I've an idea for an investment strategy...

[ian.cd]

I've an 'original' idea for an investment strategy (I avidly scan such books, and I've not seen one with a similar theme) and I'd like to put it into print.

It's something that someone with an independent attitude to investment who likes a 'hands-on' approach would go for - as such, it wont be a huge seller and I'm thinking of maybe 1000 copies selling at £25 each.

Has anyone done something similar? What are the potential pitfalls (eg. someone stealing my strategy and marketing it themselves?) and how can I protect my idea?

I've thought not printing at all, but selling it through ebay etc, and sending an e-book. Is this still covered by copyright etc?

Ian

[fastfences]

Why not put the strategy into place, i.e. materialise it, then write the book. If the strategy is good, the book will be a best seller, or, if it is sooo good, you won't have time to write the book.

If it doesn't work, why write the book?

If you do decide to release as an e-book, (or whatever medium) copyright protection is automatically afforded to the writer of the works. Always be sure to keep copies, disks of drafts. A good idea is to date each draft; this is good not only for record purposes, but also provides a good 'time-line' on the development of the script.

Cheers, Nigel
(Dip. Arts, Prof.Writing & Editing)

[Rob Holmes]

Ian - I feel your strategy must be proven to maximise sales.

Very few ideas with investments are original nowadays so if it really is original or even a fresh slant on an old concept make sure you get it copywritten etc :)

I have a client who specialises in selling e-books and making sure they can't be copied from one machine to the other etc - so if you ned any help let me know!

Rob

[directmarketingadvice]

Ian

I don't know your definition of hands-on, but couldn't your idea be pitched to a venture capitalist or a financial advisor in your area to verify its soundness and uniqueness?

Steve

[Abdul]

Ian,
Whatever strategy you put into place, sooner or later soeone is bound to copy it. Do not be afraid of competition, it is something you have to live with and manage. Test your strategy before launching it full scale.
Abdul