Canadian vs. American - What’s the Difference?

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I have been asked what is the difference between the Canadian and American Editions of my book. Well, I didn’t intend to write two books. It just worked out that way.

When I first had the idea for my book I had no idea where to start. A colleague who had written a marketing book told me, “Create the Table of Contents and keep writing.” So I did.

While I was doing research, I discovered the Annual National Sweepstakes Convention held every summer in the United States. In 2005, I contacted the committee that was running the convention, bought passes for my husband and I along with wrangling myself a speaking spot.

I was not prepared for what I found. What I found was 600 kindred spirits. For the first time in my life I felt as if I belonged. What a great feeling! (As good as a win!) I also discovered many differences between Canadian “contestors” and American “sweepers”, the first being the lingo. The second is; Americans must pay income tax on all their winnings. Plus all the online resources are different. From that point forward It became obvious to me I had to write two separate editions of my book.

Being Canadian I finished the Canadian Edition first, published in March of 2006. Then I began on the American Edition. I thought I could write it in six months. I finished it in 18 months. (Adding in a six month hiatus to run a convention. What was I thinking?!). The American Edition was published in April 2008.

Technology moves so quickly I would like to update the Canadian Edition before I begin writing my third book (working title) How To Create A Promotion From The Outside In. It will be for marketers and how they can avoid the errors we entrants see in promotions, over and over again.

I would also like to write a fourth book on LUCK.

Now I only need to clear my desk, the big pile of filing, the backlog of emails in my inbox, and catch up on my contesting….

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