Secrets of a Ghostwriter
Sunday, February 15th, 2009 | Author:
Claudia
I field the question “What will I really learn in your Ghostwriter Training class?” every time I go to a writers meeting or send out a flyer or speak to a group of students. Even though ghostwriting is now being touted as one of the “best careers” for 2009, it occurred to me that most people not only do not know what ghostwriters really do, most writers and editors don’t really know how ghostwriters do what they do.
Whether you want to ghostwrite a single book or you’re interested in a career as a ghostwriter, these are the the basic things you need to know:
- How to do an A&R
- How to find the “gold” in any manuscript
- How to determine BISAC selection
- How to advise the three types of authors on publishing options
- The scope of responsibility for the various ESPs
- The variances between the author’s writing process and the ghostwriting process
- How to chart nonfiction
- How to apply a content template (not MS Word formatting)
- How to maintain the author’s voice
- How to do multiple “spins” (while maintaining the author’s voice)
- The variances between passive, static, and active voice; when and how to convert; and when to not
- The variances between and basic principles of line and copy editing
- How to build a nonfiction proposal and query letter and research a submission list
- The variances between plot and character driven novels
- PMA+A
- The elements of fiction writing
- The parameters of fiction A&Rs
- How to map a plot w/characters
- Meet-in-the-Middle
- How to ghostwrite supplemental scenes while maintaining the author’s voice
- How to ghostwrite full novels while maintaining the author’s story, characters, vision, premise, theme, intent and “tells”
- The variances between “show” and “tell”; when and how to convert; and when to not
- How to create a compelling submission synopsis and query letter and research a submission list
- How to create a personal resume and credit list while maintaining client confidentiality
- How to set reasonable fees, bid projects, and write equitable contracts
- How to assess clients and control the initial contact to land the gig
- How to establish and maintain authority and avoid or handle problems as they arise
This is just a bare-bones list, of course. There’s a lot more underneath every one of those points. And there’s only one way to acquire all of the above in one place: in my Ghostwriter Training class.
It’s a single semester, it’s a lot of intense work, it’s extremely hands-on, and it’s serious fun. What you’ll learn will affect the way you write, the way you read, and the way to view your family, your friends, and the people you meet on the street.
Warning! This class is often a life-changing experience.
Ghostwriter Training is equivalent to a 3 unit upper-division/post-graduate course. Non-accredited; credits do not transfer. $930 including materials. No refunds; missed classes may be made up by arrangement with instructor. Class size limited; first-come, first-served. No warranty or guarantee stated or implied. All students must sign non-disclosure agreement.
New online class starting soon. Click on the Ghostwriting Training link for more information and registration.
Learning to ghostwrite will change how you look at the written word, expand your career, and increase your revenue streams. That’s all. No big deal.
