We've been lucky in our careers to work with great talent—from well-known publishers, television producers and famous leaders.   Sam Horn outshines them  all.  She helped us turn our manuscript into a very special book.  Her probing questions, delightful manner and her ability to get to the heart of what is important in a project made a significant difference in our book AND in our careers.    Sam is a genius and anyone who thinks seriously about writing a book, crafting a speech or building a business shouldn't make a move without Sam Horn!
Deborah Stephens, Michealene Risley, Jackie Speier and Jan Yanehiro, co-authors of "This is Not The Life I Ordered:  50 Ways to Keep Your Head Above Water When Life Keeps Dragging You Down"

"This is a long overdue thank you for the time you spent with me on the phone.  Thanks to your enthusiasm and nitty gritty advice, I went from feeling discouraged about my book to feeling excited.  You gave me clear direction on how to move forward and the confidence to do it.  I have developed the promotional piece you suggested, and after a brainstorming session with a group of friends, my current working title is The Last Resort -- Would You Want to Live in a Nursing Home? I will let you know when I land an agent (notice I said when, not if) and ultimately a publisher. Again, my deep appreciation."-
Beth Baker

"You are a master writer and I know this project would not have been as successful without your wisdom and insights." - Keith Harrell, member of Speaker Hall of Fame, author of "The Attitude of Leadership" (John Wiley & Sons.)

"Sam Horn is a creative genius with words, phrases, and titles. She also knows what grabs people and what sells! Sam Horn is a must for any author who needs an inventive breath of fresh air!" -Julie Jansen, author, "I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This! " (Penguin Books)

"The time and money I invested in your expertise was well spent! I just got off the phone with my editor from Prentice Hall who complimented my proposal which would not have been the same without you. Even more, I appreciate your follow up and genuine concern abut my book." -David Yoho, member of Speaker Hall of Fame

In just 30 minutes, Sam showed me how to showcase my years of experience and tun them into a platform of tremendous value for thousands of readers. She helped me focus my writing efforts and shortened my learning curve by months, maybe even by years!" - Jean Palmer Heck, author of "Secrets for the Reluctant Speaker"

"My deepest thanks to my writing mentor, editor, and constant cheerleader, Sam Horn. She is an author's dream co-creator. Her hands, heart and voice permeate and enliven this book." - Doug Stevenson, creator of the Story Theater Method, and author of "Never Be Boring Again"

"Thanks to Sam Horn, accomplished author and advisor, for her creative input and resasurance that my words have value, especialy through stoires." - Kathleen Keller Passanisi, Recipient of the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, and author of "It's Your Life -- Choose Well"

"Simply stated: Sam Horn is brilliant! She helped me more in five minutes to get focused and begin to crystallize my book project than I had accomplished fumbling along on my own for three years. Three separate opportunities to interact with Sam gave me everything I needed to push my project to completion. If you are looking for value, then I believe there is no one better than Sam Horn." -Dr. Zayd Abdul-Karim, author of "Deep Translations" 

"Your assistance and expertise were invaluable in the development of the structure, format and content of the book. Thank you so much for all your words of wisdom, encouragement and guidance through the maze of the publishing world. I am forever grateful." - Barb Bartlein, author of "Why Did I Marry You Anyway?" (Cumberland Hourse Publishing)

"Just recieved my contract from McGraw Hill. Add me to your collection of authors who got published, Sam." - Mike Malaghan, author of "Sales Managers: Make More Money"

"Heartfelt thanks to Sam Horn, who believed in this project from its conception." - Mark Bergren, Molly Cox, Jim Detmer, authors of "Improvise This!" (Hyperion)

"Thanks for sharing some of the best advice a writer could hope for." - David Glickman, author of "Punchline Your Bottom-Line"

"Thank you for making my project 'sing.' You were able, in just a few hours, to pull together things I'd been struggling with for weeks. My agent is thrilled because it flows beautifully now with intrigue and sparkle. What an amazing talent you have! And what a joy you are to work with." -Cynthia Shapiro, PHR, author of "Why Your Job Is Hurting Your Career."

"Working with Sam is delightful. She is friendly, supportive, and can 'turn a phrase' better than anyone I know. Her consulting services were instrumental in shaping my book and shortened my learning curve as an author. " -Christine Martinello, author of the Momager (Half Mom - Half Manager) Guide

"There is no question that without you, I would not have completed my book proposal, let alone have it accepted by an agent within two weeks of sending it out! I can't thank you enough for all of your help in writing my first proposal and for your wonderful words of encouragement and support in believing in my book." -Susan Clarke, CPBA CPVA, Certified Behavior and Values Analyst

"I admire your ability to put things together and take away the fluff. The title you came up with was right on target. It definitely gets people interested.. Thanks for your wisdom. You are brilliant." -Arnold Sanow and Sandra Strauss, authors of "Get Along . . with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere"

"There are two other agents interested in my proposal! Thank you, thank you, thank you. This wouldn't be happening if it weren't for you!" -Candy Cole, author of "It's a GodSend"

"I was an instructor at the Maui Writers Conference. I wanted to praise you for the great job you did facilitating and emceeing the retreat and conference. I was so impressed with how organized you were, calm under pressure, and just so gracious to everyone who had needs. You have really found your gift, thanks for sharing it with us." -Gloria Kempton, Writers Digest 

Together, we'll come up with an original title, pitch, brand, content, and approach that helps you be one-of-a-kind instead of one-of-many!

Louis Nizer said, "No speech is good without an original thought." In today's competitive marketplace, no business or product is "good" unless we have original titles, pitches, brands, and messages.

If we're saying the same thing as everyone else, why should decision-makers choose to work with us, why should meeting planners hire us, why should busy people waste their precious time reading us, listening to us, or buying our products?

You may be thinking, I agree with this, but HOW do I come up with an original title, pitch, brand, content, and approach that helps me be one-of-a-kind instead of one-of-many?

That's where I come in. I'm known for my ability to interview you and extract what is unique about your expertise and experience (or what is special and most marketable about your business or product).

I then use a creative process I've developed to crystallize and language your "uniqueness" into a compelling message that has the potential and power to drive your project's success -- whether that project is a book, a business, a presentation, a product, or a service.

For whatever reason, (and believe me, I'm grateful for it), my mind has an uncanny ability to "riff off" what I hear and use that to create innovative intellectual capital that can help you stand out from the crowd.

I have systemized this process - it's called POP! I use metaphors, alphabetizing, word-smithing, and creative quantum leaps to come up with names, phrases, and content that POP's -- that perfectly articulates the essence of what you do and what you want to say in a compelling and commercially viable way.

So, you're probably wondering how we work together and how I can help you fast-forward your writing, speaking, coaching, and/or entrepreneurial goals.

How Do We Work Together?

Are you wondering exactly what I can help you with? Well, here are just a few of the goals of previous clients.

• Are you writing a book and want to put together an impressive proposal that will attract the favorable interest of agents, editors, readers, and publishers?

• Do you have your own business and want to come up with a name and motto that explains what you do in a memorable, meaningful way?

• Are you a speaker/coach who wants to develop a truly outstanding presentation with proprietary content so you book more business?

• Would you like help developing a succinct, intriguing "elevator speech" for your business, book, product, or service so everyone who hears it wants to know more?

• Do you want to figure out what you have to offer that's special so you're not like everyone else in your industry?

• Do you want an experienced expert who's "been there, done that" to help you get your book out of your head and into the world where it can make a difference for people and drive your business?

• Are you developing a new product, service, or process and you want a pithy "tell and sell" pitch that helps it break out?

• Are you looking for funny, fascinating sound-bytes that can help you draw media attention from TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines -- and help you deliver a interview that immediately gets you asked back?

• Do you have an important presentation coming up (a sales pitch to a VIP client, a commencement address, a keynote for a major convention, a proposal to your Board of Directors, a breakout session for your industry association) and you'd like help creating the content and polishing your delivery so your program exceeds everyone's expectations and you receive excellent evaluations and feedback?

• Do you want to author a book -- but don't have the necessary time, interest, or writing skills -- and want to know what your options are?

• Are you not making as much money as you'd like as a speaker, coach, author, or entrepreneur -- and you'd like to strategize your business so you're moving forward in a savvy, symbiotic way that maximizes your talent and income?

• Do you want to take your career to the next level - and want help developing a "tell and sell" positioning statement that differentiates you in a meaningful and memorable way?

• Would you like to take your business to the next level -- and you'd like someone who's supportive, experienced, and insightful to coach you through the process so you know exactly what to do next -- and are held accountable for tangible progress?

I have had the pleasure of helping clients do all of the above.

What are the Logistics of our Consulting?

• We can work "virtually" - or in person.

• About half of my clients come to my lakefront home in Reston, VA (ten minutes from Washington DC's Dulles Airport) or meet with me when I'm in their area to speak. The other half schedule phone appointments and we send material back and forth via email and fax.

• I work in time packages. You can choose a 4 hour package, an 8 hour package, or a 16 hour package. I am known for accomplishing a lot in a little amount of time. Many clients tell me we generate more career-making, usable ideas and make more tangible progress in our time together than they've experienced with any other consultant/coach.

• For longer projects (e.g., working with you to produce and/or your manuscript), we can negotiate a special project price.

• You choose how and when your time package is spent. Some clients who are working on a tight deadline choose to work together in person for a half or full day. Other clients who are juggling job and family responsibilities while writing a book or building their own business choose to spread their appointments out over several months. I'm flexible so you can design our work together to produce maximum ROI (return on investment).

• My fees are available on request. Just so you know, my fees are what they are because of the dozens of clients who have said, "I've spent thousands of dollars on book coaches, branding specialists, and business consultants; and I got more from you in one hour than I did in months of working with them."

• You are welcome to pay with a check, Visa, Master Card, AMEX, or Discover (Get those mileage awards!)

Wondering If This Will be Worth Your While?

You may be thinking, "There's a lot of consultants out there. What's so special about you?" Hopefully, the testimonials on the side of this page and in the Thank Fu! section of this website will demonstrate my proven track record.

Please know I don't make empty promises. My rather rare combination of experience and unique background qualifies me to mentor you in catapulting your speaking / writing / entrepreneurial career.

• I've been a successful sole proprietor since 1981. As President of Action Seminars, I've worked with such clients as Hewlett Packard, NASA, Young Presidents Organization, the U.S. Navy, the IRS, Legg Mason, National Governors Association, and Four Seasons Resort.

• I was the top-rated speaker at both the '96 and '98 International Platform Association conventions, was the 2003-04 Outstanding Capital Speaker of the Year, and have spoken to more than a half million people in 35 states and 3 foreign countries.

• My four books from St. Martin's Press have been sold around the world and have been endorsed by such best-selling authors as Stephen Covey, John Gray, Jack Canfield, Richard Carlson, Tony Robbins, Dave Pelzer, Wally Amos, Dan Millman, and Susan Jeffers.

• I'm a frequent media resource who has been featured in the Washington Post, Readers Digest, Chicago Tribune, Investors Business Daily, Foregin Service Journal, to name a few. I've been appeared on every major network, been interviewed on National Public Radio, and even had a chance to be on To Tell The Truth where my Tongue Fu! team stumped the panel.

• I've created a trade-marked title, Tongue Fu!, that's produced an ongoing revenue-stream of services and products including a book that has been sold around the world (China, Japan, Germany, England, Singapore, Argentina, etc.), presentations given to many Fortune 500 organizations, and a Tongue Fu! Training Institute that certifies instructors to share the methodology with their employees and clients.

• As the14-time Emcee of the world-renown Maui Writers Conference, I've had an opportunity to work with many of the top decision-makers in the book industry including editors from all the major publishers, the best agents in the business, and such well-known authors/directors as Frank McCourt, Dave Barry, Nicholas Sparks, Aaron Sorkin, Ron Howard, James Brooks, Sue Grafton, and Mitch Albom.

• What's this mean to you? It means I don't just "talk" about how to create a successful business, book, or career as a one-of-a-kind expert. I've done it.

More importantly, my clients have done it too. A number of my consulting clients have signed with agents and received 6 figure contracts with major publishers. Several of my clients have started their own companies and now speak, train, or coach full time. Most of my clients have finished their books and have been delighted with the many benefits they've accrued as a result. I'm happy to say, many of those clients thanked me in their book's Acknowledgements with this pronouncement, "I couldn't have done it without you!"

Ready to book your consulting package? Call Cheri Grimm of the Action Seminars California office at 805 528-4351 or email her at info@samhorn.com

Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead said, "It's not enough to be the best at what you do. You must be the only one who does what you do." My goal is to help you be both the best at what you do AND perceived as the only one who does what you do. I look forward to hearing from you, and hope we have a chance to work together. 

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