The journey from being a TpT seller to diving into the realm of print-on-demand workbooks isn't a straightforward one. In fact, it's far from it. In my experience, I've learned that not a single TpT product seamlessly transitions into a workbook without some tweaks, adjustments, and creative thinking. Why? Because the audience is different, the format is different, and this shift necessitates that the workbook itself be different from your original TpT products in most cases.
But here's the best part… this extends to your income as well! I have TpT products that are not even close to being best sellers that really resonate with the workbook buyers and vice versa.
Storytime: I have a Single Skill workbook that has raked in over $40,000 in revenue. Yet the same product has barely made a dent over on TpT, earning less than $100 ever. Conversely, I've had TpT products that soared in popularity while their workbook counterparts struggled. The key takeaway here is that the transition from TpT to print-on-demand workbooks opens up a world of possibilities. So let your imagination run wild!!
To help get your brain turning, here are a few essential questions to ask yourself during the planning process:
1. Can You Enhance Your Content with Journal Prompts?
Do you have a TpT reading comprehension product that could benefit from the addition of reflection journal prompts at the end of each passage? Workbook users often seek a more interactive learning experience, and journal prompts can provide just that.
2. Is There a Section of Your Lesson Plan or Big Bundle that is Worth Its Own Workbook?
Consider your massive ELA lesson plan bundle—could you extract one section and transform it into an entire workbook focused on a single skill? This approach allows you to break down complex concepts into digestible, comprehensive workbooks.
3. Imagine a Non-Classroom Setting
Reimagine the content you've painstakingly created. What if it wasn't destined for a classroom setting? What if it was intended for a tutoring center or for one-on-one use at home with a child? Think about how the content can adapt to different learning environments. What changes would you need to make for the user to be successful?
4. Put Yourself in the User's Shoes
Imagine your non-teaching spouse, your parents, or another adult using your workbook one-on-one with a child. What resources, guidance, and clarity would they need to successfully facilitate the learning process? Understanding the user's perspective is key to crafting user-friendly workbooks.
This is where the magic happens, my friends! I've personally found success with two distinct types of workbooks: Comprehensive workbooks that cover a broad range of topics and Single Skill workbooks that delve deep into one specific skill or concept. The possibilities are limitless, and it's all about harnessing your creativity and catering to the unique needs of your target audience.
Ready to dive in and explore these exciting opportunities? To help you get started, I've prepared a checklist of nine essential steps in creating a profitable workbook using print-on-demand. Download it now and begin planning your first print-on-demand workbook adventure. The world of educational publishing is evolving, and you have the chance to shape its future with your innovative workbooks!