The business side of escorting

[Katy Alexander]

Hi Elisabeth, today was my first time reading any of the Amanda Brooks pages, and I agree , she is definitely worth checking out. I have to admit, I have always been a bit prejudice against her books. I guess I should have read some of them first before judging.

You learn something new everyday.

Originally Posted by ElisabethWhispers

Here is a link to the first 32 pages or so from the original book by JD Roberts. Who loves ya baby?

http://books.google.com/books?id=ppf...%20CPA&f=false

From the little that I've read of it, it's not worth spit. And I've heard this from others as well. Perhaps the second one, the one that supposedly costs so much, is a better read and more current.

Below is the link to Amanda's books. They're affordable and at least gives you an idea of what questions to ask yourself, there is a blog that's good reading as well, and some really good basic information.

http://www.theinternetescortshandbook.com

I'm always MORE inclined towards listening to advice from a woman who has actually participated in sex work than a man who thinks that he knows how it is, and what advice to give, than a woman herself.

I find men offering advice for sex workers to be on the insulting side with a few exceptions.

Guess that stems from men coming in out of the woodwork when I was new and telling what I needed to do to become successful (open beaver shots, chocolate syrup dripping down my ass, ads that read on a 5th grade educational level, lowering rates - they ALWAYS tell you to lower rates - if business is slow/new/old/anytime and the list goes on!).

Now asking men about the colors or style that he likes when viewing a website, that's worthwhile. Asking a man for helpful business tips as a sex worker is opening yourself up to a horrid can of proverbial worms unless it's tax advice or something more along those lines.

Just my opinion.

Elisabeth

[R.M.]

Thanks Katy for this thread. It should be a sticky and thanks Elisabeth for the links. This is a great reference tool that was much needed.

[texasgoldengirl]

Thank you for the kind words, Elisabeth.

Originally Posted by Katy Alexander

Hi Elisabeth, today was my first time reading any of the Amanda Brooks pages, and I agree , she is definitely worth checking out. I have to admit, I have always been a bit prejudice against her books. I guess I should have read some of them first before judging.

Yes, you probably should read a book first before judging. But you can try any of my blog posts for free (the book's blog, my personal blog, Bound not Gagged).

I don't attempt to sell anyone anything other than the books. The books are what they are, you take from it what you wish. I can say with absolute certainty that many, many ladies have read my books and either began a successful business or greatly improved their current business. I know this because they write me from their work emails and I can follow their success. That is the whole reason I wrote them (and will be writing more).

Amanda

[Katy Alexander]

Originally Posted by R.M.

Thanks Katy for this thread. It should be a sticky and thanks Elisabeth for the links. This is a great reference tool that was much needed.

Thank you RM,

I do not know if it will ever reach sticky status, but I am a fairly persistent bumper.
It will be interesting to see how, and if the thread evolves over time. Things grow, and change so fast in our world, I guess that is part of the reason why I find this side of it so fascinating.

Originally Posted by texasgoldengirl

Yes, you probably should read a book first before judging. But you can try any of my blog posts for free (the book's blog, my personal blog, Bound not Gagged).

I don't attempt to sell anyone anything other than the books. The books are what they are, you take from it what you wish.

Amanda

Hi Amanda,


I believe I was reading your blog. What I like about your approach is that it is very honest. You are not making any promises, but the advice you offer is good, and from what I have seen from my own experience very accurate. I think what I liked the most is that your words are not limiting to the person who is reading them. You put all the options out there, and explain the pros, and cons that go with them.

I agree, books should always be read, before judged, and I do apologize for prejudging yours. I am glad Elisabeth posted the link here, it did show myself, and possibly others that not all escort books are created equal.

Thank's for posting

[cinderbella]

And, I might add: In addition to a "Doing Business As" license ( very easy to obtain and
costs only a few dollars ) is to find yourself a good tax preparer and to set yourself up a separate business banking account and pay yourself a "salary". Use this bank account to show proof of income to the IRS and you can even declare yourself an "entertainer" is what I read that our own "Fancyinheels" declares her self employment as. In my opinion, it's the right thing to do and not only does it give you an opportunity to be a legitimate person in the eyes of the IRS, you don't have to worry about being accused of tax evasion. You never have to admit or confess to any preparer what you do, you just have to make sure you report an income or you are potentially setting yourself up for trouble later.

Also, photographers cost too much and often rush the shoot. A good alternative is to buy yourself a good, inexpensive digital camera and tripod. Practice photography and eventually you will learn how to take a decent picture. Keep the pictures classy, less is more and don't fall for the advice guys will give about exposing everything. The pictures will help with a more professional presentation and give your viewers something to intrigue them.

[texasgoldengirl]

Katy,

Thank you! I try to be very straightforward. I can't wave a magic wand for anyone but I hope to provide enough options for almost everyone to pick and choose what works for them.

No, not all escort books are created equal!

Amanda

[123partygirl]

i agree with alsey ............Great information for any girl that is new to this kind of business

[Katy Alexander]

Originally Posted by cinderbella

Also, photographers cost too much and often rush the shoot. A good alternative is to buy yourself a good, inexpensive digital camera and tripod. Practice photography and eventually you will learn how to take a decent picture. Keep the pictures classy, less is more and don't fall for the advice guys will give about exposing everything. The pictures will help with a more professional presentation and give your viewers something to intrigue them.

For myself I have found that a mix of candid, and professional seem to be the best approach. Some photographers are so talented when it comes to the way they can light your face, and body that it is difficult to achieve those results on my own. On the other hand I feel that my candids give me a more friendly, approachable look. Most likely because during a pro shoot I am too camera shy to smile.

I can honestly say that I have never regretted the money I have spent on a professional shoot. I believe that both candids, and pro shoots serve a purpose.

Below are examples. The top is me in a pro shoot, the second is me candid.

[Ansley]

Good use of the lettuce leaf. No photoshop needed.

[Katy Alexander]

Originally Posted by Ansley

Good use of the lettuce leaf. No photoshop needed.

Hey, the lettuce leaf was for the sake of discretion. I like to leave a little to the imagination.

Men tell me I'm fluffy all the time. Some say I look good enough to eat.

[silksmooth]

I agree with Katy somewhat. I pro photographer is going to be able to light correctly, far and away from what you would be able to do with point and shoot and a tripod and yourself. But the REAL pros know how to coach you into that fantastic picture. Anyone can learn to point a camera in the right direction, and anyone with deep enough wallets can buy enough equipment to do the job. But what separates the real pros from the guys who bought a bunch of fancy equipment is being able to quickly build and coach a relationship with the client and direct them in ways that are flattering. A good photographer can extract every last bit of beauty out of his subject.

Don't believe me? Check out Pirelli calendar photoshoots or Sport Illustrated photoshoots on YouTube and watch those photographers. They don't use studios and props. But they are able to capture the essence of the person in front of them. That's what separates the men from the boys. And that's what separates pro photographers from wannabes

[ElisabethWhispers]

Originally Posted by silksmooth

...But the REAL pros know how to coach you into that fantastic picture. Anyone can learn to point a camera in the right direction, and anyone with deep enough wallets can buy enough equipment to do the job. But what separates the real pros from the guys who bought a bunch of fancy equipment is being able to quickly build and coach a relationship with the client and direct them in ways that are flattering. A good photographer can extract every last bit of beauty out of his subject.

I agree. I've always said that anyone can take a great picture of a perfect woman in an erotic poise or anything else.

It takes someone with skill and artistry to photograph someone who is completely imperfect, whether that means fat, ugly, too much of this or that, or whatever else.

I've seen this first hand.

I've always posted professional pictures. But I'm looking to change that. A friend of mine in Houston took a great picture of me on a balcony. It was just me. And she captured the real "me". She has an eye for such things.

Good point. And I love the rabbit pictures, Katy! I had no idea that you were so fluffy!

[Katy Alexander]

Originally Posted by ElisabethWhispers

I agree. I've always said that anyone can take a great picture of a perfect woman in an erotic poise or anything else.

It takes someone with skill and artistry to photograph someone who is completely imperfect, whether that means fat, ugly, too much of this or that, or whatever else.

What I have noticed with some of my favorite photographers is they seem to use a combination of lighting and great poses to make their subject appear three dimensional, regarless of size, or shape. When a photograoher can create that effect I know they are well worth their fee.

[ElisabethWhispers]

lol

[Katy Alexander]

lol I know.... someone needs to take away my rabbit collection. I believe it is turning into an ilness.