Careers: Writing/autobiography

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Expert: - 9/25/2008


Question
I have always wanted to write a book about my life and was wondering how do you shop around for people who can assist you in getting one's story down on paper.  I am able to write (put on paper my life thus far) however, the part I would need help with is the editing part..ie what to leave in what to take out.  Where does on find a person to help with this. Or, even tell me if this is something a publisher would print?  Thank you, Cathy. Very Truly Yours, Virginia Morris


Answer
Hi, Virginia!

What you're looking for is a "ghostwriter." These are professional writers who put someone's story into words. It's not a free service. The average cost (but not the most expensive by any means) for a ghost writer is around $10,000.00 and is usually payable in advance or on a payment schedule like any other professional (lawyer, accountant, etc.) Now, some ghostwriters are willing to take a smaller up-front fee in exchange for a portion of the royalties after sale. It's up to the individual what they're willing to do.

You can read more about the ghostwriting business by dropping by your local library to see if they can get a copy of some of the following books:

Ghosting: A Double Life
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Anchor (July 11, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400079551
ISBN-13: 978-1400079551

This is a memoir written by a ghostwriter. You can learn a lot about the business by her tale, and knowing what to ask for and what to avoid will be well worth the time.

Ghost Writing for Fun & Profit
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Writeriffic Publishing Group; 2nd edition (November 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 097057584X
ISBN-13: 978-0970575845
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches

This is a really good introduction to the ghost writing process, where you'll learn what is expected from the subject (you) by the ghost writer.

Hope that helps a little, and feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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