Written by inventors for inventors, this guide outlines the steps involved with moving a product from the idea phase to market on an extremely limited budget. Filled with advice on how to save money during every phase of the inventive process and how to avoid falling into the traps set to ensnare unwary inventors, this handbook defines the steps involved in developing, protecting, and marketing ideas while maximizing the chances of getting products to market. Tips include how to find out if your idea has already been done; how to obtain free (or nearly free) help; how to pace expenditures; when to spend money and when to hold back; how to know who may or may not be trusted; and where to find sources of funding to enable the pursuit of the invention.
About the Author: Mary Russell Sarao and Barbara Russell Pitts are sisters and the inventors of Ghostline(R), a product that has been marketed nationally since 1997 and currently retails $15 million annually. They are co-authors of "The Everything Inventing and Patents Book," published in December, 2005 by Adams Media and "Inventing on a Shoestring Budget", published in June, 2006 by Second Sight Publishing. For three years they co-authored a monthly column, 2 for the Money, in Inventors Digest magazine. They are currently launching their latest invention, a clean and green method of foundation makeup application. Successful inventors and recognized experts on the subject, they have lectured extensively on the different areas of inventing and marketing at seminars, workshops and organizations around the country as well as appearing on radio and television talk shows. In 2001, they were featured in the documentary film, "The Big Idea." In August 2004, they were featured in posters that were displayed in libraries nationwide in recognition of National Inventor's Month. They have served on the board of directors of the United Inventors Association and are both past presidents of the Texas Inventors Association. They are currently board members of that organization. In July, 2003 they were the subject of a newspaper article in the Dallas Morning News about their passion for assisting novice inventors. That article was picked up by the wire services and carried in newspapers nationwide. Barbara and Mary were featured in Harvey Reese's book, The 12 Amazing Secrets of Millionaire Inventors, in Ellie Crowe's and Robert Yonover's book, Hardcore Inventing, and in Julia Rhodes' and Patricia Harrelson's new book, The Right Sisters. They continue to mentor inventors through their website, www.AskTheInventors.com. Both sisters live in the Dallas, Texas area.