One of the primary reasons I first became a book ghost rather than a freelancer writer has to do with statistics. Book industry insiders estimate that 50% or more of all traditionally published books in today’s market are worked on by one or more ghost/book doctor/line editor. In the self-publishing world, the percentage is probably […]
A few weeks ago I was in a heated email discussion about promo items and the best way to use them to promote ebooks and print-on-demand books. The items of choice seemed to be pens, bookmarkers, t-shirts, mouse pads and fridge magnets with calendars — the list was endless. Unless you simply want some “home […]
“Everyone wants to write fiction,” author and speaker Ace Collins said to me during a phone conversation. “How is it that you get to so quickly in your writing career?”
When it comes to having a successful writing career, being in the right place at the right time has little to do with luck. It’s more about positioning yourself to be recognized when opportunity comes knocking. At least that’s how I explain the steps that led to two of my books getting published. In the […]
“When a man can observe himself suffering and is able, later, to describe what he’s gone through, it means he was born for literature.” A writer named Edouard Bourdet said that in 1927. Many years later, those words still speak to this writer’s soul.
I read an ad today that I thought was offering me money to spend time alone writing. I was sure I must have read it wrong, but I checked, and it’s true, you really can apply to get paid to spend time writing. They don’t even ask you to give the money back when you […]
Most writers can point with pride to the person who helped advance their career, inspired their confidence, and allowed them to make that leap of faith into writing. Some may acknowledge an interested English teacher, a supportive and loving family member, or a wise and inspiring editor.
Well, after a few weeks of delay, I’m finally able to bring you the last in my series of articles about online PR. If you forgot parts one through three, you and refresh your memory by going here: ONLINE PR – THEORY AND PRACTICE, PART ONE – 07/25/01 ONLINE PR – THEORY AND PRACTICE, PART […]
I’ve always felt guilty that I never seemed able to hold a “regular” job. My husband has worked as a technical writer in the same company for six years. He likes it. During those six years, I’ve worked as an Editorial Assistant, Office Manager, Marketing Associate, and ESL Teacher, not to mention lots of forgettable temp jobs. Even in the most interesting jobs, including one where I worked onsite at a conference in Paris, France, I got bored, or else I recognized limited opportunity for advancement. (When you work in a three-person company and the other two people are the President and Principal Consultant, you know your options are limited.)
I’ve been fortunate. I’ve had two books published by different publishers and never once had to write a book proposal or hunt down an agent for representation. In fact, each publisher approached me. Some people might say I’m lucky or was in the right place at the right time. Perhaps. But I believe these opportunities […]
