Question: How can you turn one book into multiple sources of income, and continue to promote the original book at the same time?

Answer: Re-purpose it!

Re-purposing means converting the content from your book(s) into as many other formats as you can. Could your book make an audio book? An E-book? A web game?  Is there a possibility for a sequel? Can you turn it into a series? Can you make a picture book or graphic novel version of your novel? Can you re-purpose the same story for a younger audience, or an older audience? Can you adapt it into a song? Can you turn it into a play, or a musical? Can you create a workshop or build speaking engagements around the subject?  Can you offer teleseminars or webinars? What about a teacher’s guide? Articles for magazines or e-zines?  Is there a toy, a board game or another activity you could create? Can you make it the basis for a blog?

How many ways can you re-purpose one product?  In this way, you get paid anew for material you have already created, you offer your audiences greater value and opportunities to discover your message, and you gain more opportunities to promote the original work  – all at the same time.

Here are just some of the ways in which we have re-purposed our own books (and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface.) I hope this list might spark your own ideas as to how your story could be re-purposed as well:

The Dumpy the Dump Truck Series:

• Currently under consideration for a TV series
• Pajamas packaged with books for “Books to Bed”
• Fire safety and awareness package created for Dumpy and the Firefighters

Simeon’s Gift:

• Webgame based on the story (at www.julieandrewscollection.com)
• Teacher’s Guide
• Adapted into a musical for family audiences
• Further adapted into a symphonic performance

The Great American Mousical

• Webgame (www.julieandrewscollection.com)
• Song (“The Show Must Go On”)
• Teacher’s Guide
• Currently being adapted into a stage musical for family audiences

Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment

• Blog
• Workshops and speaking engagements
• Articles for e-zines and literacy websites
• E-book

By the way, this principle doesn’t just apply to books. Never lead a workshop or give a presentation without recording it – then get the recording transcribed. You’ve now got the material for blogposts, articles, workshops and more. Always be on the lookout for the ways in which you can parlay your existing materials into new sources of income, and new ways to reach your audience with your idea.

Dumpy At School

Dumpy at School (Hardcover)
by Julie Andrews Edwards (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author), Tony Watson (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Charlie, who is nervous about his first day of school, and Dumpy the Dumptruck, who is nervous about his first construction job, gradually adjust to their new settings after making new friends.

Dumpy Saves Christmas

Dumpy Saves Christmas (Hardcover)
by Julie Andrews Edwards (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

It’s Christmas Eve on Merryhill Farm, and Charlie can’t fall asleep. There’s a loud crash on the roof – and who should appear but Santa and a broken-down sleigh. Now how will all of the children in the world receive their presents from Santa? Dumpy comes to the rescue, of course, as Santa and Charlie load up Dumpy’s dumper with presents, hitch up the reindeer, and head off to a glorious star-filled night to travel the globe and spread love and good-will wherever they go.

This third story in the Dumpy( the Dump Truck series will warm readers’ hearts and spread holiday cheer just as it demonstrates the importance of teamwork and cooperation.

Dumpy's Extra Busy Day

Dumpy’s Extra-busy Day (Library Binding)
by Julie Edwards (Author), Tony Walton (Illustrator), Katie Boyd (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

It’s a very busy morning on the farm.

Farmer Barnes is away, so Charlie and Pop-Up have lots more chores to do than usual before the school bus arrives. With a little help from Dumpy and his animal pals, Charlie just might make it to school on time!
Dumpy demonstrates the rewards of cooperation in this lively easy-to-read book.

(PAPERBACK)

(HARDCOVER)

Dumpy To The Rescue

Dumpy to the Rescue (I Can Read Pre Level 1) (Library Binding)
by Julie Edwards (Author)

Many things are missing at Merryhill Farm — the cat’s milk, the baby roses, Pop-Up’s hat, and nuts and apples. Even Baby Goat is missing until Dumpy finds him.

Readers will enjoy finding out how Dumpy solves the mystery in this easy-to-read adventure.

Dumpy's Valentine

Dumpy’s Valentine (My First I Can Read) (Paperback)
by Julie Andrews Edwards (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author), Tony Walton (Illustrator), Ruby Randig (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

It’s Valentine’s Day, and poor Trusty the Mail Truck has broken down. Dumpy offers to lend a hand, and with Charlie and Pop-Up’s help he delivers surprises all over town. But what about Trusty? Will he get a valentine this year?

Dumpy's Applel Shop

Dumpy’s Apple Shop (My First I Can Read) (Hardcover)
by Julie Andrews Edwards (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author), Tony Walton (Illustrator), Cassandra Boyd (Illustrator)

Reading level: Baby-Preschool

It’s Apple Day and time for the Barnes family to set up their annual apple shop. Everyone pitches in, and Dumpy the Dump Truck wishes he could help too. Finally Dumpy finds the perfect way to make Apple Day a success!

Readers will enjoy discovering how special Dumpy is and how he makes each day joyful in this easy-to-read book.

Dumpy and His Friends On The Farm

Dumpy’s Friends on the Farm (Board book)
by Julie Andrews Edwards (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author)

Reading level: Baby-Preschool

Everyone’s busy at Merryhill Farm, there are so many things to do and so many friends to see! Join Dumpy the Dump Truck as he visits the rooster, the cow, the horse, and all of his farmyard friends!

Dumpy And His Pals

Dumpy and His Pals (Board book)
by Julie Andrews Edwards (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author), Tony Walton (Illustrator)

Reading level: Baby-Preschool

There are so many trucks and tractors in Apple Harbor! Now children can meet them all in a chunky board book that introduces preschoolers to Dumpy’s pals and their special sayings. There’s Bee-Bee the Backhoe, who believes that “two hands are better than one!” and Stinky the Garbage Truck who knows “It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it!” along with many more. This younger format is perfect for little ones who can’t wait to get to know big trucks!