Product Description

An experienced and award-winning ghostwriter shares insider information on ghostwriting, one of the most lucrative careers in writing. Aspiring ghostwriters learn how to attract and evaluate clients, capture clients' voices, master the mechanics of ghostwriting, write and sell ghosted proposals and synopses, and negotiate financial and legal issues. The advice and techniques provided apply whether ghostwriting books, magazine and newspaper stories, brochures, pamphlets, speeches, or advertisements. Writers will learn how to launch a ghostwriting career or propel their success even higher.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #420945 in Books
• Published on: 2003-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Review
"Shaw knows her onions! She peels them nicely...she writes sparsely, with no padding. She tells you what's expected." -- Columbia University, Journalism on Review, Winter, 1992

"This guide to ghostwriting is practical in content and upbeat and motivational. Takes the fear out of becoming a ghost." -- Cathy Sabol, Library Journal, July, 1991

An excellent guide and an essential reference for anyone wanting to engage in this specialized area of writing and publishing. -- The Midwest Book Review, November, 2003

About the Author
Eva Shaw, Ph.D., is a prolific ghostwriter with more than 60 books under her clients' names. She is also the author of many books in her own name, including Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers, Writing the Nonfiction Book, and The Successful Writer's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles.She lives in Carlsbad, California.

Customer Reviews

Inadequate
I had high hopes for this book, which might be why I found it disappointing. It is riddled with obvious typos (not what I'd expect from a professional writer), and fails to go into detail about some of the most important subjects. She devotes only two pages to getting clients, and her main advice is "ask previous clients for referrals" and "ask your literary agent"--not very useful for someone looking to get started in the business. She does have some useful checklists, including things to ask potential clients, but overall this book left me with more questions than answers.

Solid information on the ghostwriting business
If you have ever thought about ghostwriting but really don't understand the industry or what the opportunities are then you will want to take a look at this book. Author Eva Shaw has been a ghostwriter for almost thirty years. In "Ghost-Writing for Fun & Profit" she shares the benefits of her experiences and offers practical tips and advice for anyone exploring the possibility of entering this field. Areas covered in the book include the various types of ghostwriting, payment methods and when one method is better than the other, typical rates, references, getting clients, agreements, copyrights, royalties, personalities, interviewing, selling the book, selling the idea, and the mechanics of actually ghostwriting an article, speech, book, or other item. Full of practical down-to-earth advice, Dr. Shaw has created an indispensable guide to the ghostwriting business. "Ghost-Writing for Fun & Profit" is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in this business.

Great Stuff In This Little Book
I found Ms. Shaw's book so helpful and encouraging I've taken the step and asked for work, found ghosting clients and started writing for this lucrative field. While I teach writing at a community college and have freelanced for a number of years I wouldn't have had the courage to ghost without the help of the no-frills guidebook.

This isn't a career for everyone, thank heavens, but if you're toying with or determined to make a living as a writer (and you're a good writer) I highly recommend the tightly written manual. I especially appreciated Chapter 3's "How To Begin." The writing is strong and clear, like Shaw's other books.

The book should be on every writer's bookshelf. It's an excellent resource for writers--especially with the sample contracts, how to determine fees and of course the ethical aspects of the business.

I've already recommended it to others.

Best yet? I've just received my fifth check from a ghostwriting client. Would it have happened without Shaw's book? No way.