Podcast

Chris Kennedy is a self-made science fiction writer who has garnered a great deal of fame in recent years due to the success of his self-published books. He shared with me some of the methodology behind his success in self-publishing and also highlighted some of the pitfalls where new writers tend to stumble. I’ve outlined some points from our talk below.

 

• Chris is a bestselling science fiction author and self-publishing guru
• His process
  • Just start! Chris told me, (and other writers will say) ‘write what you know.’ Writing from your own experience is a great place to start.
    • He began writing down stories from work in his free time. To start, you can spend as much time as you can afford on writing, but as he pointed out, you won’t get anywhere before the first word is written.
    • Form some kind of plan. Chris mentioned that it’s essential to form a plan early in the process to keep yourself on track.
      • For Chris, 90 days was enough to get something ready for the editor, but of course, this will be different for everyone depending on the amount of time you have.
    • Create a compelling cover and book summary.
      • Chris pointed out that readers very often choose a book based on appearance, so creating an eye-catching cover is essential.
      • A dull or poorly written book summary can steer potential readers away. Make sure the first impression they get is a good one.
    • ‘Pre’ Market your book.
      • Establish a presence on social media and make connections before the release of the book. If people trust your opinion ahead of time this will give you clout as an author before the release of the book.
    • Get an editor
      • A good editor is essential. If you’re operating on a small budget, this can be done for free through friends and colleagues.
    • Don’t listen to the naysayers! Many will tell you that you don’t have what it takes to be a writer or a self-publisher. That’s nonsense! People told Chris the same thing, but perseverance showed them wrong.
    • His Published Books
      • “Red Tide: The Chinese Invasion of Seattle” (Occupied Seattle, Book 1)
      • “Occupied Seattle” (Occupied Seattle, Book 2)
      • “Janissaries” (Book One of the Theogony)
      • When the Gods Aren’t Gods (Book Two of the Theogony)
      • “Terra Stands Alone” (Book Three of the Theogony)
      • “Chasing a Spectre” (Book 0 of the War for Dominance)
      • Can’t Look Back (Book 1 of the War for Dominance)
      • Self-Publishing for Profit
    • For more information, visit his website, check out his amazon page, or find him on Facebook.

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1. Actor, model, mentor.
2. Always had a love of the unknown.
3. He learned by ‘doing.’
4. Found people who were successful and asked for their help.
5. You never stop learning.
6. There are many paths to learning; one size doesn’t fit all.
7. Sometimes you need to work in a field for a little while before you decide to commit fully.
8. The majority of modeling does not take place on the runway.
9. You can do modeling on the side without having to stop your daytime job.
10. The key to being a good actor is making yourself appear to be a natural for the part.
11. Eventually get a head shot and promote yourself.
12. Make phone calls to get work…it works for models of any age.
13. As an extra, you don’t have to have any skills.
14. Your background can be very helpful in acting situations.
15. Your particular look gets you an audition. You need to have the right type of photograph.
16. He started as an actor and a model without any training.
17. There is work everywhere—both large and small markets.
18. Advertising agencies can be found at your local chamber of commerce.
19. Write a short cover letter to accompany your headshots.
20. You credentials can be sent to art directors and creative directors.
21. Inform then that you would like to be considered for all types of work: Tv commercials, modeling, voice-over etc.
22. You need to have good equipment for voice over work but its cheap.
23. Joining the union gets you more protection and money.
24. Part time acting is less about the money and more about the life style.
25. Go to auditions to have a good; even if you don’t get the part, you will still learn a lot.
26. Find a way to relate your good qualities to the casting director.
27. When you are called to audition for a particular show, you must be familiar with that show before the audition.

Social and Mentioned Sites

• Email- aaron@howtomodel.com
• His Website – www.howtomodel.com
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HowToModel

Books

1. How to Become a Successful Commercial Model: The Complete Commerical Modeling Cookbook

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1. Simple systems work.
2. Is your accountant adding to your bottom line?
3. He’s an accidental entrepreneur.
4. Got most of his business ideas from books.
5. Study what other entrepreneurs are doing.
6. He studied 33 high profile clients and developed a language for his own clients.
7. Maximize productivity by breaking down task employee by employee
8. Revenue is vanity. Profit is vanity. Cash is king.
9. You must understand your profitability matrix.
10. Keep the divisions that make money and get rid of the ones that don’t.
11. Management cannot be outsourced. You must lead yourself.
12. The best management style is to break things into pieces. ‘Two week sprints’ usually allow for a high level of energy and productivity.
13. An unproductive mentality can be infectious in a company.
14. Your job and your business may be separate.
15. You can pick any job you want but the market with pick your pay.
16. Partnerships should be sold after each partner is paid for what he/she contributed.
17. Hang out with other entrepreneurs.
18. Charge less than others to get things going.
19. Charge flat rates for what you can accomplish. This will give more negotiating power.
20. Keep it simple but make an impact.
21. Don’t let what you do define you.
22. Consultants often overcharge.
23. Focus on where the market is right now. Cut out the lowest performing 20%.
24. Focus on those who want a relationship vs. a transaction.

Books Recommended by Greg

• “Drive” – Daniel Pink
• “Free Agent Nation” – Daniel Pink
• “The Adventures of Johnny Bunko” – Daniel Pink
• “Abundance: The Future is Better than You Think” – Peter Diamandis
• “Bold” – Peter Diamandis

Books Written by Greg

•  “Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential”

Social and Recommended Sites

•  http://www.crbcpa.net/ (his website)
• http://simplenumbers.me/ (his product website)
• Email: greg.crabtree@crbcpa.net
• Twitter: @gregcrabtreecpa

               

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1. In 1989 after getting laid off she decided to start her own business. Trade show consulting.
2. Written 14 book, many different disciplines.
3. Start with Self-publishing; it’s the easiest.
4. Kindle can be a good method to start with.
5. Who is your target market (the narrower the market the better)
6. Be a big fish in a small pond.
7. Your book cover and title over ½ the battle.
8. You must promote your own book.
9. Write evergreen books, something if read 10 years from now would be just as relevant.
10. Content marketing can be very powerful.
11. Write an outline of your book and have people preorder it at ½ price before it’s finished. Let them know when it’s finished they will get the first copies.
12. Build your name by writing in different venues, guest blogger, etc.
13. Find people that are in pain and bring a solution.
14. Don’t be a generalist; find a niche.
15. Susan’s method “GEL” G is for growth (only look at growth industries). E is for experience—use the knowledge you already have. L is love the niche—pick one you love. If you like radio, use it. If you like video, use it.
16. Susan’s friend who was a nurse no longer wanted to do the job and became an expert trainer with a sense of humor. She went on to her own great businesses.
17. Research a niche and see if there is a need. Look for user clubs, publications catering to the subject, magazines, blogs, websites, and these ideas will lead you to others.
18. Always have in your signature an email offer (ex. Go to ‘www.whatever.com’ and get the article “10 ways to start writing tomorrow” or whatever your subject matter.
19. You must publicize in your niche, so when people look on blogs your name appears.
20. You already paid the price for what you know through many years of work. Now you just need to market it correctly.
21. All fields need consultants and they are paid well.
22. Susan has provided a special offer for listeners of this podcast. Susan’s private consulting costs $250 an hour, however, if you mention Ken Queen, you will receive a $100 discount.

Books

Riches in Niches: How to Make It Big in a Small Market
Meeting & Event Planning For Dummies
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Target Marketing
7 Secret Motivators That Drive Your Customers to The BUY Button
Exhibiting at Tradeshows: Tips and Techniques for Success (Crisp Fifty-Minute Series)
Bringing Sales & Marketing Together: 7 Strategies For Greater Profitability

Social

Email-  susan@richesinniches.com

Twitter- @Tradeshowcoach

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