Carlton Archive
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“So Why Does A Famous Doctor Urgently Need To Speak To You?”

health & dietproven winner

Carlton softens his hard-sell toolkit for Rodale's new Christian health market in this personalized Dr. Frank Minirth letter offering a free 21-day look at THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE.

pp. 142–150sales letter · envelope · order form~13 minenvelope teaser · personalization · credentializing · fascination bullets · guarantee copy · free premium
The story behind it — John's notes

I still don't know why Rodale came to me for a letter to the burgeoning Christian health market. I was guy who wrote their "sex" letters, and was briefly blacklisted for causing trouble and generally not being a "team player".

I mean... I use very strong language in my copy, as you no doubt have noticed. Not exactly the sort of words you'd choose when the Vicar comes to tea.

But I was also the "outsider", the writer expected to deliver something different and brash and new. They didn't want to go after this lucrative new market with their usual stuff. So they tricked me into taking the job.

It's been mailed, off and on, to various religious lists for over a year now. I don't believe it's a monster winner, but the jury's still out. Like I said, it's a new market they're testing.

I've included this letter in the collection because it's a great example of taking the same techniques I use for martial arts, bodybuilding, golf and other "harder" markets... and softening those techniques up enough to work to a more "sensitive" audience (which is also primarily female). It's still simply a matter of finding the right hot buttons, attaching eye-opening benefits, and driving the sale home.

I just leave out the words that raise the hair on grandmothers.

The piece itself
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Important FREE health information

[photo: a leather-bound Bible with a stethoscope draped across it]

The Bible shows you how to live a good life...

So why does a famous and respected Christian medical doctor urgently need to speak with you?

[mailing label:]

``` Postmaster Deliver 8/10/00-8/12/00 AUTO ******* 3-DIGIT 120 1234567890123 Sample A. Sample 123456789 123 Anystreet PO Box 123 Suite 123 Anywhere IL 12345-6789 ```

[barcode]

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FROM THE DOCTOR'S DESK FRANK MINIRTH, M.D.

[handwritten: Please Remember I am sending you this FREE]

To: Sample A. Sample 123 Anystreet PO Box 123 Suite 123 Anywhere IL 12345-6789

Tuesday, 7:35 p.m.

Dear Sample A. Sample,

I've just finished another busy day with the clinic...but I wanted to make sure I wrote down my thoughts to you before I go home.

I believe this will be one of the most important messages you have ever received in your life. It's about your health... your emotional happiness... and... most importantly... your relationship with God.

My name is Dr. Frank Minirth, and I am what some people call a "Christian medical doctor." You may have heard about the nationwide Christian health-care centers I co-founded, The Minirth Meier Clinics.

Or you may have seen my books in your local religious book store. (I've written over fifty, including several best-sellers.) Or... you may know me from my two "ask the doctor" radio call-in programs, "Life Talk" and "Life Perspectives"... or my national television show, "The Minirth Clinic" (carried on the Inspirational Network).

But none of this matters right now. What does matter is that I have something urgent to share with you that has the power to change your life forever.

And I know it seems a little odd to be receiving important information—for free—about your health and your walk with God from a medical doctor you've just met...but you will understand completely in a few moments.

You see, for so many other believers just like you, what you are about to learn...

Has Been the Answer to Many Years of Heartache and Prayer.

Here is what I want to share with you: Until now, there has never been a "spiritually-sound" self-help source for believers who

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need to heal serious health and emotional problems... and who do not have anywhere else to turn.

> [sidebar] *This Bible-based medical approach has been a huge relief to so many believers who feel spiritually ignored by today's huge, unfriendly health care industry.*

I'm talking about life-ruining problems such as...

  • ✓ always feeling depressed or anxious...
  • ✓ the heartbreaking inability to lose weight...
  • alcoholism and drug addiction...
  • ✓ the fear and anger of divorce...
  • ✓ losing the respect of your children...
  • ✓ the guilt and shame of hiding terrible "family secrets"...
  • money troubles...
  • sexual difficulties...
  • grief over the death of loved ones...
  • ✓ the sometimes embarrassing illnesses and crushing loneliness of just growing old...

And countless more. (Including "everyday" health issues like headaches, jealousy, losing sleep, and constantly feeling stressed-out.) All the problems that strip your life of happiness, and test your faith.

The troubles you often just cannot tell anyone else about... and make you feel so alone.

And, until now, there was precious little you could do except suffer and struggle on your own. Alone. Because most medical doctors simply do not pay any attention to your spiritual needs when they treat you...and that can leave you feeling empty and ignored.

Yet, even the most concerned minister or clergyman will not have the medical answers that may save your life.

God never intended for you to suffer alone like this. You just need a little help finding out what to do.

That's why it is so important that I reach you today.

> [sidebar] *Often, your emotional suffering is not your fault at all... and you can end it quickly by finding the medical problem hidden under your 'bad' feelings. The Bible tells us that Christ told those who were sick to seek a doctor. It's always been good advice. Stop suffering needlessly. "Ask, and it shall be given you; search and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you." Matthew 7:7*

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You see, there's an astonishing new book now available (published by the same good people behind PREVENTION Magazine) that is causing enormous excitement among the faithful everywhere in this country.

> [sidebar] *A better understanding of the Word of God can immediately help you end the confusion that is keeping you from getting well. All you need is caring and sympathetic help in knowing what to do. "The truth shall make you free." John 8:32*

It's called THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE, and you should know about it because—finally—here is a Bible-based and medically-effective "combined" source you can trust...

Because It Was Created by Christian Doctors Who Understand the Healing Power of God's Word.

This is where you will find the answers to your most serious (and secret) troubles... whether they are physical... emotional... or spiritual.

Best of all, because I had a hand in writing this book...

I Insist You Have the Opportunity to Read It FREE!

You may have heard about THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE already. (I know I've gotten thousands of calls about these subjects on my radio show.) More than 100,000 people of faith have paid a goodly sum of money for the advice you'll find in this book...so you should not hesitate to accept this generous offer to see it yourself...for free.

Finally, in the privacy of your home, you can find honest and proven answers to the serious problems you may have never dared ask anyone about. Answers from working Christian medical doctors like myself...who know from years of experience how to blend the power of your faith...with the proven breakthroughs of modern medicine and psychology...

To Heal You Faster and More Completely.

It's written in plain old simple English, too, so it is easy to understand and easy to use. (It's even easier to read than most newspapers!)

Whenever you need to know a fancy medical term, it gets explained to you without fuss. And always, the connections between God's Word and any "doctor's orders" are spelled out as clear as a bell for you.

This is important. Because, as a doctor, I know that modern medicine can now heal your body in new ways most folks haven't

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even heard about yet.

> [sidebar] Seeking help from Christian doctors and therapists is NOT a sign of spiritual weakness! In fact, Scripture urges you to admit your faults, and seek help when you're in trouble. (See James 5:16.)

However, as a Christian, I also know that...

All the "Medical Miracles" in the Universe Can't Help Heal Your Soul.

That's why THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE has been such a blessing to so many believers.

I've heard this new book referred to as a "Private Spiritual House Call" by caring, experienced Christian doctors. Doctors who understand that the timeless truth of the Bible...goes hand-in-hand...with using modern medicine to cure.

I beg you to read this amazing book, for free, and see how it fits as part of your personal "Support System" at home. I've seen the miracle of lives transformed almost overnight with the right advice...and I know in my heart it can happen for you, too.

No matter how troubled you are... no matter how confused, heart-sick, or frustrated... just opening this book will be like having...

A Divine Searchlight Switched on to Eliminate Your Darkness.

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE is a rich source of truth and enlightenment—over 624 pages filled to bursting with:

  • Proven, easy-to-understand "doctor's orders" and good advice from professional Christian therapists and medical physicians on every important "health and happiness" subject you can imagine...
  • → Supported by specific Biblical references and explanations that will give you a better understanding of God's Word than you ever dreamed possible before...
  • → With personal testimony of other believers sharing secret stories that will leave you breathless and exhilarated (so you know you're not alone)...
  • → And quick, simple (but very revealing) self-tests to help you uncover any "unseen" troubles that may be causing your misery without you even realizing it...
  • → Along with detailed self-help for the most serious personal problems people suffer...so you can do something, right away, about whatever ails you.
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Remember, thousands of other people who have walked the same path you're on have already discovered the healing power of this amazing book.

Now it's your turn.

Here is how to receive your "Free Look": You cannot buy the copy of THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE I have set aside for you. You can only receive it free. Do not, under any circumstances, send any money now. Simply mail the "Free-Look Reply Card" enclosed with this letter. (The postage has already been paid for you.) That is all you need to do.

Your book will be rushed out to you as quickly as possible. When it arrives, you will have 21 days to treat this amazing book as your own—read it, pray with it, use it however you wish. That is more than enough time to read everything in it that interests you, at your own pace, free.

You are under no obligation to keep the book, and...

You Never Risk a Penny at Any Time.

If you decide, after having this book for your 21-day "Free Look," that you want to keep it...you will be able to simply buy it for an astonishingly reasonable price. (It's a fraction of what you would pay for a single visit to most medical offices for even the slightest complaint.)

But you are under no pressure to keep the book.

Why? Because, if for any reason (or for no reason at all), you decide you do not want to keep your copy of THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE...simply return it, in any condition, and you owe nothing. (We will even pay all the postage for sending the book back.)

There will be no questions asked, and no hassles, either, at any time. You may even change your mind after buying the book, and still receive a 100 percent refund of your money.

> [sidebar] *Please know that the three writers of this book speak from personal experience as medical doctors, counselors...and lifelong Christians. Dr. Frank Minirth (who has personally invited you to see this book free) is a board certified psychiatrist and medical doctor... Dr. Paul Meier has a medical degree in psychiatry plus a degree in theology... and therapist Stephen Arteburn has earned nationwide gratitude and respect through his well-known work in Christian-oriented counseling. > > What all that means for you is this: For the first time, you now have a place to go for answers from Christian medical doctors to your most private and most difficult problems—the problems you may have kept secret—for years because you did not have anywhere else to turn.*

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It really is that simple and generous. I am offering you a FREE Look, no strings attached. So you can decide for yourself if THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE deserves a permanent place in your home.

> [sidebar] *God gave us this rich land to flourish in and be happy...and His Word to help us in times of trial. But God has also given us the resources to advance our knowledge of medicine and mental health beyond anything imagined just a few years ago. That, I believe, has always been His intention—to use the miracles He's bestowed on us to live a full, healthy, and spiritually-fulfilled life.*

All I ask is that you look at the book...and see what it has to offer you.

Perhaps you only have a single burning question you need answered. I understand. And I insist you get this book, find that one answer you need, and then return it. It is infinitely more important to me as a doctor that you get the help you need, than it is that another book is sold.

This wonderful FREE Look offer is only for selected people—like you—who have received my letters. No one else gets to see THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE for free. (I've never heard of any bookstore that will let you take a book home for a free look like this...have you?)

It is now time for you to act. The same relief and healing and spiritual renewal that so many others have enjoyed is now in your hands...with this stunning guide to complete physical and spiritual health and happiness.

God bless you.

[signature: Frank Minirth]

Frank Minirth, M.D.

P.S. Please send in the attached "Reply Card" today, while you are thinking about it. Don't let this generous opportunity I've arranged for you slip away.

> [sidebar] You will not find this book in any bookstore...it is available ONLY to people who (like you) have personally received this generous "Free-Look" offer from Dr. Minirth...

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It's so easy to have your copy of THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE rushed to you for your Free Look. Simply:

1. Detach your "Free-Look Reply Coupon" along the perforations, below. 2. Place it in the enclosed envelope—it's already been addressed, and the postage has been paid for you. 3. And...mail it today.

You have 21 full days after receiving your book to read it, pray with it, use it in any way that helps you. I insist that you not pay a single penny for this opportunity. If, at the end of your 21 day "Free Look," you decide you do not want to keep THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE, simply return it (in any condition) and owe nothing. No questions asked. If you do decide to keep the book, you will be gently billed in four very convenient monthly installments. Nothing could be easier.

And you can change your mind later, at any time, for any reason! If, after buying THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE, you later decide to return it, simply send it back...and you will receive a prompt 100 percent refund of your money. So you do not risk a penny at any time. I trust you completely to do what you believe is best. This is the way I wish businesses would treat me when I order things.

What's more...you may keep the free Awaken Your Spirit—30 Stories of God's Amazing Love regardless of what you decide to do. It's my gift to you. I ask only that you send in your "Free-Look Reply Coupon" right away, while you are thinking of it, and while this letter is still warm in your hands.

Thank you so much, and God bless.

[sidebar] It will not cost you a penny to return your book—because the Merchandise Return Label at right is actually pre-paid postage. Simply cut it out along the dashed lines... fill in your return address... attach to whatever you send the book back in... and drop in the mail. You pay nothing—your 21-day Free Look has not cost you a cent.

[graphic: perforated pre-paid postage label reading:]

FROM ________ 15-003-0 DELIVERY POST OFFICE COMPUTE POSTAGE DUE Bound Printed Matter ACCEPTANCE POST OFFICE FOR ANCILLARY SERVICES ONLY POSTAGE $ ________ MERCHANDISE RETURN FEE ________ INSURANCE FEE, IF ANY ________ TOTAL POSTAGE AND FEES DUE $ ________ MERCHANDISE RETURN LABEL PERMIT#1 EMMAUS, PA 18098 RODALE 33 E. MINOR ST. NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES POSTAGE DUE UNIT U.S. POSTAL SERVICE EMMAUS, PA 18098

Please tear along perforation

Free-Look Reply Coupon

YES, DOCTOR—I want you to rush-deliver the copy of THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUIDE you've set aside for me. And thank you for insisting that I have 21 days to read it free, and may return it (in any condition) without being charged a penny. If I decide to keep this wonderful book, I will be billed in four gentle monthly installments of just $7.49...and I can still change my mind and return it later for a full refund. That is so generous. Plus, I may keep the free gift Awaken Your Spirit! 30 Stories of God's Amazing Love regardless. Thank you.

(Please check the back of this coupon to make sure I've spelled your name and address correctly. Thank you.)

If the postage-paid envelope is missing, tear along the perforation and mail to: Rodale Books, Dept. Q, 33 E. Minor St., Emmaus, PA 18098

So Why Does A Famous Doctor Urgently Need To Speak To You? — original scan, page 143
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So Why Does A Famous Doctor Urgently Need To Speak To You? — original scan, page 144
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So Why Does A Famous Doctor Urgently Need To Speak To You? — original scan, page 145
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So Why Does A Famous Doctor Urgently Need To Speak To You? — original scan, page 148
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So Why Does A Famous Doctor Urgently Need To Speak To You? — original scan, page 149
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So Why Does A Famous Doctor Urgently Need To Speak To You? — original scan, page 150
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