Category: ghostwriting

elizabeth speaks, ghostwriting, in your corner, Uncategorized

In Your Corner: What does a self-publishing author need to know about ghostwriting?

ghostwriter ghostwriting

How is your content coming? Do you have a protagonist stuck in a loss of direction or buried in a dissipating story arc? Are you an industry leader in green building with every resource save time to pen your own book? Have you developed years of research on a story that needs to be told but lack the composition experience to make it as successful as possible?

We want to hear what you have to say.

Perhaps its time to consider ghostwriting.

Ghostwriting functions as a collaborative writing effort between a principal author and contracted ghostwriter to develop content ranging in scope from a preliminary idea or outline to nearly completed manuscript.

Having existed in the publishing industry for generations, ghostwriting is finding a relatively new niche in the growing self-published base of printed work. For self-publishing authors, ghostwriters can fulfill the role of acquisitions editor, content developer, and partner. But counter to the the traditional publishing model, the self-publishing author will remain in the driver’s seat through the process with their ghostwriter, working to develop direction based on the best interest of the author. Should you decide to work with a ghostwriter, you will retain creative control over every step of your work.

Ghostwriters can be contracted independently, and a handful of self-publishing options now provide them in-house and often at lower rates, including the company I work for. I encourage you to explore these options, and consider your current needs. If those needs include the refrain “if only there were more hours in the day!” and you have room in your budget, it may be time to invest in your own official, expert backup.

You are not alone. ♣︎

Elizabeth

ABOUT ELIZABETH JAVOR: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Elizabeth Javor works as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Outskirts Press. The Sales and Marketing departments are composed of knowledgeable publishing consultants, customer service reps and book marketing specialists; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Elizabeth Javor can put you on the right path.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, ghostwriting, poetry, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 10/6/2017

CONNECT WITH EXPERT ASSISTANTS

Have you ever considered working with a Writing Assistant (Editor/Coach), or Ghostwriter? If you have a novel, memoir, poetry collection, or any other manuscript that is buried in your basement, I hope you will consider bringing it back to life by joining forces with an expert collaborator. Here are two True Stories I hope will encourage you.

True Story: My friend Sue (not her real name) and I met at a writers’ conference last year. Instantly we knew we’d be good friends because we had so much in common. On the last day of the conference we exchanged cards and wished each other well in our writing adventures. Several months later Sue called me and asked to “get together.” We met at a local coffee shop and barely sat down with our steaming cups of caffeine before she announced, “This idea hit me—like an epiphany—and I know it’s supposed to be a book. It just has to be written, so I need your help.” That was the beginning of a two-hour conversation that sent us on a wild ride. I became her “writing assistant,” her editor, writing coach and friend. The manuscript is now with a traditional publishing house.

True Story #2: While sitting at dinner with our neighbors, Bill mentioned that he’d written a little poetry over the years. “When I’m looking at the beauty of nature, words just seem to come to me.” Of course I encouraged him to continue writing because his observations of the world around us are as unique as a finger print—no two are alike. Not long after that conversation, Bill called and asked if I’d like to take a look at some of his work—poetry that he’d matched to his prize-winning photography. To my delight, his extended dining room table was covered with small “prints” of his favorite photographs. Then he handed me a thick stack of hand-written poetry. Over the next three years we worked together to produce two beautiful collections of his photography and verse: From Delicate Lily Pads to Sculptured Peaks, and Impressions of Nature in Black and White by William A. Carlson. Would these books have ever been published without the friendship connection and the TLC of expert assistance? Maybe. “But doubtful,” says Bill.

As my writing life developed into the business of being a “writer’s assistant” I discovered a whole new level of JOY walking through the creative process with another writer and helping their works “find the light of day.” Writing a book (fiction or nonfiction) is a big commitment, and having support from a trained and experienced writer is just what the “book doctor” ordered. Assistant classifications include:

  • The Writing Consultant who can brainstorm the plot/concept with you and help you smash through any writer’s block.
  • The Coach/Editor who reads and offers editing, word choice, and enhancement ideas.
  • The Ghostwriter who develops your original ideas to complete the manuscript. And, like one Ghostwriter is fond of saying: “When it comes to our clients, we are as silent as Jeeves.” Yes, indeed, the professional Ghostwriter never reveals the names of their clients—unless, of course, the client gives permission, places their name on the cover as, written with, or decides the Ghostwriter’s input deserved the co-author title.

How do you find these experts? Most of us are proficient using Google to find any category of experts we’re looking for, including writing consultants, editors and ghostwriters. Their websites may be big and beautiful, however, finding the right FIT with someone you can work with is the real Key to Success.

Most writers’ conference (like the one that I attended with the author in the first True Story—above) set up a panels of experts for writers to talk with which is an excellent way to meet experienced assistants. Even if you’re not able to meet with them at length, and discuss your project, you can at least take their card and contact them later.

However, my go-to place to find professional help is the self-publishing company where I (and several clients) have published. If authors don’t find a perfect fit with one of their Consultants, Editors, or Ghostwriters, they offer other in-house expert connections. AND, unlike traditional houses who hire experts to create books that meet the “projected value” of their business, self-publishing companies hire professional individuals who will listen to each author, and offer their very best help to complete the book that the author has written.

So DIG OUT your old manuscript(s) and find the specialized collaborator who will pump life back into it. You owe it to yourself and your Readers! ⚓︎

 

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, ghostwriting, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 5/27/2016

HELPING HANDS, MINDS and HEARTS

Part IV

It is my hope that the information I’ve offered you this month about GHOSTWRITERS has been beneficial. This partnership/ghostwriting career brings two people together in a hearts, minds and hands pursuit to complete something wonderful that neither writer could do alone. In this last blog entry of the month, I’ll give you a few more examples of WHY you may really need to work of a Ghostwriter.

  • Are you an expert in your career field or educational experience? Do you have a “great idea” for a book with no time or professional writing ability to develop a readable book? You need the help of a Ghostwriter!
  • Are you a CEO of a business that is “doing okay” but you hope will “thrive” someday? Working with a Ghostwriter will allow you to TELL the story about how and why you birthed this business. People will read about the foundational reasons you’re “in business,” respect what you’ve built and come knocking at your business doors.
  • Are you a politician who dreams of working within “the system” to breath “new life” into it? Whether you choose to publish under your own name or with a pseudonym, the clarity of your message must be of highest priority. The Ghostwriter who shares your vision will help you.
  • Do you dream about what life was like for your grandparents—great-grandparents—great-great-grandparents…? Would you like to write a book about their lives, the countries they came from and the wars they survived? That takes a LOT of research, and most people have very little time to dedicate to that kind data search. The Ghostwriter who specializes in memoirs and/or history research is just the person to help you.
  • Are you a CPA who sees “the writing on the wall” in the financial lives of your clients without the ability to explain the steps they need to take to protect their future?
  • Are you a TV Journalist who sees the “real world” on a daily basis yet has only 30-60-90 seconds to express ALL you want to say to your viewers? Journalists are born writers, yet rarely do they have the time and/or reserved energy to write the books that are clamoring within them. Please! Don’t wait until you retire! Connect with a Ghostwriter (who may have also worked as a journalist) and get your book-s written!
  • Are you a Medical Professional who can offer expert information that will benefit potential patients (every person on earth) saving them unnecessary physical, mental or emotional stress? You probably have boxes full of research! Hire a Ghostwriter! Point them in the direction you believe is best and LET your book be written!

Several years ago, one of my very, very best friends passed from this earth. (Yes, I know, it’s not quality writing to use the word very, let alone use it twice. But the truth of it stands as is.) She was a writer I consider to be extraordinarily gifted. She could write with such great empathy whether developing a children’s novel, poetry, or creating magazine articles.

Much of my friend’s work was published in non-fiction genres. But she always returned to her prose writing. One fiction story in particular carried such intensity of emotion, woven with the power of colliding circumstances, that I have not forgotten it—in thirty-plus years. However, she never published that novel, and I have grieved its loss. This writer—my dear friend—wrote with such a unique perspective that inspired excellent life values without “preaching.” She considered working with a Ghostwriter to complete that novel—but didn’t.

SO IT IS I SAY to you, today, DO NOT WAIT! Find the Ghostwriter/partner who will work with you on your book until it is completed! Get referrals from publishers. If you want to work “hand and glove” with a Ghostwriter, talk with your local Liberians and/or local Writing groups. However, the best Ghostwriter for you and your project may not live in your community. Don’t hesitate to expand your search. The majority of my clients live in other states and we’ve never met (face-to-face) but have enjoyed great success in completing their work—and seeing it PUBLISHED! The right writing partner is waiting for your call! Today is the day to start your search! ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, ghostwriting, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 5/13/2016

HELPING HANDS, MINDS and HEARTS

Part II

Did I put the cart before the horse? A current client just suggested to me that defining the work of a ghostwriter would be a big help to other people seeking assistance. SO…here goes…

  • First…we are writers who enjoy working behind the scenes FOR our clients. We are quite comfortable to see the client’s name appear on the book and it is our client who receives all the credit (and copyright) to the material we produce for them.
  • Ghostwriters are expert writers who like to help lots of different people (medical doctors, safari guides, missionaries, political activists, chefs, other writers…etc.) complete their book projects.
  • We research, write, rewrite, collaborate, and brainstorm with clients until THE END.
  • We can take a very basic concept (even a one paragraph idea) and RUN with it—writing and developing the idea—while communicating with the client until a full draft manuscript is ready for the client’s review.
  • We can also take a multi-page “draft manuscript” that is incomplete—fill in the missing pieces—and present a “complete draft” to the client.

With seventeen (17) books now listed on my resume, I’ve received some interesting comments about the working relationship my clients and I have enjoyed. Perhaps this list will further define the “role” of a ghostwriter: research-digger; big picture visionary; candid critic; surprising wordsmith; personal coach; listening friend. What is important to remember is that NO TWO projects are ever the same. Each one is developed within the unique parameters set by the topic/concept and the client. IT IS THE Ghostwriters purpose to make the author LOOK GREAT in print and help make their dream of being an author come true!

JUST IN CASE you’re thinking that ghostwriting help is NOT for you, I’ll share a bit of trivia (which can be checked out on the Internet) about a few famous authors who have enjoyed the HELP of a friend.

Raymond Benson may be one of the best known ghostwriters known for his James Bond novels. He is also behind the scene of the Tom Clancy Splinter Cell series, using a pseudonym (David Michaels) for the 1st and 2nd books in that series, after which another ghostwriter has taken up the work.

Author V.C. Andrews was just beginning to build her GARDEN book series when she passed away from cancer. Her family sought out a ghostwriter to complete one book and selected Andrew Neiderman who took over in 1986 and continues writing under V.C. Andrews today.

Business guru Stephen Cover (author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) worked with ghostwriter Ken Shelton.

True story author Chris Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness which was the basis for the Will Smith movie of the same title) was written “with Quincy Troupe.”

BIG THINGS CAN—and do—happen when writers HELP each other! The heart behind the help also comes in the form of professional book publishers and their staff that includes Ghostwriters, Interior Designers, Cover Designers, and Marketing Specialists. I hope you’re encouraged—today—to seek, select and enjoy the benefits of TEAM-work to see your dreams of publishing come true! ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, ghostwriting, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 5/6/2016

HELPING HANDS, MINDS and HEARTS

Whether a writer considers they are a novice or experienced writer, or even an expert writer, we all come to a season when the book we’re attempting to develop falls flat. The project may be the best idea on the planet, but if its completion seems to have reached a point of no return DON’T GIVE UP!

The positive impact of your book is not lost! It is simply time to join forces with a ghostwriter, a partner who can tap in to your vision and help you reach the FINISH LINE.

 

Finding the right ghostwriter to assist you has been likened to finding the right marriage partner. Although this writing relationship may not exist for a lifetime the connection between writer and ghostwriter must be compatible. Here are a few things to look for when discussing your project with a potential writing partner:

  1. It is preferred to meet with and interview the ghostwriter in person. However, if this is not possible, telephone conversations can provide you with enough information to make your selection. I have worked with several clients long-distance—as well as neighbors—and we’ve enjoyed great success in the completion of their projects.
  2. Ask for information about their past projects. If referrals are available—authors who will talk with you about their experience with this ghostwriter—this is the best resource.
    • Responsibility and Reliability are two key components in a writing partner. When talking with the referred authors, ask about the quality of the ghostwriter’s work and their ability to write in the author’s voice.
    • Your budget is important, too. Although the former clients may not choose to reveal their personal payment plan, you can ask them if they felt they received poor—fair—good—or excellent value for the amount paid.
  3. As you talk about your project, listen carefully to the ghostwriter’s responses.
    • Is the ghostwriter knowledgeable about your genre of choice?
    • Does the ghostwriter hear what you are saying about the book’s topic? Characters? Plot? Setting?
    • Does the ghostwriter seem to grasp the essence of what you want to communicate to your readers?
    • Do you find it easy to talk with them—as if you are already friends?
  4. As the author of your project, you have a distinct writing voice. If you have quickly established a comfortable rapport with the ghostwriter, chances are good that they will be able to identify your writing voice and use it to enhance your project. This is vital to the authenticity of your book.
  5. Your writing partner must have an excellent “handle” on the English language.
    • Grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation all hold a valuable place in communicating with the Reader. However, I’m one of those people who believe that the concept of communication is the key component in the use of grammar and spelling skills. This skill must be used in maintaining the author’s voice throughout the book.
    • If you are writing a technical document for publication at the university-level of academia, you definitely need a ghostwriter who has that experience.
    • If you are writing in the genre of historical fiction, romance, mystery, science fiction, memoir, pet stories, cookbooks, etc. then the ghostwriter who loves language for its communication value is the preferred choice.

Bottom line: Harmony between author and ghostwriter is essential and produces excellence. So if you feel shackled and unable to move forward with your book project, ASK for HELP! Seek out the partnership of an excellent ghostwriter and GET THAT BOOK FINISHED!  Then GET IT PUBLISHED! The best advice I ever received was…NEVER QUIT! Because the most difficult books to produce are the ones that will make the biggest difference in the “book world.” ⚓︎

 

 

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.