Ever Wanted to Write (& Publish) a Book?

Yup, my all-time favourite writer did it again.  Chris Guillebeau offers a (huge) Guide on how to get published.

Well, it’s wrong of me to place all credit on Chris.  Actually, his agent, it’s Chris’ agent, David Fugate who wrote the guide.

Who is David Fugate?

David Fugate founded the LaunchBooks Literary Agency, and has personally represented over 1000 books himself as agent to around 40 publishers (Wiley, Random House, McGraw-Hill, and Perigee are some of the biggest).  Books he represented include Kevin Mitnick’s Art of Deception and Art of Intrusion, two books I read after meeting Mitnick while working for HP.

As Chris tells the story, he asked his agent David Fugate to share some tips on how to get published.  Instead, David poured his over-experienced heart out to make this 45,000-word book.

If you are one of those people who ever wanted to get published, this guide can save you tons of effort and money by leveraging David’s experience.

Surest Way (But Not Easiest) to Success

The easiest way is to do nothing.  Kinda like I’ve been doing.  I have wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember, …but haven’t started.  ”That’d be cool.” but I don’t start.

Chris shared this guide with me to review and I find it absolutely incredibly helpful, obviously a product of many years’ experience.

If I’m serious about getting published, there’s no excuse except my own fear of failing.  And with this guide, I don’t believe anyone can fail.

Check it out here:

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Reason 3: Seeking Improved Life

We already covered two reasons for leaving the USA already: Frustration and Seeking Adventure.  Now, we talk about those of us just wanting a better life.  And that about covers everyone.

“Hey, Jeff, that’s vague, what exactly is “a better life’?“  How about a better standard of living.

Does that mean better healthcare?  More personal liberties?  Lower cost of living? YES, all the above.

So, I mean health, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Problem to Fix: Healthcare

I’ll make this short.  Healthcare will not improve in the US for your or your kids’ lifetime.  Sorry it’s a short, sad conclusion.  If this is important to you, move.

Okay, I’ll give my disclaimer.  I don’t know the future, but I do know it would take a revolution to undo the death grip on the healthcare system by the private healthcare industry.  They won’t let go for as long as there’s money to be made (and shared with legislators and lobbyists).  Doctors understand this, but they have no say in how it’s run.  And as baby boomers come of old age, health care providers are providing less health and more bills.  Prepare to pay more, or move.

Need an example?  Look no further than the notorious Johnny B Truant.  Johnny’s a Type 1 diabetic and has blogged about it several times, how he overcomes it with great health (though it hindered his 30-day no-carb diet trial).  Healthy lifestyle or not, his insurance premium keeps skyrocketing.  Well, that changed – Johnny quit his health insurance! Johnny said, and I quote, “Fuck this. I’m jumping over the walls to get that carrot.” (you have to read his cute story to get the carrot bit)  I applaud the guy – he broke the rule of “Everyone NEEDS insurance.” and is now saving himself a grand a month.  Nice work JBT.

Problem to Fix: Personal Liberties

Are you a Ron Paul fan?  Keep up with the (ever fun but educational) blog of the Lugwig von Mises Institute?  If so, label yourself a Libertarian.  But you knew that already.

Why do I bring up Ron Paul?  I was at a meetup just last Wednesday.  The organizer casually gave his view on government: “I believe we need only two laws: Protect our own property and protect our liberties.”  I smiled and asked if he’s a Ron Paul fan.  He smiled back.  The organizer echoed the classic tenets that define libertarianism.

Are people leaving the US because of eroding personal liberties?  I doubt it’s the sole or even their main reason.  But I do agree that personal liberties as a whole are eroding away at a faster clip than ever before.  And that pushes more people to think about leaving.

[Here is where my wife steps in and says "Well, don't just mope about it - do something!"]

If you ‘re upset (too), sign this petition to create (actual) change.

If you’re pessimistic (too) that things will change, then leave the US for a country which provides stronger liberties to its population (foreign or native).  As for the US changing for the better, I am hopeful, but it’s going to take a revolution.

The top countries are:

1. Sweden (why am I not surprised?)
2. Finland
3. Denmark
4. New Zealand
5. Norway
6. Netherlands
7. Switzerland
8. Canada
9. Ireland
10. Australia

The US came in between the UK and Estonia.  Here is my source table.  For my list, I used their scoring, plus a bit of my own bias to reformat as a numbered list.

Some last words about personal or civil liberties.  Some liberties may be more important than others.  For you, it may your right to practice a religion, women’s rights, or racial equality.  For me, I focus more on personal privacy of information.  I don’t mind someone looking up my phone number, but I do mind when someone (without my consent) listens to a phone conversation or predetermines my chance for a disease. But that’s me… how do you feel about it?  Leave a comment.

Problem to Fix: Cost of Living

Relying on a pension isn’t what it used to be.  And today, does anyone stay with a company long enough to earn a pension?

Thankfully, a mediocre pension cheque in the United States isn’t so mediocre in many other countries.  Same goes for that meagre social security if you’re a senior, or the humble rent profit if you’re a landlord, or the dividends if you’re an investor, or even a passive income from some online business.  In all cases, the amount goes farther if you spend it in a country that costs less.  (The better case is if you’re earning in that country, rather than exchanging from the declining dollar, but that’s another story.)

Thinking of leaving the country because of your taxable portfolio?  Well, leave now while the going’s good, because there’s likely to be legislation that may follow you abroad.

Next Up: Patriotism

Stay tuned for the next (#4 – “Patriotism”) reason why people leave the United States.  There are over 5 million of us abroad – why not you?

Until then, I ask you just one favour.  If you like this post or the others, hit the Facebook Like button below and share it with your friends.

Thanks,

-Jeff

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A few days ago I wrote Top 5 Excuses Against Moving Abroad, starting with…

Excuse #1. Work

Number one excuse is “I have a job.” People actually ask “How could I leave my career?”
To this excuse, I say you aren’t hurting your career, you’re helping it!

[quoted text shorted, but you can visit the original here]

Today, I want to expand on that first excuse: Work.

Okay, on with how working abroad can work for you.

Let me ask you a question, speaking “corporate-ese.”
Do you want to advance your career organically or would you like it to advance aggressively through acquisitions?

Organic Growth or Through Acquisitions?

You hear corporate management bark out “Our company will continue to grow through acquisitions.” Why?

Acquisitions give rapid growth and provide synergy (increased performance, decreased costs = best of all worlds). Acquisitions also enable a company to eliminate or dominate its competition. Sure, it comes with risks, but to win, you need those risks.

Do it organically is the opposite: progressing naturally. Hoping that over time (long periods of time), a career just progresses…naturally. Uh, good luck with that.

Are you advancing your career organically? Letting time pass, year over year, shooting for annual reviews with “Exceeds Objectives,” hoping for that 3% salary raise (in good times)?

Back to You and Your “Acquisition”

Or are you prepared to take an aggressive path, through career acquisitions of expat experience?

Look at the benefits when you “acquire” some expat experience:

The Straight Up List of Expat Employee Qualities

As I mentioned in a prior post, when you work abroad, you become a more valued asset. Let me expand on that.
You are instantly more desirable from several angles and added qualities:

The list goes on and on… Yes, management sees international experience as a major plus indeed. For a senior management position, international experience is a door-opener by itself.

Of course, these desirable, international qualities work both ways: not just when you return, but when you first acquire your overseas job.

Returning from an international experience will bring you a higher salary, more senior position and higher sense of trust from your seniors.

Advancing your career also provides diversification and sharpens your focus. By the way, those are 2 more reasons often quoted for mergers and acquisitions.

Just imagine starting your elevator speech (you do have one, right?) with “The experience I gained in London showed me…”

Bottom line: Companies often advance via acquisitions…isn’t it time you took a similar path?

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How I Became Location Independent

You asked me about my being “location independent?”
Maybe you’re there or almost there, or …wanting to be almost there?
Location independence means how to leave a cubicle job.

You have an opportunity: Build your own empire. That’s key to location independence, complete with hand-holding for one year.

Chris Guillebeau’s Empire Building Kit

Being location independent means freedom. Freedom from the cubicle.  It means freedom from the same keycard access, turnstile, non-windowed office, non-office.

That’s freedom to earn as you want and then have the time to do what’s most important to you…maybe spend more time with your kids, take long vacations or travel. Or all the above.

Chris Guillebeau launched the Empire Building Kit first in April 2010.  I had followed him for a few years already before that, so I was sold on this Kit before it launched.  I was one of the earliest adopters and I can proudly say it’s done wonders for me.  I’m more motivated and held more accountable.

Bit More About Chris Guillebeau

A bit about Chris (longer story here): he made a name for himself by announcing he intends to visit every country of the world and blogs about it. For that, Chris is well on target. I believe he’s hit over 130 so far. He doesn’t stay long per country, which would be more my style, but if your goal is quantity over time – Chris sets the bar darn high!

But he’s not just a super, uber-traveler. He’s a real guy like you & me.
Chris shares plenty of know-how. For example “279 days to Overnight Success” and “Brief Guide to World Domination”

Both are free. Grab them to see what he’s capable of delivering.

Much More About the Empire Building Kit

Chris revealed the Empire Building Kit first in April 2010, a paid-for product ranging in 3 tiers.  I believe the prices.

Even at the lowest tier, it’s a huge collection of case studies of successful entrepreneurs, with video interviews, transcripts and actionable info.
Plus, the 365 messages (daily for a year) from Chris to walk through it all bit by bit. Check out the 3 tiers and what’s offered now.
[quote]

What do I recommend? I would say either the lowest or the middle tier, depending if starting with nothing or have something and want to ramp up to much, much greater. Those two seem the best value. The highest tier offers a behind-the-scenes look at Chris’ own businesses, but your curiosity comes at a price.

In early 2010, the Empire Building Kit was first released and for one day only.
I scooped it up (I bought the middle tier).

Normally, I don’t shell out cash for products “sight-unseen.” But I bought from Chris, a few times before and every time, I never got buyer’s remorse.

Again, as with everything Chris offers, I’m very satisfied with this EBK. Chris’ daily newsletter has a nice ‘babysitter’ for me, reminding me to act & stay focused, even during these busy times.

The Empire Building Kit again for people who are set on becoming location independent.

For full disclosure, I partnered with Chris and his site. So while I brag about Chris’ stuff as a satisfied customer, if you did chose to buy it for yourself, I would get a commission from Chris at no added cost to you.  Because I do sincerely love his stuff, I don’t feel ‘dirty’ sharing my opinions about it, even if I earn while doing so.

p.s.  If I had the chance, I would have bought it earlier and gotten a head-start on starting my own ‘empire.’  Check out the Kit – you’ll see why this guy and the Kit stand head & shoulders above the crowd.

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I am now officially retired from the corporate rat race.
Two months ago, I wrote how I was laid off. As of just Friday, April 30th, I am officially out of work.
How cool is that?

Big Life Changes Explained
A couple days ago, I mentioned big life changes. I even wrote it borderline mysterious: “Even bigger life changes…stay tuned”
Well, time to fess up. Yes, I’m out of work. But the bigger life change is: I’m not looking for work.

I (with my wife’s support) will no longer work for anyone else. I’m freelance. I’m working for myself, on my own terms, according to my own demand. I’m an expat from corporate life.

Did I Make the Right Choice?
You bet your ass.
Last Friday, April 30th, after surrendering the laptop, blackberry and all other stuff that pseudo-defined me as a corporate manager, I walked up to the receptionist. “Take care,” I said as I handed her my access badge.
She said: “Okay, well have a good weekend and a good rest of the life!”
Thanks, I will.
I never want to be in that environment again. And if I did end up doing the cubicle thing again, I know I would be completely miserable. What kept me somewhat content in this past job was working with people whom today I can call friends. Good guys, miserable lifestyle. (And I’m quite certain those guys would agree with me)

My Last Day
I left corporate life around lunch time. That left me several hours of the day to fully absorb the start of a new me, a new life.
I got home, stripped off my shirt, tie and slacks, got into much more comfortable clothes. I figured that wasn’t “transition” enough, so I decided to ceremoniously ditch my black dress shoes for good.
My 4 year old daughter and I walked to our park, across the street from us. On our way to the park, we left my dress shoes near the recyclables containers on the street. That’s where people leave behind old clothes for other folks with more need to pick them up. My dress shoes will no doubt be more enjoyed by anybody other than me.

At the park, my daughter and I had a long talk about how, from now on, I will be more available.
I’ll be more available for playing, more available for helping her, more available to pick her up for school, and so on.
We’re both pretty happy about this.

No Work DOES NOT Mean No Income
I hope no one believes I’m retired, as in never working again. While that would be nice, it’s just not doable. Daddy and family need income. It’s just not going to come from a place where I need an access badge.

How will I help contribute to the family income? I have already been doing piecemeal work for a publisher for …wow, has it been 10 years already? For 10 years now, I accept editing and authoring work on demand. How is this different from regular work? Well, for starters, I’ve never actually met my publisher face to face. It’s great, rewarding work and I do it when it feels right.

Breadwinner/Homemaker Role Reversal
My wife, on the other hand, has chosen the opposite direction – she’s going from full-time homemaker to full-time employee. After four+ years at home, raising now 2 kids, this makes her happy. I’m guessing a lot of stay-at-home moms can understand.

Between some online work and my wife’s future income, we believe we can maintain our standard of living, but both enjoy a much happier living, too.

Location Independent
Becoming location independent is an up and coming lifestyle and one that I think will catch on more. Hell, technology nowadays practically allows you to work wherever and whenever you want.
If you’re guessing I’ll be writing more about this as time goes on, you’re right.

If you’ve ever wanted to become location independent, let me know. I’d like to know what stirs you. I look forward to helping you in any way I can.

What are my next steps? Well, I should update my LinkedIn page and this site’s “About Me” page for starters.

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Rather than dive into filling out forms, let’s be sure we’re all starting on the same page.
Read the below Q&A. Once you know & understand them, you’re ahead of most.

What’s a Visa?

Not the credit card. Here, we’re talking about permission to visit a country. Consider it like your personal “green light” to go.

When I traveled around Europe, I got lots of stamps in my passport – are they visas?

No. A passport stamp just acknowledges you’re “in” or “out.” You get those when crossing a border. A visa is something you must apply for ahead of time.

How do I tell if I need a visa?

Two things determine if you need a visa: your citizenship and where you’re going.
If you intend to stay a while, that might affect things, too, but more on that later.
US citizens can check on this page to see if your destination country wants you to get a visa first.

If I’m American, do I need a visa to visit ABC country?

For most countries, no. US citizens need visas for only about 20% of the world’s countries. Bottom line reason why you need a visa is reciprocity. It’s a tit-for-tat thing. If the US requires a visa for that country’s citizens, then often that country will enforce the same on Americans. What breaks the “visa mini-cold-war” is a strong desire between countries to be friends. Example: To visit Mongolia, Americans don’t need a visa, but citizens from all European and most Asian countries do. Interesting, huh?
Combine those two facts and you’ll see Americans travel very freely. In fact, only folks from Denmark and Germany travel more freely than Americans:
(see graph)

Does it matter why I’m going to that country?

Yes, sort of. When filling out the visa application, it matters whether you’re a tourist or someone visiting on business. However, in general, the requirements -and more importantly- the wait for your visa to get approved is the same.
A business person visiting a country is very different from someone needing a work visa.

[quote]

Do I pay for it? How much?

Yes, visas cost. My rough experience and sample research says this: you’re going to pay between $20 and $100 for the permission to fly to that country.
Sure, it’s not much when compared to the flight or accommodations, but paying for permission to come over (plus the added paperwork) isn’t exactly welcoming either.

How long does it take to get a visa?

See the next part: Visa Process – Timelines

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This is a Big Topic: the visa process.

By the way, when expats talk about visas, we ain’t talking credit cards!

Whenever I hear the question How do I get a visa?, I cringe. I cringe because I know it’s the most common question to ask and the most difficult one to answer.

Some people may stop at “Well, it just depends on the country.” Instead I will write a series of posts, hopefully answering some of the first and tougher questions about the visa process.

Any questions on your mind? Put them in the comments and I’ll reply.

I got my ears open. Stay tuned…

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I’m not just adventurous in real life (yeah, right), I’m adventurous in website administration.

My dream of helping people live overseas suddenly found a glass ceiling – enough time to answer e-mails.
So, one idea I came up with is to create a forum where people could ask questions (and I still answer them), but future people could see the same questions (& answers!).

A central place for questions. Easy access to (everyone’s) answers. It’s a win-win idea.

I present the world’s newest Expat’s Questions and Answers forum: www.expatyourself.com/forum

You may think it’s light on the questions so far…you’re right. You need to ask them first.

Please post your questions there and I will be very diligent about answering them.

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Before I talk about expats, let’s go over a typical ice-breaker conversation in the United States:

Charlie: “Hey, Alice – I want you to meet Bob. Bob, this here’s Alice. Talk amongst yourselves.”

Alice: Hi Bob. What do you do?
Bob: I’m a butcher/engineer/shepherd/{any trade you want} You?
Alice: I write for the local paper.
Bob: Oh, that must be interesting…how long have you been there?
Alice: About 4 years. Yeah, I like it. I meet a lot of interesting people.
Bob: That sounds interesting.

Should sound familiar. It’s pretty much the dialogue you have each time you meet someone, right?

Okay, now how about the same ice breaker between expats?

Jeff: So, where are you from?
Martin: UK {note to non-Britons: they never say Great Britain! }
Jeff: Ok, cool. I’m American. How long you been here?
Martin: 8, 8 1/2 years – you?
Jeff: Just 4 years.
Martin: What do you do?
Jeff: I work at {insert multinational company or global datacenter}
Martin: Oh, yes, I know a lot of Americans there. You know Buddy Sowenso?
Jeff: I’ve heard the name, but I don’t know him yet. What do you do?
Martin: I’m teaching English at the {insert language school or city college}.
Jeff: Oh, okay. Do you get home often?
Martin: Once, maybe twice a year. You?
Jeff: Not as much. Been back just one time

[ ...... after more socializing / drinking ..... ]

Martin: I couldn’t believe it …Totally didn’t expect that!
Jeff: Unreal…only here, right? So, plans to return home?
Martin: Yeah, probably after another year or so. You?
Jeff: I’m almost ready. Maybe after another year or so.

See any differences? Talk amongst yourselves.

Now, how expat friends greet each other is another story. Do expats hug, kiss or handshake?

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I just read an article listing these 3 countries where expats are returning home in droves:

United Kingdom
Spain
Ireland

Reportedly, the big cause is the weak pound. No surprise there, the British sterling has been losing ground for months, even against a weakening dollar. What does this mean to expats paid in sterling? It means they don’t make as much locally as they used to AND their salary isn’t as powerful back home as it used to be. It’s a double-whammy that is a risk for expats when earning abroad and sending most of their wages home. (Incidentally, when it works the other way, it really is GREEAAATTT!)

The stats in summary: 37% more UK expats are returning home this year compared to last. For Spain, it’s 39%. And for Ireland, it’s a whopping 75%. ouch.

In short, if you’re from the UK, Spain or Ireland and you got a friend living abroad, then he may come knocking on your door sooner than you think. If you’re thinking of moving abroad, plan better than most or have a sweet package set up before leaving.

Here’s the rest of the article, if you’re interested.

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