Why write an introduction? Nobody reads it anyway. Up until now, this opinion has had clout. But now, with a shorter introduction of one to two pages, and through the five essentials below, your introduction will become the fourth sales tool for your book. When people read your clear, concise personal note to them, they will buy your book on the spot!

Your Book's Introduction Includes:

1. The hook. Your first paragraph must compel your potential buyer to read more, so they will buy your book. Make your opener short--one sentence is best. Answer their question, "So What? Why should I buy your book?" Your opener might be a shocking statistic or fact, powerful quote, or headline of a top benefit. It may be a short vignette from one of your chapters. Whatever it is, it must grab the reader's attention.

2. The background. Your particular audience has challenges. Describe where they are now, why they haven't succeeded, how they are uninformed in a few paragraphs. Include a few sentences on why you wrote the book. At the end of this information, state your thesis statement, a general statement of what your book will give them.

3. The benefits. In the next paragraphs, keep answering the "So what?" that is inside every potential buyer's mind. Show the general benefits such as increased health, communication, finances or fortune. Show specific benefits. For instance, in