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November 2009, Business Owner Spotlight

Business Owner of the Month: Katherine “Kat” Smith

Sun, Nov 01, 2009

This month, From A Writer's POV sat down with Katherine “Kat” Smith, the owner of TomKat Productions. Get to know the owner behind the business and how she makes it all come together.

Business Owner of the Month: Katherine “Kat” Smith

Every business owner has a life outside of work. Before I got to know the business owner, I asked Kat to tell me who she was outside of work and her support system."Outside of work, I work even more. (she laughs) My grandmother always told me that the mind is the Devil’s workshop. I sort of feel guilty if I am not doing something productive. I get a lot of work done, and it feels great. I chill when I can and travel a great deal. I love the sunny coasts and the ocean.  I also have become very handy around the house with repairs and renovations. Other than that cooking and sewing are enjoyable for me and my friends who love to eat. I am from a family of 12 siblings. I am the 8th and taller than all my 7 brothers. They hate that. LOL We laugh a lot, enjoy good food ( New Orleans cuisine), drinking, music and dance. I have surrounded myself with a great group of individuals who are positive and supportive. I am on the board of the Writers’ Guild of Texas and a member of the Writers Block, Inc. and try to associate with like-minded individuals. "

As I said before, Kat is the owner of TomKat Productions. Her business Manufactures games and publishes books. Kat told us how she got into the business. "I  have the gift of gab and after leaving my nationally syndicated morning radio show with ABC Radio Networks, Inc., I felt the time had come for me to do what I love, which is to write. I read a quote that I love by C Rearie – “When Passion and skill come together you create a masterpiece.”  I began to become MY masterpiece as I create and inspire others. There were several (and still are) stories inside me and that were waiting for the right time to emerge. I have been on a roll ever since I left ABC in 2003." Kat also explains her experience. " I have enjoyed the inspiration given and received from writers and authors all over. I have learned so much and value the time and effort of professionals in this industry. I have broadened my horizons and embraced all aspects of running a business, doing business overseas, securing distributors, self marketing and fulfillment services. I wear many hats in my company and proud to say that I do. And yes, at home I still clean the toilets. (she laughs)"

Inspiration, knowledge and guidance are what she wants her customers to take away from the business. She goes in more depth of what her business provides and what the customers can expect. "I wrote The Naked Author – Exposing the Myths of Publishing after realizing many of the guests on my show had challenges with interviewing well and articulating what their books were about and talking about themselves. I got several questions on how to get published and other industry specific information which lead to me gathering all the knowledge I could and put it in a book to help others.  Anyone I work with hopefully walks away feeling comfortable when faced with signing an agent’s or publisher’s contract, and dealing with the individuals they will come in contact with in the publishing world. Ignorance is not bliss. Knowledge is still very powerful."

So how can people go about getting this service? Kat tells us how. "I recommend that anyone interested in my consulting services buy my book The Naked Author – Exposing the Myths of Publishing and educate themselves on who does what in the publishing industry. This will help arm them with knowledge prior to seeking a publisher, agent or attempting self/independent publishing. The book is $14.95, consultation fees are $75.00 per hour. They can save some cash and invest in the book first and then, if you need more guidance or have more question, contact me via my website www.tomkatproductions.com

Kat currently has a sale going on at her site for From A Writer's POV members only. Check it out. "From A Writers POV members, I will send a free copy of my e-book Wordcrafting with any purchase of The Naked Author from www.tomkatproductions.com

Wordcrafting, the craft of writing fiction and nonfiction is a toolbox for writers. Simply insert the letters “AWPOV” in the special shipping directions portion of the payment screen."

Be sure and take advantage of this offer!!!

Kat is not only a business owner but has published several authors. View below the details of her books and where to purchase them. "The Naked author – Exposing the Myths of Publishing (1st Edition April 2008) has received some great reviews. Check them out on my blog www.kat-smith.blogspot.com. This book was my gift to the many writers ad potential authors who are seeking publication but not sure of how to get started. I walk the reader through the steps ad explain who does what to help arm them with the knowledge to make the decision that is best for them when deciding whether to go it alone of submit to a publisher and even seeking an agent or public relations professional.

I’m Tall You’re Not – So that makes us even (Nov 2008) is a short book about TALL women. It is a humorous look at a day in the life of a tall woman (i.e. Amazonian Goddess) It is something I wanted to share with the world. What not to say to a tall woman and the challenges with dating and everyday situations. There are lists of successful tall women for inspiration (our first lady Michelle Obama, Models, Athletes, authors, comedians, politicians, etc. ), we span the globe and have varied interests. I also started a social network for tall women called Amazonian Goddess. Check it out at www.amazoniangoddess.ning.com

Shea Butter, the African Secret (2008) is the result of product research into the skin care line for a former client. After learning all there was to know about their new line of products which were Shea Butter based, I figured many other women would love to know the facts about the healing properties of this wonderful moisturizer and main ingredient in chocolate candy.

Wordcrafting – the craft of writing fiction and nonfiction (2008) is co-authored with Ann Fields and is a product of seminars we performed together. It is a toolbox for writers who are learning the basics of the craft of writing.

The Naked Author and I’m Tall You’re Not are also available on www.Amazon.com

About the author:

Katherine “Kat” Smith is formerly co-host of a four year syndicated morning radio show with ABC Radio Networks, Inc. and has an extensive background from presently holding a position as a Media Specialist for the U. S. Census Bureau to beginning her modeling and acting career at age seventeen. She is a member of The Screen Actors Guild, The Writer’s Block and The Writers Guild of Texas.

In Kat’s career as a writer, she has been published both domestically and internationally and is a publisher, game manufacturer and speaker. She is also the author of The Book Seller’s List, Publishing Step by Step and Love the Vicious Cycle. Most recently, she has released two books - The Naked Author-Exposing the Myths of Publishing, and I’m Tall You’re Not So That Makes Us Even.

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