The Fred Factor

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Discover how an ordinary mail carrier’s approach to life can teach you how to boost creativity, strengthen relationships, and make a real difference every day—now in an updated twentieth-anniversary edition.

“[The Fred Factor] delivers a potent motivational message that will super-charge your attitude toward work and life. . . . You will never view yourself, your value to others, and your importance in the world in the same way again.”—John Maxwell, from the foreword

Meet Fred. No average USPS carrier, Fred seized the chance to find meaning in the mundane and endeavored to make his customers smile every day. After moving to Denver, Speaker Hall of Fame member Mark Sanborn got to know this kindhearted man and realized that Fred’s outlook on life can be distilled into four basic principles that anyone can use to bring fresh energy and creativity to our work and life:

• Everyone makes a difference
• Success is built on relationships
• You must continually create value for others, and it doesn’t have to cost a penny
• You can reinvent yourself regularly

In this updated edition, Sanborn speaks to the seismic changes that have transformed the world of work in recent years—with employees increasingly hungry for purpose in their jobs—and outlines the book’s fresh applications.

Perfect for graduates, community leaders, or anyone looking to bring more kindness into the world, The Fred Factor is an inspiring guide to becoming your best self.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs