
comes with full resell rights that you can use or sell.
Today's
GIFT:
Reprint
Rights Magic (includes pre-written sales letter complete
with graphics and actual product)
If you have ever wondered how to locate public
domain sources, look at:
http://www.instantauthors.com/pdresource.htm
If you have any questions,
please email me at ofs@openforsale.com
All success,
http://www.InstantAuthors.com
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