I understand your dilemma. You’re right – there are a lot of people offering advice on commercial writing (and I’m one of them). It can be difficult to sift the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, but here’s a few things to look for when you’re trying to determine which author and advice is right for you:
1. Examine their credentials.
Any expert who is selling their advice should also reassure you about their expertise and experience. Take a look at their ‘About Me’ web page and weigh up their professional background.
2. Review what they offer (for free).
Many how-to authors offer free products and services, which can come in the form of free information on their web site, a regular ezine or an online course. This not only gives you a chance to ‘put a toe in the water’ and see if their offering is right for you, it also shows you if the provider is committed to the customer. Committed authors will always give something back.
3. Try before you buy.
The best way to judge a product is to try it before you buy it. Many ‘infopreneurs’ offer a free portion of their products to prospective customers free of charge. I offer, for example, the first two chapters of my ebook ‘The Enterprising Writer’. Included in this is an extensive contents section which details each of the main areas contained in the 380-page ebook. It gives any reader a solid understanding of what’s available, short of committing themselves.
4. Ask satisfied customers.
Whether a product or provider is good or bad, word gets around pretty quickly online. Check out what the industry forums, the media and satisfied customers are saying.
Each of these groups has no vested interest in talking up a product and it’s an easy way to gain an objective view before you buy.
5. When all else fails, can you get your money back?
Put simply, reputable operators want satisfied customers every time. So, we’re more than happy to refund a customer’s money if they’re not happy with the product.
In my case, I don’t offer a week or a month’s guarantee, but a full year. I think that sends out a strong statement to prospective customers that I am confident of selling them a quality product.
Even more importantly, that tells people there is absolutely no risk in buying – if you’re not happy, refunding your money is just a click away.
Bob, I hope this helps the decision making process.