The Fabulist Flash

Issue 153

by Gregory A. Kompes

In This Issue:

1. This Week
2. Don't Be an Expert, Be a Filter
3. Beating the Business Blues
4. Ashley Ladd takes the 18Q
5. About The Fabulist Flash

1. This Week

It's been a week of ends and beginnings. The summer quarter ended and I'm two more classes closer to my MS Ed. degree. Only two more to go when the fall quarter starts at the end of September and if all goes well with my thesis project, I'll have my degree by the end of the year.

I've been in training over the past month and now it's official, I'm the Distance Learning site editor for BellaOnline. If you'd like to learn more about online and distance learning check it out (http://distancelearning.bellaonline.com. Bella is looking for editors for several of its sites. If you're interested, visit the topic list to see if your niche is available.

Internet ACE started this week. There's a nice group of learners in the course and I'm looking forward to the next ten weeks with them. The next and last Internet ACE offering for 2007 starts October 8th and space is limited. Learn more here.

The first gathering of the Writer's Pen & Grill was this week. It was fun spending the evening socializing with local authors. If you'll be in Vegas on a Wed. be sure to stop by.

And, if you'll be in Vegas on September 15th, you won't want to miss the all-day workshop, Write Your Book in 20 Minutes with Eva Shaw, Ph.D.

Both of the anthology series I'm an editor on (Queer Collection and Patchwork Path) have announced their 2007 call for submissions.

Finally, the 18Q has reached and exceeded 100 authors. If you're a published author, join the crowd and take the 18Q today!

If you are interested in any of the activities listed here, please click the link. If any of your writer friends might be interested, please forward this issue of the Fabulist Flash to them.

Hope you're writing up a storm!

Gregory

Upcoming Events

September 4, 2007: Writerpreneur(tm) Course: Internet Tech: Building Your ACE Internet Self-Platform Platform with Gregory A. Kompes -- learn how build, brand, and expand your writing career using Internet Technology during this 10 week, interactive, online course. Registration Closed.

September 15, 2007: Writerpreneur(tm) Workshop: Write Your Book in 20 Minutes with Eva Shaw. Las Vegas, NV.

October 8, 2007: Writerpreneur(tm) Course: Internet ACE: Building Your Online Self-Platform Platform with Gregory A. Kompes -- learn how build, brand, and expand your writing career using Internet Technology during this 10 week, interactive, online course. Registration Open.

October 20, 2007: Internet Tech: Building Your ACE Internet Self-Promotion Platform with Gregory A. Kompes -- learn how build, brand, and expand your writing career using Internet Technology during this three hour seminar sponsored by NSA-Las Vegas.

If you'll be in Las Vegas on a Wednesday night, socialize with the local writers at the Writer's Pen & Grill(TM). Open to all writers!

2. Don't Be an Expert, Be a Filter

Don't Be an Expert, Be a Filter (secrets To Selling More Books)
by Penny Sansevieri

So, how much would you pay someone to sift through your email each morning, deleting the garbage and presenting you with the 5 (out of 500) emails you need to respond to? If you already have someone like that, lucky you! But if you don't, I bet this sounds like a dream. In the age of a constant flood of information, consumers will pay good money for a filter. So if you want to sell books, be the go-to person for your market.

If you're wondering how to become a filter, give some thought to the filters you may not even be aware of. For example, in the book publishing market I can think of two major ones: Dan Poynter and John Kremer. Both of them are filters. Why? Well, they have zeroed in on their focused market and have become the go-to people for everything publishing and marketing. We have structured Author Marketing Experts the same way: all book marketing, all the time.

While you'll find filters in different markets, they share a lot of the same characteristics. Filters are out there weeding through information so you don't have to, and then they are posting their findings on their website, blog, or talking about it in their podcast. Sometimes they're doing a combination of all of these things to keep their readers informed.

Next, filters are so laser focused in their market that not only can they filter out the "noise" for you so you don't have to, they can then compartmentalize the noise into sub-filters. These sub-filters become even more significant, and here's why. Increasingly, we are living in an age of customization. I mean when was the last time you bought an entire CD or read an entire newspaper? More than likely you're buying your music one song at a time on iTunes, or you're reading your news selectively or, in many cases, through RSS feeds that allow you to tap into only the content that you want. We'll put all of this together in a moment, but for now, start thinking about the customized element to what you're doing.

The tools we have at our disposal (many of them free) make becoming a filter extremely easy. Blogs, podcasts, RSS feeds, all of these help us to build our filter and therefore, build our audience. But before you launch headlong into filtering, consider these quick tips:

Becoming a filter requires dedication, but the benefits will pay off in ways you can't imagine (and many that will fill your bank account). When I talk about dedication, what I mean is *you* must read every publication that's out there on your topic so your reader doesn't have to, and more than that, you should read outside of your area of expertise because you never know where the big ideas will come from. Take an afternoon, once a month, and devour your reading material. I read an average of 27 magazines a month. Yes, it can be overwhelming (at times), but the upside is that you are constantly staying dialed into your market. That's the first step to becoming a filter.

Be crystal clear about what you're filtering. If you're sitting in a huge market like, let's say automotive, you probably don't want to talk about every single car that's out there or being developed. Perhaps you want to focus only on hybrid vehicles. Now your direction is clear. Once you have this direction, your website should reflect that. Your website should be the first marketing piece you look at as you're developing your focus. Next, ask yourself if your book is a filter. If it's not, it should be. Being a filter is tougher for fiction authors of course, but you non-fiction folks should have no trouble leveraging this into your books.

Blog, podcast, and write, write, write on trends, reviews, hot new ideas and things that are so-so. I always tell people that I am my own test lab. If you want to try something new in marketing, check with me first. It's likely that I've already tested it on myself. In fact, all of our programs are built from things I tried first. If I don't like it, or it didn't work, I won't sell it. That's a filter. And I'm not just talking about filtering stuff you can offer to a client, be objective! Be a filter for the competition, too, and by all means, send people to other vendors if they can offer what you can't. Remember, the customer/reader came to you first.

Make customization your best friend. So, let's use our car example again. Let's say you wrote a book on hybrid cars and your site is all about hybrids as is your blog, newsletter and podcast. But now you have built your brand sufficiently, and it's time to break out into new areas. How about this: ebooks for focused markets. Quick and easy tips, like "Buying a hybrid for seniors" or "Buying a hybrid for families." The key to remember is that each of these markets has its own specific needs. When it comes to buying a car, the needs of a family are different from those of a senior or single.

What's your brand? Everyone's a brand, even Nora Roberts. Becoming a filter will help you brand yourself. Remember that people don't buy a book, they buy a brand. If you're clear on your brand, you'll sell more books. Figuring out your branding doesn't need to be complicated, but it does need to be focused. I'm not talking about the kind of branding that requires hours of logo development. I'm not even talking about a brand that's necessarily original. Yes, you want to be unique, but the key isn't doing something no one else is doing, the key is doing it better.

So how can you become a filter? What's your market and focus? Perhaps you're thinking that you can apply some of these principles, but not all of them. That's OK! The thing to remember is that being an expert is pass. I don't know if you've noticed, but these days everyone's an expert. They're a dime a dozen. What you want to be is a filter.

About the Author
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Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a book marketing and media relations expert whose company has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. Visit http://www.amarketingexpert.com

3. Beating the Business Blues

Beating the Business Blues Working from Home
by Naz Daud

The main reason people set up a home business is to have low overheads, escape the daily traffic jams and be the boss. But working from home also creates a feeling of isolation and when motivation is low it evens become difficult just going through your emails.

If you have an internet business and you live alone the problems just get compounded. There will be days at a time when you do not meet another living soul. So how do you beat the business blues?

Here are some tips:

Join a fitness club and pop out every time your energy levels start sagging. You do not need to use the gym every time… sometimes you can go straight to the wet area.

Get into the habit of having lunch somewhere nice that is not too expensive. At least you will be see some (live) people and be fresh when you get back to the office. Meet a friend for lunch now and again. Chatting about something else apart from will help to break up the day.

Keep some plants in the office and have some fish in an aquarium. Alternatively keep a cat or dog as a pet. They make great companions and a dog will even accompany you when you go for a walk!

Make a collection of your favorite music and have a decent stereo in the office. You can listen to some soothing music when you are feeling low or something more upbeat if you are feeling motivated.

Try and take regular breaks. The great thing about working from home is that you can pop into the kitchen and rustle up a snack or if the weather is nice do a spot of gardening! In the military they did a test on soldiers who marched for hours without a rest.

They analyzed soldiers who had a five minute break each hour. Guess what… the soldiers who had a short break every hour actually ended up marching further than the soldiers who did not stop at all!

Join at least one networking organization. There are many different types. Some meat early in the mornings, others at lunch and some meet after work. Some meet weekly whilst others meet every month. Join the one that fits in with your lifestyle and get into the habit of attending it regularly.

You can now even network online with like minded people. There are many types of business networks on the internet. One advantage of being a member is that most people are more than willing to help if you have any questions that need answering.

Finally ensure that you have a dedicated office at home. Spend some money and buy new desks and chairs. Ensure that the lighting is soft so that you do not get tired so quickly.

Bear in mind that if you work from home you will probably spend a lot of time in your home and it is essential that you enjoy working there.

Do you have any tips on how to beat the business blues for people working from home?

About the Author
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Naz Daud Business Franchises and UK Business Directory Business Franchise Opportunity Ireland Business Directory & Franchises http://www.citylocal.co.uk/

4. Ashley Ladd takes the 18Q

The prolific romance writerAshley Ladd takes the 18Q.

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?
Writing chose me. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a writer, when I didn’t dream of becoming published. I started writing stories at age 6 and constantly regaled my dad with my stories.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)
My bachelor’s degree is in Accounting. My Master’s is in business (MBA). I’ve worked as a financial analyst, customer service representative, waitress, hostess, ceramics, as well as published writer. I also served in the US Air Force in the late 70’s and early 80’s so I sometimes also write military romance. My full-time day job currently is as a customer service rep for a charity that serves the destitute poor of the Caribbean and Latin America. I’ve been with my current employer going on fourteen years.

3. When did you 'know' you were a writer?
I’ve known from age 6. I’ve always been obsessed with writing and telling stories.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?
Humorous. Even when I’m writing a serious story (not a comedy romance), I can’t help but add some humor. Recently, I wrote a paranormal and really tried to keep it steeped in witch craft and magic. I just couldn’t keep out a funny ghost. He just demanded to be included.

5. What is your writing process?
Stories usually percolate in my mind for a year or two before I commit them to paper. Sometimes I brainstorm for story ideas. Then I write a very basic story outline. Occasionally, I’ll write the synopsis first, but usually not till the story’s completed. Then I’ll write the story. Things that happen to me during a work in progress will often wind up in that story. Then of course I let my critique partner(s) critique the story.

6. What was your path to publication?
I started writing seriously in the early 90s. I joined RWA and attended our local RWA conferences annually. I met Madris DePasteure of New Concepts Publishing in 1998 or 1999 at the Florida Fun in the Sun conference and then sent my first book, Tigers Play Too Rough, to her house. They published it and it’s still available at www.newconceptspublishing.com. However, the title’s been shortened to “Tigers Play”. I published several books with NCP and now also with Ellora’s Cave, Awe-Struck, and Total-e-Bound.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
It’s hard to say. I’ve tried several marketing ideas and it’s tough to know which one(s) work and which don’t. Effective marketing is keeping an author’s name in front of her readers through several means. As I work full-time and have a young family as well, I concentrate the bulk of my time on writing more and better stories.

8. What are the biggest surprises you've encountered as a writer?
How hard and time consuming promotion is. That writers have to be social, which is difficult for me since I’m basically shy.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?
Creativity and inspiration come from many venues. Reading spawns many ideas. Listening to music. Walking – I’m an avid walker and ideas flow as I work out. Swimming – same as walking, especially when I’m floating or swimming on my back when the water’s in my ears drowning out other sound. Doing activities and spending time with my family and friends. Ideas are literally everywhere.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?
When I finaled for a double Eppie finalist for two of my books in 2003. That was awesome.

11. What's the best advice you were given about writing?
Polish. Edit. Never give up. Keep on trying, keep submitting.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?
Do I have to say? I feel embarrassed when my work is rejected or when I miss some glaring error.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
Having the money and time to promote as much as I’d like, as I need to.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?
Never give up. Never say die. Keep writing. Keep submitting.

15. When you're not writing what do you do for fun?
Swim. Walk. Bicycle. Play tennis. Tai Kwon Do. Read. Work out at the gym. Watch movies and eat buttery popcorn. Go out to dinner with friends. Hang out with my kids. Last weekend, I went tubing in the Keys.

16. Who do you like to read?
Category romance. Harry Potter. Anything by Stephen King and Stephen White.

17. What's your advice for new writers?
Read read read, especially the line(s) for which you want to write, but also read in a wide array of genres. Write write write. Join a critique group or find a critique partner and take constructive criticism. Polish your manuscript as brightly as you can before submitting. Don’t give up after rejection(s). Polish again and resubmit.

18. What are you currently working on?
Three NEXT type category romances and two other category romances. Soon, I should be receiving edits on a vampire romance and a paranormal romance about witches and ghosts.

Take the 18Q Today!
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Selected a Writer's Digest "101 Best Website" for 2007, the 18Q is a collection of writers sharing their experiences.

If you're a published author, take the 18Q Today!

5. About The Fabulist Flash

ISSN: 1554-0804

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