Ghostwriting: For Fun & Profit (Writeriffic Writer's) [Paperback]

Eva Shaw PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2003 | ISBN-10: 097057584X | ISBN-13: 978-0970575845 | Edition: 2nd

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

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• 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
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #672,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid information on the ghostwriting business, December 29, 2003

By 

Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ghostwriting: For Fun & Profit (Writeriffic Writer's) (Paperback)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Stuff In This Little Book, July 5, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Ghostwriting: For Fun & Profit (Writeriffic Writer's) (Paperback)

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.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Inadequate, June 3, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Ghostwriting: For Fun & Profit (Writeriffic Writer's) (Paperback)

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.