How to Write a Small Report Using a Simple Outline Format

The elements of any small report or eBook are prettyWhoever your particular market may be... This would
simple and if you use a basic outline this will help yoube a good place for you to let your readers know
break down your project into smaller bite size projects.what is different about you and your approach to the
Just commit to completing one section at a time andsubject you are writing about. You then lead them into
set a goal to complete one or two sections a day andthe steps your report includes.
in about 5-7 days you will have completed your entireOn these pages you will want to write a brief
project depending on the amount of content you wishintroduction about yourself and your experience and a
to include.lead in as to what your small report will do for your
For this report let's set a goal of about 15-20 pagesreaders. What problem or problems will it solve?
this should give your reader plenty of good contentFor example: Let's say your market is "Better
and a great way for you to lead into a more in-depthParenting" and you want to write a small report called
product with a higher price tag in the future.First of all"How to get Your Kids to do Their Chores in 5
let's take a look at the basics of what your smallPainless Easy Steps"
report should include. And for this particular report let'sYour intro statement would say something like... My
use the steps or tips model.name is so and so... and I am the proud parent of 3
Here's the basic outline.beautiful kids. Over the years I have found the
1. Title Page (1pg)rewards and consequence method to work the best
2. Disclaimer Page (1pg)for getting my lovely children to complete their chores
3. Introductory Pages (1-2pgs)a.) About You and Yourin a timely and painless fashion. Here are the 5 easy
Experienceb.) Lead Insteps I employ and that have worked like a charm for
4. Steps or Tips 1-5 (10 pgs) that's two pages minimumme. Then you'll want to make a built list of the 5 steps
per step or tipof implementing your particular system.
1. Step 1a.) sub-pointb.) sub-pointThe Steps
Repeat Throughout Steps 2-5Ok... Here is where you will obviously give your
5. Conclusion (1-2pgs)audience the steps to use to solve their problem. By
Title Pagethe way, this is where you are going to spend most of
Ok... this one is pretty self explanatory. On this pageyour time writing, as it is the heart of your content. I
you are going to restate the tile and subtitle of yourrecommend you break down each step as follows.
small report and where you would display your nameFirst will be the main point of your step and 1-3 sub
as the author and any copyright information. Now thispoints. Let's follow along the "Get Your Chores Done"
doesn't have to be real fancy, but as you developidea
your own style you may want to use a particularExample: Step1 ---Using A White Board---
graphic or background image. That is kind of like yourThis of course is your main point and where you
signature or mark. Again this doesn't have to beexplain how using a white board helps you organize
anything real fancy. It could be as simple as someyour list of chores and where the kids can see the
large text with a simple border and a different backstars they receive for successfully completing each
ground color inside the outline. Once you havechore.
developed your particular title page, you then can use itThen your sub points would look something like this.
over and over again as a template for future reports.---Sub Point A--- How to set up Your White Board
Disclaimer Page/Legal Statement---Sub Point B--- Where to Locate Your White Board
Now... as sad as it may be, it seems like we live in a--Tip-- You may want to include some real life
law suit happy world these days. And In my expressexamples of how you and little Billy struggled at first,
opinion it would be in your own best interest to contactbut how you and he eventually found success. This is
a legal professional that will guide you in the propera great way to make your report a little more
wording of your legal statement in order to protectpersonal.
yourself from any liability. This statement is usually onlyAs you are writing your outline you may find that you
about one paragraph long.will come up with several ideas for future products
---Disclaimer--- I am not a legal professional nor am Iand or items you could promote along with your small
giving any legal advice and highly recommend that youreport. Like cute little chore charts with fuzzy little
contact one in your local area concerning what yourbunnies and sad little monkeys instead of stars and
legal statement you should include in order to properlycheck marks. That's why it's good idea to keep some
protect yourself from any legal recourse.side notes for future reference.
I think you get the idea...Conclusion Page
On this page you may also want to include a shortThis is where you'll want to wrap the whole thing up
notice letting the reader know that they may freelyand invite your readers to come and visit your website
distribute / give away your report to others or not. Thiswhere you sell more parenting guides and products
all depends on what you plan to use your report for.that relate to raising children or whatever your niche
Some reports you will use to generate traffic andmay be. This is also a great place to add your list of
some will be for sale.resources and affiliate links to related products that will
Introductory Pagesbe useful to your reader.