Review: SWOT - Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 26, 2014
New Jersey author Hank Quense writes humorous fantasy, sci-fi stories, articles on fiction writing or book marketing: he has said `writing nonfiction is like work while writing fiction is fun' and he refuses to write serious genre fiction, `there is enough of that on the front page of any daily newspaper and on the evening TV news.' Just sit back and enjoy his fantasy takes on `Falstaff's Big Gamble' or `Wotan's Dilemma' to get a feeling for what gives him (and his rather large reader audience) pleasure.This little book is far different from the `how to get published' genre of books or any books on self-help in the authorial tone. This book is about the business of not only self-publishing but getting your newest gift to literary society purchased! He wisely approaches his subject as a business: `once you publish a book -- no matter how it became published -- the author now owns a business.' He discusses the expenses of publishing (yes, even the hidden ones), dealing with sales and the taxes on sales, and in essence filling all the chairs at your corporate office (you are the CEO) - executive secretary, janitor, marketing manage, author, CFO - because your book is your business.The pearls or seeds of wisdom shared here are innumerable. Quesnse's explanation of SWOT analysis deserves highlighting: SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is the standard way to identify problems facing a situation. Strengths: enthusiasm, you're the subject matter expert; Weaknesses: not a business oriented person, not familiar with business planning, limited funds, would rather be writing; Opportunities: expand your book catalogue, reach new readers, lecturing, publics appearances, learn new ways of thinking; Threats: can get overwhelmed with business issues, lack of marketing reach, unfamiliarity with business thinking, unfamiliarity with problem solving, getting involved with scammers while searching for assistance or knowledge, possibility of making poor business decisions due to lack of experience. Once these are identified the author teaches us how to convert them to positive aspects.Subsequent chapters deal with financials  (getting paid etc!), budgeting  (know what all you must cover and estimate), the use of spreadsheets, profit and loss statements and break even calculations, business planning long-term, starting a publishing company, solid organizational skills - and at book's end he provides charts that refresh your mind and solidify your skills. This is an indispensible book if you are serious about writing. Get smart. Buy it. Breathe, and Succeed. Grady Harp, January 14