Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Whenever I take a seminar or read a book or a magazine article, I normally skip to the author's credentials. I want to learn from the experts--people who have repeatedly succeeded at a critical skill.

This book gives you step-by-step insight from a seasoned professional. It's one of the rarely discussed aspects of book publishing--yet potentially one of the easiest ways for a writer to make a solid living. You don't need a "platform" or a huge audience to be the writer for someone else--or their ghost. Whether you get your name on the cover of the book or not, I've learned you are generally not credited writing a particular book. Ghostwriters fill a huge need in the publishing industry and practice their craft as servants of the story.

Dr. Eva Shaw has ghostwritten books for over thirty years and readers of this comprehensive title gain the benefit of her experience, teaching and insight.

Few books are written on this particular how-to topic. When Ghostwriting was out of print, I tracked down a used copy and read that version--just to show how intense I was on finding some instruction on this topic.

Every writer will gain from reading Ghostwriting. It will improve your business practices, your techniques and raise your antenna for the ghostwriting possibilities in your own backyard or across the world. If you are open to the possibilities, ghostwriting opportunities are everywhere.

This book guided me to a successful ghostwriting business. I started out hardly knowing what a ghost-writer is, and now I am one!

Dr. Shaw describes completely what a ghost-writer does, how to get clients, what to do on the first appointment, your rights and responsibilities as a ghost, plus much more. She answered all my questions.

This is truly a book to get you started in the business and to keep by your side all the way to the bank.

(Forgive the unedited Introduction to the Second Edition. Imagine the author trying to dash off a quick Intro while the publisher drums his fingers and taps his foot.)

Jan Martin
Ghostwriter/writer/editor
martinpublishing.net

60% of all non-fiction books are writen by ghostwriters. Does one imagine that the popular celebrities or politicians write their own books, no way. This book is filled with information for writers who want to earn a interesting and rewarding life at ghostwriting. It is also a great tool for those that are looking for a ghostwriter. This is a book on how to become a professional ghost written by one. It is not a book on editing or a directory for people looking for ghostwriters check the information on the back cover.

If you ever have a question about Ghost Writing this book is THE reference book because it tells you everything you need to know. I recently had an opportunity to get into ghost writing and I used Eva Shaw's book as my guide. The result is that I am now getting paid for my work. Whether you are looking for a way to get into the business, information about how to write a contract for your client to sign, or a detailed description of your responsibilities and your client's responsibilities - this is the book to buy. I am really excited about my new career. Thank you, Eva, for giving me such great guidance!!!
Paul McAllister

I've never seen so many grammatical errors in a published book before. Kind of ironic, being that the book is about ghost-writing. It must've been self-published. Skip this one.

Succinct and good information for the person considering a ghostwriting career. It helped me with many details of launching my business and it has really paid off for me.

My ghosting adventures began when I asked a former employer if I could write his story. When he said yes, Ms. Shaw's book was one of the first books I grabbed, and I've been pleased--mostly. (Copyeditors don't easily forgive what some folks consider "the small stuff.")

Most helpful: contract particulars, strategies for prompting interviewees, reminders that the ghostwriter's time is valuable, and suggestions for time management. Areas I hope she punches up next time (and I think the copy I read was her first edition): how to break into the business/tales from the trenches/beginners' mistakes.

I approached this book with mixed emotions about the author, but came away convinced she knows her stuff on this topic. I realized she couldn't pop on over and hold my hand through my "first time," but I must say, her book gave me the courage to do a little self-promoting of my own; I mentioned during a party that I'd be ghostwriting my first book and before the night ended, two guests had cornered me to ask how soon we could meet to discuss the books they'd always wanted to write!