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Richard Lowe Jr is a bestselling author who has published 63 books, ghostwritten 12 books, and produced several hundred articles for blogs and publications. He is the owner and senior writer of The Writing King, which provides services such as ghostwriting, book coaching, WordPress implementation, blogging and copywriting.
City where you’re from: Clearwater, FL
Hobbies: Photographing women and performers, traveling the US to photograph renaissance festivals
Favorite quote:
“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” Carol Burnett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardlowejr
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I worked as the VP of consulting for two companies for 8 years, then as Director Technical Services for Trader Joe’s for 20. After 33 years working for someone else, I realized my dream all my life has been to be a professional writer and bestselling author. So in 2013, I retired from Trader Joe’s, moved to Florida, and since then have been building a writing business.
Who were your biggest influences? Was there a defining moment in your life?
When I first began working for a small consulting company called Software Techniques in 1981, as the first employee, my boss and first mentor, Steve Davis, was a huge believer in networking. He took me to conventions, introduced me to people, and helped me understand the importance of building a network of like minded professionals. His wisdom has guided me ever since.
A defining moment in my life was when my wife of 12 ½ years passed away due to complications of smoking and lung disease. She had been sick for 8 years and finally succumbed to the disease. This showed me that life is short, and spurred me to live to the fullest. I became a photographer, in addition to my day job at Trader Joe’s, and soon became known as the belly dance photographer for Southern California. I photographed over 1,200 performances, and also 400 or so renaissance festivals all over the United States.
Now
What are you working on? How did you come up with this idea?
I am working on a series of three books about how to make a living as a self-published author. The first volume has been published:
http://mybook.to/selfpubauthor
And the second book is in progress. I came up with the idea because many authors are struggling with the new self-publishing model. I decided to help them by explaining everything I’ve done and know that’s needed to be successful at writing and self-publishing.
How is your product/service different and unique? What has been your favorite moment with it? What’s the vision?
Most books of this nature focus on the quick buck or some gimmick. I’ve tried all of the get-rich quick schemes for writers, and none of them work. What I wanted to do was show authors they need to treat their writing as a professional, build a brand, and work hard over time. This is what makes books sell.
My favorite moment was finishing the book. It took a long time and a lot of research and experimentation and now it’s complete.
How do you uniquely market your company?
I own a blog called The Writing King where I published many articles helping writers. I’m also active on the speaking circuit and attend quite a few local networking groups to build my brand. Every day I scan Facebook and LinkedIn, looking for authors that I can help.
What is the problem most people have with making themselves a success?
I’ve found most people are unwilling to put in the work and effort needed to succeed. There seems to be this belief that they are owed something by society. The truth of the matter is society doesn’t care until they prove themselves to be useful or enlightening, and put in the work needed.
What was your biggest failure and biggest success? What did you learn from them?
My biggest success was having made enough income and have the experience to be able to retire at 50 years old and start my own business.
My biggest failure was watching my wife slowly pass away for 8 years, knowing that she simply needed to stop smoking but being unable to get her to do so.
Value-add questions
Give the readers the best entrepreneurship advice you have.
Follow your dreams – but create an actionable plan, ensure you have the financing and backing, and build your network.
Teach us something about marketing a book.
To successfully market a book, you have to create a brand that other people want to follow. That brand can be yourself as an expert (that’s more or less my brand), your works (such as JRR Tolkien) or your products or services. People buy books because they believe in the brand.
Teach me something I don’t know (it’s vague and open-ended on purpose)
I’ve photographed over a thousand women, including a couple of supermodels, and I’ve found what most women want in a man is confidence.
And that’s also true of your brand. The more confidence you show, the better you’ll do.
What daily habits do you have that allow you to perform at your peak?
I plan each day in the morning with the to-do’s, then get them all done during the day. The most important thing is to ensure you create a to-do list that you can actually get done.
What should an entrepreneur focus on?
Successful actions. Building and maintaining a professional network.
What are some of the best books you’ve ever read?
- People are idiots and I can prove it by Larry Winget
- 1001 Ways to Market your Book by John Kremer
- Lord of the Rings Trilogy by JRR Tolkien
Where do you see yourself and your product in a couple years?
As a bestselling author of both nonfiction and science fiction, plus a strong writing consulting business.
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