Category: Cheri Speaks

Cheri Speaks

How to Choose the Right Ghostwriter

Do you have a great book idea but no time to write it? Are you an expert on a subject but a lousy writer? A ghostwriter may be right for you. There are many reasons people hire ghostwriters, and ghostwriting is very common. Often, books by celebrities, experts, and corporations are written by a ghostwriter. Before hiring a ghostwriter, you need to make sure the writer is right for the project. Here are the three things you should consider.

Writing Samples

 Professional writers often have writing samples for you to review. When reviewing the samples, look at the writing style, tone, grammar, etc. Obviously, you want a writer who writes clearly and correctly. You may also want a writer whose style and tone is similar to your own or who is able to write in different styles and tones. Also, don’t worry if the writer doesn’t have a writing sample similar to your project. You aren’t looking for a replication of a previously done project; you are looking for a writer who has talent and skill.

Experience

Find out about the writer’s work, education, and personal experiences. If he or she has experience with your topic, the writer may be able to bring personal insight and a better understanding to the project. This is especially true for complex subjects that require background knowledge to understand the topic. However, just because a writer doesn’t have experience with your topic doesn’t mean he or she is incapable of completing the project. Most writers are excellent students and researchers.

Personality

A book is a huge project. It takes a significant amount of time, and you need to be able to trust the writer you are working with. Whether you communicate via email, telephone, or face-to-face, make sure you are comfortable with the person. Different people work better with different personality types. Know what you are looking for in a writer, and trust your gut.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Book Design, Cheri Speaks

Submitting Native Files Can Save You Money

Many self-publishing authors are concerned about submitting print ready files. Often, an author will submit print ready files only to discover that the files do not meet on-demand printing requirements. This results in frustration, extra work, and additional fees. To help you better understand the process and avoid spending extra money, here is some basic information you need to know about print ready files and on-demand printing requirements.

On-demand Printing is Unique

On-demand printing is different from offset and home printing. Therefore, the requirements are different. On-demand printing is digital, and machines are not recalibrated to complement the book and file settings. Therefore, the file needs to meet the on-demand requirements.

Your Files Need Reviewed

Authors who submit print ready files often complain about being charged for the self-publishing company reviewing the files. However, many authors will submit print ready files that are not correctly formatted. This results in frustration and extra fees. To avoid this, authors can submit native files and allow the designers at the publishing company to format the book.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Book Design, Book Marketing, Cheri Speaks, Choosing a Publisher, Uncategorized

Choosing a Self Publisher

Self publishing is a big decision. Before jumping in, you need to research your options and pick a self publisher that meshes with your needs and goals. Here are three things you should look for when choosing a self-publishing company.

Design Options

Review the company’s interior and cover options. Most companies have standards for each genre. These standards are typically based on what is most viable in the marketplace.

Internal Processes

Each company has a process for handling the publication process, and requesting exceptions to this process can result in extra fees.

Prices and Options

Each company offers a variety of services during production and marketing. Find out what each company offers and the prices.

I’d love to know, what factors helped you choose a self-publishing company?

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Cheri Speaks

What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Ghostwriter

There are many reasons people hire ghostwriters. You may have a great idea for a book but no time to write it, or you might be an expert on a subject but a lousy writer. None the less, ghostwriting is very common. Often, books by celebrities, experts, and corporations are written by a ghostwriter. If you are considering hiring a ghostwriter, there are two things you must know before hiring a ghostwriter.

Know What You Want

Before accepting a project, a ghostwriter will have many questions about your book. You need to know the answers before you start talking to the ghostwriter. Here are a few things you need to consider.

  • How do you picture your book?
  • What is the tone and style?
  • How long is it?
  • What is the subject?
  • What topics are covered?
  • Who is the audience?
  • What is the purpose of the book?
  • What do you expect from the ghostwriter?
  • How much of the material will you provide?
  • How involved do you want to be in the process?

Know Your Budget

Writing a book is time-consuming, especially if you want to write a quality book. The process includes research, brainstorming, writing, rewriting and editing. This process is no different for ghostwriters. Therefore, book projects can be costly. In fact, research shows that prices can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per book. These prices depend on the writer’s experience, the length and difficulty of the project, the materials you provide and the deadline. Before hiring a ghostwriter, figure out how much you can spend. Don’t hire a ghostwriter and decide you can’t pay for the project. Like all professionals, ghostwriters MUST be paid.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Cheri Speaks

What You Might Not Know About Copyrights

Working in the self-publishing industry, one of the most common problems I see is copyright issues. For instance, authors will take pictures or text from websites or quotes from television shows and use them in their work. Many of these authors believe that it is okay to use these materials without permission. The truth is these materials are copyrighted and using them without permission can result in plagiarism and other legal concerns. Whenever you use photos or text that were not created by you, you need permission, even if you obtained them on the web.

Another issue that surfaces regularly is pictures taken by the authors themselves. Even though you own the picture, you need permission from the people and places in the photo in order to distribute the picture. This is a privacy issue and can result in serious legal consequences.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.