Does Fact Checking Matter Anymore?

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I was recently discussing the latest edition of a theater book, which I had worked on, with an indexer/fact checker. We were double checking titles such as Book of Mormon vs. The Book of Moron, and reviewing which of several shows mentioned won Tony Awards. Most authors, and ghostwriters, appreciate editors, fact checkers and proofreaders, who help us get it right. And yes, most authors out there still want to get it right. Today, however, in an age in which truth often takes a backseat to “Alternative Facts,” (a.k.a. lies) and conspiracy theories, which can easily spread like wildfire, we are at the risk … Continue reading…

Alas, Content Marketing has Caught on

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Talking with Content Marketing guru Joe Pulizzi Ironically, in an age of trying to grab attention in 10 seconds or less, content marketing is making its mark largely due to the determination of people like Joe Pulizzi who heads up the Content Marketing Institute. Pulizzi started working in media at the time so many of us jumped into the dot.com bubble with great expectations. He saw the growing disconnect between traditional advertising and having a better way to connect with customers. In retrospect, I also saw what Pulizzi was starting to see when I worked (briefly) at a startup web … Continue reading…

Your Book, Your Way: A New Business

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I recently decided it was time to start my own ghostwriting business. Why not? I have been ghostwriting for years and, unlike some of the tri-state area ghostwriting groups, I pride myself on not being “elitist”. I simply enjoy working with real people and real businesses to bring their thoughts and ideas to fruition. So, with that in mind, I am in the throws of launching Your Book, Your Way, a ghostwriting service for book proposals and manuscripts. Roughly seven years ago I was asked to ghostwrite a book about retirement planning. The subject was new to me at the … Continue reading…

The Cost of Writing a Book

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One of the first questions people ask when talking to a ghostwriter is “how much?” You’ll see rates for book ranging from $2,000 to $200,000. So let’s just say, it varies. As a result, just as everyone on an airline has paid a different price for their seat (and will end up at the same location) ghostwriting has a similar inconsistency in pricing. Why such a disparity? There are many factors involved. For example, a 20-page children’s book should cost considerably less than a 250-page, well-researched, corporate history. The real reason, however, that the rates vary so greatly is because … Continue reading…

Public Speaking – Why Some of us Love It

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According to a Gallup poll, 40% of people are afraid of public speaking, or have Glossophobia, as it’s called. I’m sure you’ll also find a large percentage of people who aren’t afraid, but simply don’t feel confident in their speaking abilities. Then there are those of us who love public speaking. First, I should dispel the myth that you need to be an extrovert to get up and speak publically. I was never particularly outgoing or outspoken, especially when it came to parties, bars or the club scene. I was shy, reserved and much better at foosball than striking up … Continue reading…

Three Reasons Why People Hire Ghostwriters

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When I speak in front of groups, I discuss what it takes to write a book and get it published. I talk about outlines, chapters, edits, rewrites, agents and all sorts of fun stuff. Then the audience asks questions which I try to answer and, in the end, people seem very happy with some insights into the book writing and publishing process. Yet even with their new insights, only a small few of the people in that room will actually sit down and follow their desire to write a book. Some will start and stop a few times, others will … Continue reading…

The Power of Marketing

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I’m not going to bore you with statistics, but suffice to say, marketing can turn your business around. It’s been proven time and time again by companies large and small that getting their name, their brand and their story in front of their demographic audience is a big boost for business. One author whose ebook had sold a few hundred copies decided to sell it at half price on Groupon. In just a few days, thanks to the mass marketing potential of the esteemed daily deal site, he sold roughly 6,000 copies. It’s all about getting the word out there. … Continue reading…

Business Book Successes

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“I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” Steven Wright Having written nearly a dozen books for Entrepreneur Media and at least a dozen articles for their website, entrepreneur.com, I have officially made the transition from humor writer in the 1990s to business writer today. But it’s more than replacing a few punch lines with business-speak. While I enjoyed writing humor books and material for radio and TV, I now find that I enjoy helping business owners improve upon their own success, or get started in business. A book can be a very impressive business card that greatly … Continue reading…

Why a Book?

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The New York Times says that 81% of people think they have a book in them, which is actually 75% who believe there is a book that they’d like to write 6% who actually believe there is am actual book inside of them. But seriously folks, in reality most people would like to write a book and/or open a restaurant. Since I have minimal knowledge of the restaurant business, let’s stick with the book idea. Writing a book means having a documented tangible (or electronic version) of your thoughts, feelings and/or stories. It is something you can take pride in … Continue reading…

Self-Publishing: Platforms, Followers and Blogging, Oh My

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It wasn’t all that long ago that a good book proposal could lead to finding a literary agent who just might land you a potential deal from a publisher. Books were judged by content and how well they might do on the shelves of the bookstores. Sure, we wanted to get our non-fiction books from credible experts but we were also intrigued by new ideas, unorthodox styles and what might be considered more alternative, edgy, or even taboo. Today, however, despite a soft core S & M novel and it’s three follow-ups that have surprisingly turned the fiction world on … Continue reading…