When writing business, health, travel and other nonfiction books, it pays to remember a basic concept: Extra words do not produce extra understanding. Consider this sentence: What I am trying to get across is that it is important to consider and discuss the major contributing factors that have … [Read more...]
YOUR WRITING SING! Limit the Ideas Per Sentence
March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
How many ideas should there be in a single sentence? One? Three? Eight? Consider this sentence: “Work stress, which is triggered by multiple factors and often arises when employees are forced to complete, or attempt and fail to complete, more activities during a specific time period than a … [Read more...]
MAKE YOUR WRITING SING! Jettison the Attitude
March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Some people think that big words, a complex sentence structure and extraneous information will imbue their writing with dignity and authority. So instead of saying something clearly, they dress up the information with extra words and ideas. For example: Instead of saying, “Cartilage acts as a … [Read more...]
WORKING WITH A GHOSTWRITER: How Do I Select a Ghost?
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Finding a book ghostwriter is easy, but finding the right one can be difficult. You’re going to trust this person with your ideas/story and a fair chunk of money, so it’s important to make the right choice. Here are some questions to consider: Should I select a ghostwriter who lives … [Read more...]
WORKING WITH A GHOSTWRITER: Things to Discuss Before You Begin…
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
You and your ghostwriter are eager to get to work, but there are some procedural questions that should be addressed before pen is set to paper. For example: Who is in charge? This may seem like a strange question. Obviously, you, the client, will be the boss. And while you will certainly want … [Read more...]
WORKING WITH A GHOSTWRITER: The Fine Points of Working Together
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The book ghostwriter has been selected, key items have been discussed and the contract has been signed. Now it’s time to answer a few important questions: Which style will be used in writing the book? Will the ghostwriter use his established voice or adapt to your personality? Beyond that, … [Read more...]
12 Tips for Writing a Great Health Book
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I’ve been a health book writer and ghostwriter for many years. My first book was published when I was still in school, and it became a national bestseller. Since then, I’ve learned some basic techniques that are guaranteed to grab the reader's attention, and I’ve boiled them down to twelve … [Read more...]
Which Freelancers Can Help Me Write My Book?
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Writing a book is an exciting and often difficult process. Many people find themselves bogged down and discouraged – which is where the freelance writer, writing coach, editor and copy editor can come in handy. A freelance writer will help you create the manuscript, either writing it … [Read more...]
What is a Book Editor?
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Simply put, a book editor is an expert who improves your book by rearranging it, eliminating sections and suggesting others be added, sharpening the language and correcting errors. Book editors also purchase books for publishing houses and oversee their development. However, a single individual … [Read more...]
How to Write Your Autobiography
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
An autobiography is a book you write about yourself; your life story from the beginning until the present time. What’s the difference between an autobiography and a memoir? An autobiography is a factual presentation of the “life and times” of the author, while a memoir is an … [Read more...]
Why Write a Memoir?
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
There are many reasons to write a memoir. Some of the most common are: To let your family, friends and descendants know who you are. Not just the basic facts, but what you think about your life, family, the events of your time and more. To help other people deal with their … [Read more...]
What is a Memoir?
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A memoir is the recollection of a portion of the author’s life that captures key moments and reflects upon their meaning and impact. The memoir typically focuses on a certain section of the author’s life story, such as early family life, coming of age, being a parent, embarking on a spiritual … [Read more...]
SELF-PUBLISHING 101: What To Do Before You Shell Out Your Hard-Earned Money
February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It’s essential that you think carefully about why you’re self-publishing and what you hope to accomplish in order to zero in on the right company or companies. Publishing goals vary from author to author, and can include: 1) becoming a famous author; 2) making money; 3) preserving your story for … [Read more...]
SELF-PUBLISHING 101: Self-Publishing with Traditional Publishers: The New Minor Leagues
February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
You’ve undoubtedly heard of traditional publishers such as Simon & Schuster, and are probably aware of self-publishers such as iUniverse. Now there’s something new: Strategic Partnerships. Strategic partnerships are hybrids, that is, self-publishing firms that operate under the umbrella … [Read more...]
SELF-PUBLISHING 101: Marketing Tools from AuthorHive for Your Self-Published Book
February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
AuthorHive is not a self-publishing firm. Instead, it offers various publicity and marketing packages/services designed to “create some buzz for your book.” The company’s promise is simple: “No matter what your marketing experience or budget, our marketing consultants can help you create an … [Read more...]
SELF-PUBLISHING 101: Do Self-Publishers Specialize in Specific Types of Books?
February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Most of the well-known self-publishers are generalists; that is, they publish books in a variety of genres. If, for example, you look at iUniverse’s online store, you’ll see books in many categories, including business, biography, reference and science fiction. However, there are … [Read more...]
Writing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal
February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
People hoping to become published authors often begin by writing their books. That’s a logical approach, but it's not always the most efficient way of securing a publishing deal and getting book on the bookstore shelves. For some types of books, before selling your idea to a publisher you must … [Read more...]
“I’m Ready for My Close-Up, Oprah.”
February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
When people contact us about ghostwriting their books, they’re usually thinking big: a quarter-million dollar advance from a major New York publisher, a New York Times bestseller, a 20-city tour complete with multiple appearances on “Oprah” and all the other big shows. Thinking big is … [Read more...]
SELF-PUBLISHING 101: What is Xulon Press?
February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Christian book market is a specialized niche, with many of its works sold in Christian book stores rather than in general bookstores. The fact that it’s a well-defined niche means that it’s often best to work through Christian bookstores and churches, where your work can be presented to the … [Read more...]
SELF-PUBLISHING 101: What is CreateSpace?
February 23, 2011 By 1 Comment
CreateSpace is Amazon.com’s publishing arm. Their “free online publishing tools and Community can help you complete and sell your work. Distribute on Amazon.com, your own website, and other retailers without setup fees or inventory.” The basic set-up is free. You upload your manuscript, and … [Read more...]