Being that we have 3 (Teen) Renegade CEO’s who finished writing their book this month and will be publishing and releasing them in May on Amazon.com we decided it would be a great time to feature Wendy Burt-Thomas who writes for a living and is currently preparing for yet another book tour to promote her 3rd book coming out in January 2009. (Note: After reading the innerview if you have any questions for Wendy please leave them in the comments section or contact her through the blog listed in the innerview and she will respond to them.)
Today we have a Q & A with Wendy Burt-Thomas. She is a full-time freelance writer, editor and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her third book, “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters” hit stores in January 2009. To learn more about Wendy or her three books, visit www.GuideToQueryLetters.com. If you have a writing-related question, you can also post it on http://AskWendy.wordpress.com.
1. Q: Can you tell us about your book?
The book was a great fit for me because I’d been teaching “Breaking Into Freelance Writing” for about eight years. In the workshop, I covered a lot of what is in this book: writing query letters to get articles in magazines, to land an agent, or to get a book deal with a publisher. Since I’m a full-time freelance magazine writer and editor with two previous books, this was incredibly fun to write because it didn’t require tons of research. I was lucky enough to receive lots of great sample query letters from writers and authors that I use as “good” examples in the book. I wrote all the “bad” examples myself because I didn’t dare ask for contributions that I knew I’d be ripping apart!
In addition to the ins and outs of what makes a good query, the book covers things like why (or why not) to get an agent, where to find one and how to choose one; writing a synopsis or proposal; selling different rights to your work; other forms of correspondence; and what editors and agents look for in new writers.
It was really important to me that the book not be a dry, boring reference book, but rather an entertaining read (while still being chock full of information). I was thrilled that Writer’s Digest let me keep all the humor.
In case you missed it Teen’s Turn to Summer Startups was featured in this week’s Wall Street Journal. The article talks about how teens have started resorting to getting their entrepreneur groove on since summer work is difficult to come by because the economy is soft and unemployment is so high. Essentially adults are now competing for many of the jobs that were once difficult to fill (think fast food, retail cashiers, etc). Imagine that- starting a teen business is now vogue.
Ok, so what’s wrong with this picture here?
I’m a teen and I need a job. But the jobs are hard to come by because so many people (Translation ADULTS) are out of work. So let me start a feel good ‘hobby’ business where I now have to work even harder to scrape together a few bucks because everybody is going to try and start one and use the same resources to figure their ideas out. And on top of that I am going to try to sell to a CONSUMER (Translation ADULT) who is as broke as me, hence why they took my job in the first place. But never mind any of that, my parents who once thought the idea of me starting a business as a teen was bananas is now going to be totally on the bandwagon because the WSJ said it is all on the ‘okie dokie’ because everybody else’s parents are doing it. Having said that, if you need a micro investment for your business, print the article and show it your parents
So I decided since this summer folks are going to be cuckoo for cocoa puffs and parents are going to be seeking out your favorite haunts and resources, I would share some of my favorite tips of How Renegade Teen Business Owners can break from the rat race and stay in a league all their own.
But before I get to the tips in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month I wanted to give a shout out to Renegade CEO, Danielle Herb, 15, Founder of Drop Your Reins. Her company does ADD/ADHD and Autistic Training Programs through natural horsemanship. This summer she is doing her 1st Annual Level 1 Mastery Certification Course in N. Florida. Only 10 spaces remain and the course costs $3,995 per person for 1 week of Natural Horsemanship Training (and IT WILL SELL OUT). She is also giving away one full scholarship valued at $3,995. If you are a teenager and those numbers are hard for you to wrap your brain around…guess you haven’t been reading my blog posts in full and/or spending enough time with me…I’m just sayin’ there is a reason why I only post once a week ;-)
If you want to learn more about Danielle Herb’s Natural Horsemanship course peep her site at: http://www.adhdkidsscholarship.com/ (HURRY! Scholarship Deadline Ends 4/30)
A Teen Entrepreneur Star on MTV? Yes, YOU could be on MTV’s new teen CEO reality show!!! Got drama with your mama, a know it all sister, an obnoxious brother, psycho toddler twins (or maybe you are 1/2 of the psycho teen twins), a super strict dad, a perpetually barking dog, friend today, gone tomorrow, or great aunt Henrietta who is always meddling in things that she really doesn’t need to be involved? Fantastic, you are just the person I’m looking for!
Whoever thunk that DRAMA could be a good thing?
Only in this day and age and only in America, lol!
MTV is looking for several ‘one of a kind’ families to star in a new reality show centered around Teen CEO’s. And the casting director is leaving it in my capable hands to reach out and find the next Teen Supa’Star from my wickedly diverse and cool network. So I need you to give me a lil’ love here. Give me a shout out if you know someone that fits this description:
Who qualifies for the show?
An aspring or emerging Teen CEO (you can have a business or be dreaming about starting one)
Families with competitive siblings (in general) are a plus
Single parent households are ok
As they are seeking several families, Teen CEO’s who run interesting and unique businesses, come from an overachieving or drama filled household are ALL encouraged to apply.
Must be a U.S. Citizen (sorry to all my international friends)
How Do You Apply?
Go to the contact section and send me your pitch of why you think you and your family would make an all star cast. I can do the warm intro for you to the casting director (who I have already spoken to personally)….brownie points for you ;-)
Why You Should Apply Now
Because it is their first season. Once the show is on and it becomes popular it will be a lot more competitive. So if you think that you qualify a little bit, bring it on! I hope and execpt to see one or more of my Renegades on that show!!!
Deadline to Apply
Friday, April 10, 2009 is the deadline. Act Quickly.
Comments Off Posted by Shonika Proctor on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
Does anyone know what the word “help” means? Being that it is overrated and used so freely I am not even sure anymore. So I have been trying very hard not to use it as of recent months. I am eliminating it from my vocabulary.
Help is a sad little pathetic word. It means I have exhausted all resources and I am desperate for anything you have to give me. It puts you, ‘the asker’, in an inferior role. Help is a desperate plea that results in a reactive answer. Some adults and companies especially those in America have asked for ’help’ and they got ‘help’. Now what are they asking for? Naturally, more help.
I want you to start being in tuned to people who use that word. How do they use it? How much do they use it? Do you see a pattern with the people who are using that word? Ask them what are they asking for.
I am also requesting (with much gratitude) that the teens and adults in both my personal and professional networks eliminate the word “help” from their vocabulary. And know if you ask me for ‘help’ the answer will be a resounding NO. Start replacing that word with words like: empower, empowerment, inspire, inspiration, motivate, motivation, encourage, encouragement, uplift, uplifting, enable, enabled, assistance, facts, information, advice, assistance. Ask a question with a word that will result in a proactive response vs. a reactive one. Renegade Mom Marianne St. Clair says it best – “when you eliminate the broad term help, it forces you to think about what you are asking for and craft your request in such a way that you specifically ask for what you want”.
So if you are in need of my guidance and support, tell me what you need (what is a necessity) and what you have to work with. Not what you want or what you don’t have. If you are having a difficult time or a brain cramp do you need inspiration to create new ideas? Do you need information to make a well-informed decision? Do you need encouragement to get through a challenging time? Do you need assistance in connecting with someone to evolve a project that you are working on? I am always willing to give you the support and resources to those requests and in abundance!
I am calling Wayne Liew “hot dog” today because he is on a roll. He has been tearing down the house with some phresh baked posts on his blog recently.
In a recent post he published entitled ‘9 Alarming Reasons to Outsource’ he breaks Outsourcing down like legos. This blog post is in simple and approachable language that ANYBODY familiar with the term Outsourcing or not can relate to.
So peep the post http://bit.ly/ZdPIz and tell me what you think. While you are on his site be sure to check out some of his interLiews (I branded him with that name today) with Teen CEO’s. I call him the Oprah of Malaysia
And furthermore if you totally dig his work be sure to connect with him on Twitter @wayneliew (Don’t let that Morgan Freeman Bruce Almighty Avatar sike you out, lol) or if you feel really Renegade today, subscribe to his weekly blog updates. Until next time-
Keep it real and keep it moving!
Comments (2) Posted by Shonika Proctor on Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
As you can see there are lots of variables and no right or wrong way. Entrepreneurship is kind of like art in that sense- express and interpret your vision whatever way you wish.
Comments Off Posted by Shonika Proctor on Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
The highly anticipated Young Entrepreneur Society Movie is coming in April 2009. The movie is Rated R….for Renegade. Viewer discretion is advised. It will contain footage that the masses do not want you to see or hear. As a Renegade CEO reader/subscriber (and emerging Teen CEO of course) you are entitled to some very special things that are not available to the general public. If you purchase a copy of the YES Movie through us for just $29.97 you’ll receive the following:
1. A copy of the Young Entrepreneur Society DVD as soon as it releases in April 2009. (Retail 29.97)
3. A copy of the Audio Teleseminar CD: Keeping It Real: The Power of Offline Marketing, Featuring Louis Lautman, Executive Producer of the Young Entrepreneur Society Movie and hosted by Renegade CEO Daniel Uribe of Lazer Bearings and me (Retail Value: Priceless)
4. A dedicated members only section exclusively for Teen CEO’s in the Young Entrepreneur Society Membership Community with pro bono e-coaching support from me. This will ensure you don’t get lost in the sauce.
5. Contests! Lots of ongoing contests over the next few months exclusively for Teen CEO’s to help build the hype and excitement about the movie. And the prizes are going to be awesome- inc. tickets to the Invite Only Opening Premiere in NYC on April 3, 2009. We’ll also be giving away fun and practical stuff like copies of the Y.E.S. movie, mini landing page sites, blog customization and other cool gadgets such as HD Flip Cameras and Ink Pens with built in Digital Video Recorders. Yeah! A spy pen….how cool is that?
So what do you have to do to get started? Simple, join me in the Teen CEO’s Group of the Young Entrepreneur Society Community. We will make announcements for contests, pre-sale of the movie and more updates there. It’s free to register at www.youngentrepreneursociety.com Enter: “Renegade” as your referral source when you register so that we make sure you get access to our group!
Comments (2) Posted by Shonika Proctor on Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Benjamin Lang is a 15 year old tri-lingual high school sophomore and small business owner who is currently lives in New York. This year he returned from what he calls the best year of his life in Raanana, Israel. He started an eBay business when his family returned to the U.S. His business like most came about in an accidental way. Ben was just doing his daily routine, like teens tend to do, and after he made some money trying to help a family member out he didn’t defer or question his entrepeneurial AHA moment. He thought to himself- this could be a business that generates revenue and so he created it. He then began to realize that everything and everything around him was a tool to his success and not an obstacle to it. As a result, in just a short time in business, Ben has grossed several thousand dollars in revenue and is now dabbling in other creative ventures such as web design and teen business coaching. Ben’s business is growing and he is marketing so much that he also managed to get featured on his local news. Peep his TV spot below and check out his interview.
Ben, thanks for sharing your Infinite Expedition. Wishing you continued success in your entrepreneurial endeavors.
For those of you who are on Twitter, here is a great list of high profile Tweeps (people who Twitter) who often will follow you back. I recognize quite a lot of the names and they are pretty interactive with their lists. Congrats to Teen CEO @StanleyTang who made the list with over 20k followers. Insanely cool
I have done several posts on what Twitter is…but here’s the quick and dirty- it is an online marketing tool that pacificies the voyeuristic nature of people. It’s a massively huge public timeline where everyone basically answers the same question “What Are You Doing?” (in 140 characters or less). It’s hard to explain until you start doing it… Dan Hollings has a great Squidoo Lens if you want to read through quickly and see all his tips and tricks. It’s a tremendous resource http://www.squidoo.com/twittinsecrets
Wendy Burt-Thomas. She is a full-time freelance writer, editor and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her third book, “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters” hit stores in January 2009. To learn more about Wendy or her three books, visit www.GuideToQueryLetters.com. If you have a writing-related question, you can also post it on http://AskWendy.wordpress.com.
(Retail Value: Priceless)
