ARTICLES

Magic Formulas - Rule Of Threes
Katharyne Shelton
8/9/2017

Magic Formulas - Rule Of Threes

I just saw this bumper sticker on a car in front of me - Eat, Sleep, Honda. What's great is once you create a design like this, you can replace the third square with anything - doughnuts, unicorns, video games, roller skates, coffee, bacon, knitting needles...

Read more


8 Ways to Create when you’re totally STRESSED OUT
Katharyne Shelton
3/07/2017

8 Ways to Create when you’re totally STRESSED OUT

Your book/business plan/album/product line would be finished if only you had an hour to meditate, a little money in the bank and a log cabin in the Appalachians. Instead, the kids are yelling, your car payment is overdue and the cat just ate the goldfish. My client explained to me, “It feels like a spiral — you really need the right space to work, but you need the work to create the right space.” We’ve all been there… so here’s how to break the spiral and get creative, right here, right now.

Read more


Creating Emotions
Katharyne Shelton
6/12/2016

Creating Emotions

Lately, I've been putting a lot of thought into emotion... namely how emotion drives sales. Think about what your friends share on social media. No-one shares a story they are apathetic about. People share stories because it makes them laugh, because it makes them happy... or angry... or sad.

Read more


Save hours of time in research. Searchblast is free!
Katharyne Shelton
6/8/2016

Save hours of time in research. Searchblast is free!

Have you tried Searchblast.net yet? Our free search tool allows you to search multiple sites at once. Choose image sites for artwork and visual ideas, or sourcing sites to quickly check prices - we even have eBay sold listings available to be searched. It’s a great tool and instantly available. No sign-up.

Read more


If I create a listing, how will I know a new product will be successful?
Katharyne Shelton
6/6/2016

If I create a listing, how will I know a new product will be successful?

For sellers who are used to rank charts, sales history and CamelCamelCamel, bringing a new product to the market can be terrifying. Why? Because how do you know it will sell?

Read more


Designing your dream customer
Katharyne Shelton
6/5/2016

Designing your dream customer

Really your product isn't the most important thing. Your customer is. Start with a customer in mind, then tailor your product and marketing to that customer - that's a pathway to real sales.

Read more


Public Domain Wonderland
Katharyne Shelton
6/2/2016

Public Domain Wonderland

Sir John Tenniel's original Alice in Wonderland illustrations are in the public domain. Lewis Caroll’s books are perennially popular but this is particularly exciting news while the new Looking Glass movie is in theaters.

Read more


Public Domain Cookbook Inspirations
Katharyne Shelton
6/1/2016

Public Domain Cookbook Inspirations

The Blue Sky Create course includes all kinds of books you can create and sell with no writing skills, using CreateSpace.

Read more


Brainstorming with SCAMMPERR
Katharyne Shelton
5/29/2016

Brainstorming with SCAMMPERR

SCAMMPERR is a super simple tool developed by creativity expert Michael Michalko for brainstorming product ideas, but it can also be used for brainstorming marketing campaigns or finding lateral solutions to problems.

Read more


Katharyne Shelton
5/28/2016

If your product isn't selling

Five super quick things to do if your Amazon product isn't selling

Read more


Katharyne Shelton
5/27/2016

When should I merchant fulfill vs when should I use FBA?

If you are selling on Amazon, the benefits of using their Fulfillment service, 'Fulfillment by Amazon' are huge.

Read more


Katharyne Shelton
5/26/2016

Katharyne's thoughts on buying and selling books

Everyone has a different approach for books. Some use strict rules or charts of rank versus return, others tend to use experience and instinct. Or others use a combination smile emoticon.

Read more


Katharyne Shelton
5/25/2016

Suspension Prevention Strategy and Suspension Response

Fortunately, account suspensions on Amazon are rare but they do happen and they are a seller's worst nightmare. Suspensions are normally the result of a serious complaint (such as counterfeit or inauthentic products) or a series of performance notifications.

Read more


Katharyne Shelton
5/24/2016

Product Bundle Ideas With Google Correlate
Katharyne Shelton
5/22/2016

Product Bundle Ideas With Google Correlate

So Google Trends is old news but not many people know about it's shy sister, Google Correlate, a super exciting tool for Amazon bundlers!

Read more