Holy Smokes!!! It's been a dream of mine to have a thread in this section of the Café! And I can't believe I did it!

Hurrah!!

So, without further ado, I can say that I'm officially an author...

http://magicfriday.blogspot.ca/2013/07/t......opy.html

There's some more info over here, as well, but this is the place to be.

So excited!

~jamie

Congratulations Jamie!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be ordering this October 1st!

Congrats Jamie!!!! Glad I could help a little on this one You're the man!

Hurrah!

I just got the proof for the finalized version today and it looks great! So it's off to the printers in time for Oct.01!

And thanks for all the testimonials (from the Draft readers)!! Here are the ones that made the back cover...


“Jamie D. Grant writes with wit, intelligence and brevity – a rare trifecta. In this
book he spills essential information that every walk-around performer needs to
know. Sure, you already know some of this, but you don’t know it all. And that
makes this a required investment in your performing career..”

~Ken Weber, author of Maximum Entertainment


“If you’ve been doing walk-around forever or just bought an invisible deck
yesterday - The Approach is the best investment you can make. Jamie’s covered
EVERYTHING based on self-actualized innovation as a worker in the trenches.
Two thumb tips up and a Sanada gimmick high five!”

~Bill Abbott, 2012 Canadian Magician of the Year


“This is the book that every magician needs in their library . . . even seasoned
pros (who will either just confirm what they already know, or if they’re like me,
manage to learn something new that hadn’t occurred to them before). In a short
amount of time, I’ll be able to tell which performers have read this book, and
those who haven’t, just by the merits of their performance. Thank you, Jamie,
for sharing this “gift of wonder” with the magic fraternity. I will look forward to
seeing the majestic garden that will result from the seeds you have planted.”

~Philemon Vanderbeck


“Invaluable information for the working magician. This is definitely one of the
best buys I’ve purchased in my 24 years in magic.“

~Jonathan Molo


“P*ss*d that I didn’t have this back in the day.”

~Steve Valentine, Two-time Magic Castle Close-Up Magician of the Year

Just because I can...I'm releasing THE APPROACH a few days early!! Hurrah! I can't believe it's finally done! So, have you ever wanted to start making money with your magic? Well, if you have, I've written a guidebook to help you through it...

http://magicfriday.blogspot.ca/2013/07/t......opy.html

Yeeeah!!

~jamie

Mine has arrived in the uk and enjoying it so far. Even had a nice surprise of a 1,000,000 dollar bill dropping out half way through. No idea what I'll do with it but it made me smile so job done I guess

Hi. I was recently turned on to your "Friday Magic". This has been a TREMENDOUS inspiration to me! I just ordered the book, and I am really looking forward to it! Like you, I have a "day job", but I have been interested in magic since I was 8. I do a few shows now and then, but my dream has always been to keep my day job, but once a week do some serious, professional magic. I came out of early retirement (in my 30s) to start an investment firm, and I just love that part of my life. However, I would also love to do professional corporate or restaurant magic. I think it would be tremendous fun! The shows I have done are for friends, family, charity organizations (where I know some or most of the people), etc. I love doing charity work, especially for hospitals and elderly, but I do think it would be cool to be paid for corporate or restaurant work. As you said in one of your "Friday Magic" shows, it is a different ballgame if one doesn't HAVE to perform for money. I think you said you raised your fees because you don't HAVE to do this. I have certain goals in life that will take some money, so I would like to be paid as much as is fairly possible, and put that money toward my "legacy" goals, for a couple foundations I would like to leave after I'm gone.

I'm really looking forward to the book!

Thank you for writing this.

KJ

Jamie, this arrived just in time for a gig I"m getting ready to do on election day and even though I'm a working 'semi-pro" I'm getting lots of great ideas. Gotta tell ya Chapter 37 the big secret is WORTH THE PRICE OF THE BOOK. Crazy great idea. I work for VIPs during movie productions so this is just a natural for me. Kinda hoping it doesn't get out. If you have a line on where to get them made up PLEASE PM me.

Thanks

- John

Jamie,
I received the book recently and read it from cover to cover in one sitting! I just couldn't put it down! This book is VERY WELL written.

John,
I agree, chapter 37 is a very good idea. If you go to a local printer, they could even make a lifesize image of you, holding a sign that you could customize by sticking a printed piece of paper with double sided tape. You could probably get a folding sign that would be easier to transport.

KJ

I've really enjoyed reading through this, and plan on going back to it many times in the future, pen in hand. There are so many moments that make you think, "hmmm, that's really clever," or "that sounds effective." Also like the way that Jamie isn't shy about giving a straight answer or taking a position based on experience, which clears the clutter and makes it easy to begin applying the advice right away.

Thought there'd be more interest in this book. I guess books with tricks sell more.

I think there's a lot more interest than you'd expect. It's been a best seller in Penguin and tons of great reviews are out there.

WARNING: Looooooooooooooooooooooooooong post, lol.



I was thinking the exact same thing today! Not about the sales part (even though you are 100% correct- without question) but about the online "chatter"- or lack of it here!

And, as anyone who knows me will tell you- I LOVE marketing. So if it's okay with you guys, I'd love to explore it a bit here. When I started the thread about The Approach over at The Latest and Greatest section- I really wanted to start from the very beginning to help people who wanted to write a book themselves. So let's take it a bit further and see how the online marketing continues! Maybe this will help people who have written a book and are working to sell more copies. I hope this can help!

________________________________________________________________


When I created Industrial Revelation- I had no idea how big it was going to get! Not only the trick, but the thread! Holy Smokes! It has over 200,000 views, but also has 2000 replies and 70 pages! Why?

1) It's a trick- which not only will outsell a book (that doesn't have tricks) - but will also have more 'anticipation'. How does it look? Can it be performed surrounded? Will it make me famous? Etc.
2) There's "routining" that is required with an effect- and is super fun to talk about with your online friends.
3) There's specific experiences (after performing) that you can share.

I also had some contests which really helped the thread catch on.


Okay, with The Approach, I'll be 100% honest with you (as I always am). It's been an absolute smash hit for us (my family). I did an initial run of 225 draft copies (which sold out) and then did the other run of 1000- which I thought would last me a year or so. Well, we've already burned through almost 700 in just over a month or so!! Wha?! That's crazy! And the weird thing is- on Penguin- it's gets nothing but 5 Star reviews and is a Top Seller:



Customer Reviews

Best Book I Own Report this review
Shawn Mullins from Boston on October 16th, 2013

This is the book that has got me to think differently about magic. Not only is Jamie's conversational tone easy to read, the information about magic performance and business is gold.

I place this up there with my love for Royal Road to Card Magic.

If you know a few good tricks that people like and think "I might want to perform for people" this is for you! Or if you are thinking "I want to perform for MORE people and get MORE gigs" this is also for you. Since reading I've been offered a bunch of great gigs and even had to turn some down.

If you have the book and have a question, shoot Jamie an e-mail! He really is the nicest guy in the industry and giving away all of his secrets.


Matt P from Denver, CO on October 15th, 2013

This book is amazing! I purchased a draft copy of this book at Magic Live from Jamie and have read it 3 times already and referenced chapters many times over. Invaluable advice from a working pro that will positively change your magic performance and business and simply make you AWESOME! Jamie's infectious passion for sharing and helping shines through in this book and every detail you can possibly imagine is discussed. BUY THIS NOW!!


No hyperbole; it's GREAT Report this review
Verified buyer Mario Orsini from WV on October 25th, 2013

About a week ago I decided to pick up Jamie’s book, “The Approach.” While is not cheap for a book, I thought Jamie had shared so much information for free over the years that it was a fair asking price.

I finished reading the book in 2 days and I think I can sum it up in one word…”Enthusiasm.”

Jamie’s enthusiasm and love of performing magic pours out of the pages of the book. When reading it, you can’t help but to be excited as well. There is TONS of valuable information packed inside. Some things I already knew but there were so many things I had NEVER thought of! There will probably be some things you disagree with…that’s ok. As Jamie says (I’m paraphrasing), “We’re all different.”

I put “The Approach” in my top 5 magic books I’ve read (please don’t ask me the other 4 right now). If you are a magician (close-up, stage, whatever), you should read this book. I’ve never met Jamie before but if we’re ever in the same place, I’m going to buy him a beer or 3 because 1) he seems like he’d be awesome to hang out with and 2) he deserves it for all he’s shared with the magic community, including this book.


Verified buyer Sean Mccarthy from Dublin, Ireland. on November 8th, 2013

This is it. Nobody ever has to ask any questions about becoming a professional magician ever again. Jamie writes in an easy to understand and interesting manner. Even if you don't like reading you will love this book. Jamie covers absolutely everything you would ever need to know to have a long and successful professional career.
But what if your already a professional? You still need this! Even if you have been a working magician your whole life you will still get invaluable information in this book.
The approach is inspiring and a true gem of magic. This will in no doubt soon become a classic and something on every magicians bookshelf.
BUY THIS NOW!


SendWonder Report this review
C. Stanislas from Central Valley, CA on November 2nd, 2013

About a week ago on Twitter, Jamie posted a tweet that said, "I just sent magic care package to somebody and they don't even know it." That person was me. And included was The Approach, I immediately started reading and my god! This book had everything you ever wanted from a book on becoming a walk-around magician. I have been asking professionals a bunch of questions; how much to charge, how many tricks should I perform and have ready...etc. ALL of these questions and more are answered in this book. Things you may have never even thought of; "What do I say when leaving a group". This book should be read, consumed and put to practical use. Everything I have read so far is great advice and practical and is written in such a way you won't get bored, it's highly interactive and an easy read. Simply put; I needed a book like this, I needed THIS book, I just didn't know it. A TRULY GREAT BOOK!


INSPIRING Report this review
Sasha Crespi from Paris on November 1st, 2013

This book is fantastic!
It inspired me to better myself physically but also think twice about simple things about nails.
Jamie goes straight to the point, most books take 3 or 4 pages to convey a point, Jamie does it in half.
He puts deadlines and gives you some tips that you would have never thought were necessary, but in actuality, the tells you they are important and why.

I can only give this my highest reccomandation


Sincere person Report this review
Verified buyer Jason Jacobs from Cincinnati Ohio on October 19th, 2013

I haven't finished the book, I just started this morning, but am really enjoying it. Already I got my money's worth I feel. I really like Jamie's sincere honesty and the self help aspect of the book which translate to all aspects of one's life. I am looking forward to more products and DVDs from Jamie. He is a true gentleman.
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____________________________________________________________________________

So what's the deal? If it's doing so well, how come it's not getting talked about over here at The Magic Café which, for the most part, I call my home?

Let's analyze it!

1) This section of the Café (Books, Pamphlets & Lecture Notes) has 1/4 of the threads than Tricks and Effects- and the Latest and Greatest. For us booklovers (I know I'm not alone, lol) it's a bit of an uphill battle.
2) I am an equally guilty party! I haven't really started a bunch of book threads, either. This also means that I'm not "as known" in this section of The Café.
3) I haven't had a contest yet.

Okay so, how do I fix it? Or, if you just wrote a book- how do you get Café hype while still not coming off like a salesman?

A) Start more discussions about books you love and about books in general (I'm going to start doing that, I reckon).
B) Take out a paid Ad here on the Magic Café to help Steve out and so that you're a "paying advertiser" (I've been a paying advertiser for 7 years!)and can justify your actions a bit.
C) Ask your friends on social media to come over and take part in the discussion (I'll do that tonight).
D) Give back- hold a contest and give something away! And I think I'll do that right now...


The Approach Official "Let's Get People Talking About It" Contest!

Hiya Gang!

On Dec.15, I'm going to draw a name from everyone who enters here- for a chance to win any one of my products! An "Anything Is Possible" bottle, an Industrial Revelation, a Vault, or another copy of The Approach! Not only that- but I'll also add in $100 cash!

How do you enter?

1) Buy a copy of The Approach!
2) Write (here on this thread) the name of your favourite chapter! That's it! If you want, you can tell us a bit about why it's your favourite, too (as long as you don't talk about the Big Secret) but you don't have to! Just the Chapter Number and Title.

That's it!

Okay, well let's see if this whole thread worked!

Your pal,

jamie
http://www.SendWonder.com

Being that the entire book are full of super useful and practical advice/information, almost every chapter can be considered my favorite.

So, I'll just pick one for entering this draw.
Chapter 32: The Big Secret

Can we enter if we've only purchased the draft copy?

Absolutely!!

The draft purchaser were the ones the helped me get the book actually finished! It would be an honor to have opportunity to perhaps give you something back!

Official Entrants

yin_howe: Chapter 32~ The Big Secret

Hey Jamie! Draft Copy #20 here.

If I had to pick just ONE chapter in this book it would be chapter 12 -Starting Conversations. It was a tough choice but one sentence said it all for me...."Don't forget, your goal isn't reactions. Your goal is connection."

Once again I want to thank you for releasing a WONDERful book.

Jonathan Molo
Master Magician
http://www.JonathanMolo.com

@yin_howe loved that trick, "The second big secret" was great as well (no idea what chapter that is)

Lent out my copy to cousin who wanted to skim it before purchasing so I cant remember the chapter number but to pick one chapter (which is extremely difficult) it would have to be:

"Busted" and "Hecklers" - I know I chose two, I lied but that's what we magicians do!

Keep it up J and best of luck with your hand.

*edit* just called cousin: chapter 50 and chapter 82

I'd go with chapter 58, always had an issue with remembering peoples names and this helped out a lot!

Well I 100% love this book and really do value it like I value Royal Road. If you want to be a professional this should be required reading for sure! Even if you are a hobbyist with the intentions of performing for real people.

My favorite chapter is: 43: Highs and lows

Just something I connect with. It's pretty darn hard to pick a favorite though!

By the way! Hope your hand is healing up!