Many people want to write a book, but either do not have the time or writing skills to go about it themselves. This may describe you. How do you do it? Hire a ghostwriter. It may sound easy because there are many to choose from these days. However, to successfully fulfill the vision you have for your book means finding the right ghostwriter for you and your particular project. Here are five important tips for selecting the right ghostwriter: Continue reading “Finding the Right Ghostwriter”
Editing-Writing How To

Ho Ho Ho – A Holiday Offer From Me to You!
I hope you have had a great 2015!
To celebrate the winter solstice (today) and holiday season, from now through the end of the year, I have a holiday offer for you:
Continue reading “Ho Ho Ho – A Holiday Offer From Me to You!”

The Perils of Proofreading Your Own Work
In traditional book publishing, once you finish writing your book you find an agent who will submit it to publishers, and then you can wait up to several months to find out whether it has been accepted or rejected. Publishers very often employ “first readers” to go through submissions. If your book has typographical and grammatical errors, odds are… Continue reading “The Perils of Proofreading Your Own Work”

The Art of Essay Writing: Q&A With Meghan Daum
I recently had the pleasure of asking essayist Meghan Daum about the art of essay writing. Meghan is the author of four books, most recently the original essay collection, The Unspeakable: And Other Subjects of Discussion. She is also the editor of a collection of essays, Selfish, Shallow & Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers on the Decision Not To Have Kids. Her other books include the essay collection My Misspent Youth, the novel The Quality of Life Report, and Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived In That House, a memoir. Here’s the Q&A: Continue reading “The Art of Essay Writing: Q&A With Meghan Daum”

A Key Phase in Manuscript Refinement: Beta Readers
You have finished your draft manuscript, worked with an editor on developmental and line edits, and hired a proofreader who has done one round of proof. You’re feeling great about your book, and thinking you’re done, right? If you’re smart about making sure your book is the best it can be, you have at least two steps to go. What is an important next step in the development of your book? Beta readers. Continue reading “A Key Phase in Manuscript Refinement: Beta Readers”

What Good Fiction and Nonfiction Have in Common
What do fiction and nonfiction have in common that make both work?
Eric Nelson, an editor turned agent, has some good wisdom. In a word: Continue reading “What Good Fiction and Nonfiction Have in Common”

Why So Many People Dream of Writing a Book
Brian Tracy International claims 82 percent of adults dream of writing a book. I believe it! Last year it conducted a survey of 1100 people on their main reasons for wanting to write a book. What did the survey find? Check it out: Continue reading “Why So Many People Dream of Writing a Book”

Think You Have No Time For That Writing Project? Think Again
What is the biggest challenge you think many of my new and aspiring writer clients say they face? Hint: They are often people who earn their living in another way than writing, are raising families, and describe their lives as having a lot on their plate. You likely guessed it: They say their biggest challenge in reaching their writing goals is finding time to write. I write they “say” it is their biggest challenge for a reason. Continue reading “Think You Have No Time For That Writing Project? Think Again”

Talking Editing Services & More with DIY Author
I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by Chris Wells, who runs DIY Author. He asked me about my editing services, and much more! Check it out: Continue reading “Talking Editing Services & More with DIY Author”

Ever Thought About Writing an Op-ed? Here are Some Tips
Do you enjoy reading Op-eds? Have you ever thought about writing one? Writing them is not as easy as it may seem, and to get them accepted for print is competitive business. Why? Continue reading “Ever Thought About Writing an Op-ed? Here are Some Tips”