I just finished the second-to-last session of Ghostwriter Training for this semester and was surprised at what my students came up with to rename the class:

Secrets of Making Money as a Writer

I didn’t realize the class covers as much as it does! Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll learn:

• 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 beneath every one of those points. And there’s only one way to acquire all of the above in one place: in the Ghostwriter Training, or Secrets of Making $$ as a Writer, or whatever-I-finally-end-up-calling-it 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. Classes are very, very small, so Register Now for the Winter/Spring semester as 2009 Classes

Warning! This class could change your life!