I find it nothing less than astounding (and more than a bit troubling) that the A-list literary agents and mainstream publishing houses in New York City have never heard of ghostwriting companies claiming to have produced bestsellers for their clients. This is not to say that no agent has ever represented one of their books or that one of their clients has never received a contract from a publisher. But if one researches the publishing industry and asks top agents, acquiring editors, and publishers about these companies, you will most likely not come across very many people who have ever heard of them.
Well, is it possible that the agents and publishers don't know if a manuscript has been ghostwritten once it has been submitted? Sure. But agents and publishers use ghostwriters all the time. Shouldn't a substantial number of these industry pros know of these allegedly successful companies?
What you don't know can most definitely hurt you. If you don't know much about the publishing industry, you will likely get burned in trying to get a marketable manuscript written. Anyone can put up a slick web site. It's quite another matter to write a great book.
Ghostwriting companies deal in volume. I have yet to hear of a great book coming off an assembly line.
~William Hammett
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Showing posts with label ghostwriters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ghostwriters. Show all posts
Friday, January 24, 2014
Monday, December 30, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: Who Are Their Writers?
Isn't it strange that almost all ghostwriting companies won't tell you on their web sites who their writers are? There's a reason. The work is usually subcontracted out to freelancers across the country, many of whom have little or no experience. Do you want a moonlighter to pen your book, perhaps a housewife who "did good in English" and is looking to make a little extra money?
If the ghostwriters who work for these companies are such pros--and if they are company employees--why can't we know their names? I am a ghostwriter, and I openly list my name and credits on my web site. There's no secrecy. We don't know the names of people working for ghostwriting companies because the companies subcontract work out to whomever is available, with some exceptions.
So here's the scenario: you want a book written and think that the word "company" holds some special legitimacy. You are therefore willing to listen to a sales pitch and speak with a salesman who, in turn, puts you in touch with writers that neither you nor anyone else has heard of. Is this how you want to spend thousands of dollars?
If you want a book written, contact someone who is not afraid to put his name on a web site, someone who openly gives you a resume, complete with education, writing background, and writing credits.
~ William Hammett
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If the ghostwriters who work for these companies are such pros--and if they are company employees--why can't we know their names? I am a ghostwriter, and I openly list my name and credits on my web site. There's no secrecy. We don't know the names of people working for ghostwriting companies because the companies subcontract work out to whomever is available, with some exceptions.
So here's the scenario: you want a book written and think that the word "company" holds some special legitimacy. You are therefore willing to listen to a sales pitch and speak with a salesman who, in turn, puts you in touch with writers that neither you nor anyone else has heard of. Is this how you want to spend thousands of dollars?
If you want a book written, contact someone who is not afraid to put his name on a web site, someone who openly gives you a resume, complete with education, writing background, and writing credits.
~ William Hammett
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Monday, June 17, 2013
The Round Table Companies: Can You Trust Their Claims?
The Round Table Companies is one of many online ghostwriting outfits trying to dissuade individuals from hiring independent ghostwriters. They offer eight reasons why people should hire their creative team and not ghostwriters. The reasons hold no truth when applied to quality independent ghostwriters. Here are the reasons and the truth behind them.
The Round Table Companies overtly claim (or strongly imply) that ghostwriters do not care about clients, do not maintain contact with them, walk away from jobs after completion, cannot capture a client's narrative voice, don't meet deadlines, do bad work and waste a client's time, never write books under their own names, have no relationships with publishers or agents, and do not know how to help clients brand themselves or their work.
Really now? These claims are utter nonsense when applied to seasoned ghostwriters who have produced dozens of great books.
The above claims are certainly true for the thousands of people who, lacking serious credentials and experience, call themselves ghostwriters--people on elance.com, donanza.com, odesk.com, and many others. These clearing houses list resumes for many people (perhaps not all) who have resumes and writing samples riddled with rookie writing mistakes. But let's avoid hasty generalizations, shall we, gentlemen? The fact is that highly talented independent ghostwriters have produced successful books for laymen, celebrities, businessmen, and politicians for many years.
Experienced, talented ghostwriters do indeed meet deadlines, write under their own names, know the publishing industry, help brand authors, keep in touch with their clients, write sequels, know how to skillfully vary narrative voice, and work closely with authors for months at a time. They care deeply about their work, their clients, and the success of the books they ghostwrite.
I've accomplished all of the above tasks with clients for over fifteen years, and I know other professional ghostwriters who can make the same claims. Perhaps The Round Table Companies should concern themselves more with a fair, balanced assessment of the ghostwriting industry than with their own business model that closely parallels that of ghostwriting companies. Yes, there are bad ghostwriters out there . . . just like there are really bad ghostwriting companies and print-on-demand companies that shouldn't be trusted.
For my money, clients should work one-on-one with a veteran ghostwriter. Working with creative teams? Not for me, thank you very much. Do you want corporate guidance that transfers your work from one department to another or do you want a close working relationship with a single writer who will give you his time and expertise during and after the collaboration?
Let the buyer beware.
~ William Hammett
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The Round Table Companies overtly claim (or strongly imply) that ghostwriters do not care about clients, do not maintain contact with them, walk away from jobs after completion, cannot capture a client's narrative voice, don't meet deadlines, do bad work and waste a client's time, never write books under their own names, have no relationships with publishers or agents, and do not know how to help clients brand themselves or their work.
Really now? These claims are utter nonsense when applied to seasoned ghostwriters who have produced dozens of great books.
The above claims are certainly true for the thousands of people who, lacking serious credentials and experience, call themselves ghostwriters--people on elance.com, donanza.com, odesk.com, and many others. These clearing houses list resumes for many people (perhaps not all) who have resumes and writing samples riddled with rookie writing mistakes. But let's avoid hasty generalizations, shall we, gentlemen? The fact is that highly talented independent ghostwriters have produced successful books for laymen, celebrities, businessmen, and politicians for many years.
Experienced, talented ghostwriters do indeed meet deadlines, write under their own names, know the publishing industry, help brand authors, keep in touch with their clients, write sequels, know how to skillfully vary narrative voice, and work closely with authors for months at a time. They care deeply about their work, their clients, and the success of the books they ghostwrite.
I've accomplished all of the above tasks with clients for over fifteen years, and I know other professional ghostwriters who can make the same claims. Perhaps The Round Table Companies should concern themselves more with a fair, balanced assessment of the ghostwriting industry than with their own business model that closely parallels that of ghostwriting companies. Yes, there are bad ghostwriters out there . . . just like there are really bad ghostwriting companies and print-on-demand companies that shouldn't be trusted.
For my money, clients should work one-on-one with a veteran ghostwriter. Working with creative teams? Not for me, thank you very much. Do you want corporate guidance that transfers your work from one department to another or do you want a close working relationship with a single writer who will give you his time and expertise during and after the collaboration?
Let the buyer beware.
~ William Hammett
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Saturday, June 8, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: A New Low in Dishonesty
I recently saw an Internet ad for an independent ghostwriter. When I typed the URL intro my browser and read the website, I was astonished to see that the individual was really a company--a "broker" for ghostwriting services. This is certainly false and misleading advertising since more and more individuals are now becoming wise to how dishonest and incompetent most ghostwriting firms really are. The answer: say you're an independent even though you, like the big companies, subcontract the work to others. It's deplorable.
But it gets a lot worse in the case of the site I am now discussing. While the woman in question claims to be a writer, she says that she herself never does any of the ghostwriting. She merely matches potential clients with ghostwriters she knows and takes a 20% referral fee for "making the connection." And then? She is out of the loop. She overtly says that she makes no guarantees that clients will be satisfied with the ghostwriters she chooses. It is up to the client to decide if he or she wants to hire the ghostwriter and then deal with the ghostwriter during the project.
Think about the dishonesty: she has a website that promises "great ghostwriting services," although she 1) doesn't do any ghostwriting; 2) is really a company/broker and 3) takes no responsibility for the quality of work produced by the ghostwriters that are "her best recommendations."
All ethics are absent in such business dealings. There are so many people trying to make money off of ghostwriting that almost any business model will be tried. There are many entrepreneurs out who see the explosion in the number of ghostwriters advertising online and want a piece of the pie.
Sadly, people like the woman above will continue to make money unless potential clients start to learn more about publishing, writing, and editing--unless they begin to educate themselves about the profession of ghostwriting.
If you're looking for a ghostwriter, check out websites carefully and screen potential ghostwriters by looking for solid qualifications and asking questions. Hire a pro with a professional background. Don't get ripped off.
~ William Hammett
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But it gets a lot worse in the case of the site I am now discussing. While the woman in question claims to be a writer, she says that she herself never does any of the ghostwriting. She merely matches potential clients with ghostwriters she knows and takes a 20% referral fee for "making the connection." And then? She is out of the loop. She overtly says that she makes no guarantees that clients will be satisfied with the ghostwriters she chooses. It is up to the client to decide if he or she wants to hire the ghostwriter and then deal with the ghostwriter during the project.
Think about the dishonesty: she has a website that promises "great ghostwriting services," although she 1) doesn't do any ghostwriting; 2) is really a company/broker and 3) takes no responsibility for the quality of work produced by the ghostwriters that are "her best recommendations."
All ethics are absent in such business dealings. There are so many people trying to make money off of ghostwriting that almost any business model will be tried. There are many entrepreneurs out who see the explosion in the number of ghostwriters advertising online and want a piece of the pie.
Sadly, people like the woman above will continue to make money unless potential clients start to learn more about publishing, writing, and editing--unless they begin to educate themselves about the profession of ghostwriting.
If you're looking for a ghostwriter, check out websites carefully and screen potential ghostwriters by looking for solid qualifications and asking questions. Hire a pro with a professional background. Don't get ripped off.
~ William Hammett
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Sunday, May 19, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: Can You Trust Their Claims?
The websites for ghostwriting companies just keep getting more and more complex, especially if you are not familiar with publishing. Claims are made about books that have been successfully self-published but in actuality have no affiliation with the ghostwriting company. The company is just using an example to try to lure people into self-publishing with them. You have to put on your reading glasses and look at the fine print. It should be criminal--and probably is--to use a title in advertisements when the advertiser had nothing to do with the writing, printing, or publication of a book. Ghostwriting companies get away with this practice because the books are mentioned as examples of what has happened in the published industry.
Do published authors ghostwrite? Sure, but what about bestselling authors and other prize winners? Just think for a minute. You're a wealthy, world-famous author, but you're going to work for a few thousand dollars as a subcontractor for a ghostwriting company that is really a Print-on-Demand company. Does this sound plausible?
Some companies claim that their books have become blockbuster movies. Look up the movie title, however, and you won't find it. And then there are the claims that books written or published by the company have sold thousands of copies in Barnes and Noble or on Amazon. Why aren't the titles available, however, when you walk into the store? On Amazon, how come no one has reviewed the book?
One company consistently talks about how mega-famous their clients have become. How come the company's website has so many grammatical errors? How come clients have brought me the company's work and asked me to correct all of the problems? How come the company can't produce a manuscript that correctly punctuates dialogue? How can people become mega-famous with poorly written work?
You might get a writer with some decent credentials, of course, if you want to pay $100,000, but otherwise you will be assigned a writer who probably isn't some bestselling literary guru. As I've said in other posts on this site, I personally know many of the writers who these self-proclaimed "leading companies" contact, and they are not bestselling, prize winning writers. Let me repeat that: I know many of the ghostwriters who companies contact, and they DO NOT have the credentials of these alleged bestselling authors who have put people on TV shows or into movies. They have NOT secured million dollar contracts with mainstream publishers.
And as I frequently like to ask: How come major literary agents, editors, and publishers never heard of a majority of these ghostwriting companies?
As always, do your homework and let the buyer beware. Don't just take my word for it. Go to Absolute Write Watercooler Forums and start checking these companies out. Also consult the top literary watchdog site at Preditors and Editors You'll find out the truth.
~ William Hammett
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Do published authors ghostwrite? Sure, but what about bestselling authors and other prize winners? Just think for a minute. You're a wealthy, world-famous author, but you're going to work for a few thousand dollars as a subcontractor for a ghostwriting company that is really a Print-on-Demand company. Does this sound plausible?
Some companies claim that their books have become blockbuster movies. Look up the movie title, however, and you won't find it. And then there are the claims that books written or published by the company have sold thousands of copies in Barnes and Noble or on Amazon. Why aren't the titles available, however, when you walk into the store? On Amazon, how come no one has reviewed the book?
One company consistently talks about how mega-famous their clients have become. How come the company's website has so many grammatical errors? How come clients have brought me the company's work and asked me to correct all of the problems? How come the company can't produce a manuscript that correctly punctuates dialogue? How can people become mega-famous with poorly written work?
You might get a writer with some decent credentials, of course, if you want to pay $100,000, but otherwise you will be assigned a writer who probably isn't some bestselling literary guru. As I've said in other posts on this site, I personally know many of the writers who these self-proclaimed "leading companies" contact, and they are not bestselling, prize winning writers. Let me repeat that: I know many of the ghostwriters who companies contact, and they DO NOT have the credentials of these alleged bestselling authors who have put people on TV shows or into movies. They have NOT secured million dollar contracts with mainstream publishers.
And as I frequently like to ask: How come major literary agents, editors, and publishers never heard of a majority of these ghostwriting companies?
As always, do your homework and let the buyer beware. Don't just take my word for it. Go to Absolute Write Watercooler Forums and start checking these companies out. Also consult the top literary watchdog site at Preditors and Editors You'll find out the truth.
~ William Hammett
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Monday, May 6, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: The Bait and Switch
Most ghostwriting companies do not put you into direct contact with the person who will write your book, assuming you sign their contract. (This is a great reason to hire only qualified independent ghostwriters with no corporate affiliations.) You usually have to talk to a sales rep and listen to a pitch about how great the company's reputation is. If you don't know much about publishing or writing, you will not know how much misinformation you are receiving.
Eventually you will be given the opportunity to talk with one or more writers. In some cases you get to choose the writer; in other cases, the writer is assigned to you. The problem develops when the more discriminating potential client asks too many questions or balks at signing on the dotted line. In this case, you will often be referred to a writer who will speak with you to hopefully allay your concerns and get you to commit. This person may even promise to write your book.
In all of the above scenarios, the bottom line is that the person you speak with is not the one who will necessarily end up writing your book. You will frequently be assigned a new or different writer once the contract is signed, a writer with far less experience than you thought you were getting for your dream project.
When dealing with corporate ghostwriting entities, you may not have the control you have when dealing with an independent ghostwriter. You may not know who or what you are getting. As we've discussed in other articles on this site, some of the writers simply aren't qualified. Work is subcontracted out to people whose credentials and experience are poor to mediocre in many cases. Let the buyer beware.
~ William Hammett
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Eventually you will be given the opportunity to talk with one or more writers. In some cases you get to choose the writer; in other cases, the writer is assigned to you. The problem develops when the more discriminating potential client asks too many questions or balks at signing on the dotted line. In this case, you will often be referred to a writer who will speak with you to hopefully allay your concerns and get you to commit. This person may even promise to write your book.
In all of the above scenarios, the bottom line is that the person you speak with is not the one who will necessarily end up writing your book. You will frequently be assigned a new or different writer once the contract is signed, a writer with far less experience than you thought you were getting for your dream project.
When dealing with corporate ghostwriting entities, you may not have the control you have when dealing with an independent ghostwriter. You may not know who or what you are getting. As we've discussed in other articles on this site, some of the writers simply aren't qualified. Work is subcontracted out to people whose credentials and experience are poor to mediocre in many cases. Let the buyer beware.
~ William Hammett
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: The Truth Behind the Websites
I must admit that I've seen a couple of legitimate ghostwriting and editing companies, companies that can openly and legitimately advertise who is on their staff and who they have worked with in the past, their clients usually being high-profile business personnel, politicians, and celebrities--the movers and the shakers. The rest? I wouldn't pay a nickel for the services of these predatory companies.
Notice that a majority of the online ghostwriting companies do not give a single name of anyone they've worked for. (As a ghostwriter myself, I understand the need for confidentiality, but I always have clients--ghostwriting or editing--to use as references and whose published books I am able to put on my website.)
When you click on these websites, you read astounding claims about bestselling authors and books, fantastic publishing and marketing packages, and the names of major New York publishing houses. The ghostwriting companies never provide a single name or title, however, and all major publishing houses that I know of have never heard of these companies.
I have also talked with writers who have been hired to write books for the clients of these companies--they live around the country, not in New York or the city where the company is allegedly based--and the few reputable writers who got sucked into doing a project for one of these outfits said they were sued when they declined further jobs since the company was obviously a sham.
Unfortunately, people believe false claims and slick advertising. People call these companies, talk to representatives, and sign contracts, never having seen one validation of the original claims on the website.
What a waste of money.
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Notice that a majority of the online ghostwriting companies do not give a single name of anyone they've worked for. (As a ghostwriter myself, I understand the need for confidentiality, but I always have clients--ghostwriting or editing--to use as references and whose published books I am able to put on my website.)
When you click on these websites, you read astounding claims about bestselling authors and books, fantastic publishing and marketing packages, and the names of major New York publishing houses. The ghostwriting companies never provide a single name or title, however, and all major publishing houses that I know of have never heard of these companies.
I have also talked with writers who have been hired to write books for the clients of these companies--they live around the country, not in New York or the city where the company is allegedly based--and the few reputable writers who got sucked into doing a project for one of these outfits said they were sued when they declined further jobs since the company was obviously a sham.
Unfortunately, people believe false claims and slick advertising. People call these companies, talk to representatives, and sign contracts, never having seen one validation of the original claims on the website.
What a waste of money.
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Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: The Quality of Their Writers
A client of mine recently described her experience with a ghostwriting company. She called the sales rep (you don't talk to a writer when you make contact with these mysterious entities) and was told that it would cost $25,000 for a "company ghostwriter" to write her book of 150 pages. Here's the kicker. The rep then said that if the client was willing to pay more money, she would be assigned a better writer. A better writer? The web site for this firm said that its writers were tops in their fields--bestsellers who had written for some of the biggest publishers in the world.
Think about what the rep said: "If you give us more money, we'll assign you a better writer." The word "better" implies that some of their writers may not be up to par, right? So what is important? Are these ghostwriting companies interested in your book or your bank account?
The truth is that when high rollers--people who have a hundred grand to drop on these ghostwriting firms--are willing to pony up the money, then someone who may have written a book or two is solicited and put in touch with the client. But what does that say about the company's interest in the average client? What does it say about the quality of the writers that they subcontract the work out to on a regular basis?
In the above exchange, the ghostwriting company all but admitted that some of its writers are not very good, but people who are vulnerable may not pick up on these subtle clues. People are notorious for falling for a sales pitch in just about any area of life. Let the buyer beware and approach these companies with caution. Do you really want to do business with a ghostwriting company that tells you that some of its writers are better than others?
~William Hammett
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Think about what the rep said: "If you give us more money, we'll assign you a better writer." The word "better" implies that some of their writers may not be up to par, right? So what is important? Are these ghostwriting companies interested in your book or your bank account?
The truth is that when high rollers--people who have a hundred grand to drop on these ghostwriting firms--are willing to pony up the money, then someone who may have written a book or two is solicited and put in touch with the client. But what does that say about the company's interest in the average client? What does it say about the quality of the writers that they subcontract the work out to on a regular basis?
In the above exchange, the ghostwriting company all but admitted that some of its writers are not very good, but people who are vulnerable may not pick up on these subtle clues. People are notorious for falling for a sales pitch in just about any area of life. Let the buyer beware and approach these companies with caution. Do you really want to do business with a ghostwriting company that tells you that some of its writers are better than others?
~William Hammett
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Sunday, March 31, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: Their Lies about Publishing
A friend of mine once called a ghostwriting company so we could actually hear the sales pitch in progress. The sales rep--there was naturally no actual writer or owner or executive to speak with--asked my friend how long his book was. He told her that it was 325 pages long--a thriller. The rep said that $20,000 was the price for a two-hundred-page book since, as she put it, "Books are shorter now. Publishers don't really put out long books anymore."
My friend and I exchanged startled glances. There was no trend in publishing toward shorter books, either in fiction or nonfiction. Was this sales rep not familiar with genre fiction, such a s thrillers, crime, mystery, science fiction, and so many more? Did she not know that the average thriller was 450 pages long? Where did she get this magic number of 200 pages?
Writing a book of 200 pages for $20,000 ensures a maximum profit for the ghostwriting company while minimizing labor. And keep in mind that the companies pay their subcontracted writers very little money, so they don't want to get embroiled in controversy with these underlings by handing them a project that's going to take 400 pages to complete. (The writer is sometimes offered as little as $5,000 for such a project, although the client is unaware of this.)
The result is that a potential client may indeed pay $20,000 for a short book--a book that needs to be much longer and will stand no chance to succeed in the literary marketplace. Ignorance of the publishing industry on the part of the client once again allows the ghostwriting companies to make a huge profit while fulfilling a contract that gives the client nothing but heartache when he or she learns that the book doesn't sell.
~William Hammett
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My friend and I exchanged startled glances. There was no trend in publishing toward shorter books, either in fiction or nonfiction. Was this sales rep not familiar with genre fiction, such a s thrillers, crime, mystery, science fiction, and so many more? Did she not know that the average thriller was 450 pages long? Where did she get this magic number of 200 pages?
Writing a book of 200 pages for $20,000 ensures a maximum profit for the ghostwriting company while minimizing labor. And keep in mind that the companies pay their subcontracted writers very little money, so they don't want to get embroiled in controversy with these underlings by handing them a project that's going to take 400 pages to complete. (The writer is sometimes offered as little as $5,000 for such a project, although the client is unaware of this.)
The result is that a potential client may indeed pay $20,000 for a short book--a book that needs to be much longer and will stand no chance to succeed in the literary marketplace. Ignorance of the publishing industry on the part of the client once again allows the ghostwriting companies to make a huge profit while fulfilling a contract that gives the client nothing but heartache when he or she learns that the book doesn't sell.
~William Hammett
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Saturday, March 30, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: Ineffective Marketing Strategies
As we have already discussed, most ghostwriting companies are Print-on-Demand firms that bring in clients by offering ghostwriting services, with the actual writing of books subcontracted out to inexperienced writers (often moonlighters) around the country. They literally create their POD business by having manuscripts cheaply written so they can then upsell customers on further services, such as printing and marketing. Let's look at the marketing part of these "package deals" that ghostwriting companies offer.
The ghostwriting companies, once they have hooked a client, are really enthusiastic about a client's book, whether already written or in need of editing or outright ghostwriting. As one of their clients told me, "They absolutely loved my book and said that it was going to be a big hit!" For people who don't know much about publishing or the literary marketplace, the hopes of a bestselling book blind the client to the fact that he or she is getting a sales pitch, pure and simple.
Once a book is printed by one of these companies, the firms do their level best to get thousands of dollars more to market the book, and some of these alleged "ghostwriting companies" actually advertise that their specialty is marketing books. The truth is that they usually sell almost no books at all. (They may actually put effort into one or two occasionally in order to point to something when they get sued, and they receive numerous complaints about all phases of their operations.) As the woman above said, "I gave my company $4,999.99 and they didn't sell a single book. I turned around and did some blogging and work on Facebook and sold a hundred copies myself and without their help."
So why aren't the marketing strategies of ghostwriting companies effective? First, they send out press releases and to a few hundred bloggers, newspapers, newsletters, and others that have some connection to the publishing industry, even if rather tenuous. They also send out advance PDF files of the books to reviewers. Here's the problem: the people who get these press releases and advance copies are not really interest in the books they read or hear about. They may not even deal in the genre of the book that is being promoted. They may eventually mention the book, write a quick review, or simply put up a link to the book's website, if it has one. Sometimes they do nothing at all. Does any of this sell books? Almost never?
The truth is that anyone can send out press releases, request reviews, and do their own blogging and social media promotion--and they can do it more effectively. And yes, they can do it for free.
Another truth is that the companies charge a marketing fee and don't even bother to send out the press releases or requests for reviews at all. Many clients have told me that the ghostwriting firms did nothing at all.
P. T. Barnum said that there's a sucker born every minute. Thousands of people want to write and sell books. Regrettably, they know nothing about publishing and become the victims of questionable business practices. The companies technically fulfill the terms of the contract (usually), but here's the rub: what the contract promises isn't worth a plug nickel in the real world of publishing.
~William Hammett
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The ghostwriting companies, once they have hooked a client, are really enthusiastic about a client's book, whether already written or in need of editing or outright ghostwriting. As one of their clients told me, "They absolutely loved my book and said that it was going to be a big hit!" For people who don't know much about publishing or the literary marketplace, the hopes of a bestselling book blind the client to the fact that he or she is getting a sales pitch, pure and simple.
Once a book is printed by one of these companies, the firms do their level best to get thousands of dollars more to market the book, and some of these alleged "ghostwriting companies" actually advertise that their specialty is marketing books. The truth is that they usually sell almost no books at all. (They may actually put effort into one or two occasionally in order to point to something when they get sued, and they receive numerous complaints about all phases of their operations.) As the woman above said, "I gave my company $4,999.99 and they didn't sell a single book. I turned around and did some blogging and work on Facebook and sold a hundred copies myself and without their help."
So why aren't the marketing strategies of ghostwriting companies effective? First, they send out press releases and to a few hundred bloggers, newspapers, newsletters, and others that have some connection to the publishing industry, even if rather tenuous. They also send out advance PDF files of the books to reviewers. Here's the problem: the people who get these press releases and advance copies are not really interest in the books they read or hear about. They may not even deal in the genre of the book that is being promoted. They may eventually mention the book, write a quick review, or simply put up a link to the book's website, if it has one. Sometimes they do nothing at all. Does any of this sell books? Almost never?
The truth is that anyone can send out press releases, request reviews, and do their own blogging and social media promotion--and they can do it more effectively. And yes, they can do it for free.
Another truth is that the companies charge a marketing fee and don't even bother to send out the press releases or requests for reviews at all. Many clients have told me that the ghostwriting firms did nothing at all.
P. T. Barnum said that there's a sucker born every minute. Thousands of people want to write and sell books. Regrettably, they know nothing about publishing and become the victims of questionable business practices. The companies technically fulfill the terms of the contract (usually), but here's the rub: what the contract promises isn't worth a plug nickel in the real world of publishing.
~William Hammett
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Friday, March 29, 2013
Ghostwriting: The Perils of Hiring a Moonlighter
Is moonlighting a bad thing? Not necessarily. If someone genuinely has a skill, in this case writing, then maybe working part-time isn't a bad thing. But here's the problem: most people who moonlight as ghostwriters or editors may have some level of skill when it comes to writing, but they've never written a book before. Their friends have usually told them that they write well, and they reflect on the great term papers they wrote in college. Some may even have published a story or article and have declared themselves published.
The above facility with language does not make someone a professional ghostwriter or editor. The title of professional should only be accorded to someone who has worked in publishing, published novels or other kinds of literature, or held positions as editors with reputable publications. Preferably, a person should have at least five years of solid experience in editing or publishing before charging people for writing or editing services.
There are tens of thousands of freelancers out there, people moonlighting or just working as a second household income, who have no business charging anyone for their services. Most charge very little money because they are not making a living at what they do. Their work is not professional, and people looking to hire a ghostwriter or editor need to examine the credentials of people they consider far more carefully.
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The above facility with language does not make someone a professional ghostwriter or editor. The title of professional should only be accorded to someone who has worked in publishing, published novels or other kinds of literature, or held positions as editors with reputable publications. Preferably, a person should have at least five years of solid experience in editing or publishing before charging people for writing or editing services.
There are tens of thousands of freelancers out there, people moonlighting or just working as a second household income, who have no business charging anyone for their services. Most charge very little money because they are not making a living at what they do. Their work is not professional, and people looking to hire a ghostwriter or editor need to examine the credentials of people they consider far more carefully.
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Google the Ghostwriting Companies and Learn!
Continuing the discussion of whether there is satisfaction with the large ghostwriting firms (that are really print-on-demand-companies, with a few exceptions), there is an easy way to see if people are happy with the writing they get--or the books that are printed, for that matter.
Simply Google the name of a company, followed by the word "complaints" in the search box. Your eyes will be opened. Below are the most common complaints against these companies--and isn't it strange that most of the complaints are the same in nature from one company to another.
1) The work was poorly written, filled with basic errors and little style.
2) The editing and proofreading that was promised was never delivered.
3) Deadlines were not met and clients had to wait for up to eight months to get a response on the status of their projects.
4) The books were poorly printed, with bad or inappropriate covers used.
5) Clients are only allowed to speak to writers or editors for ten hours, no longer. The rate per hour ranges from $110 to $150.
6) There is little access to company personnel after the contract is signed.
7) The marketing strategies promised were ineffective and did not yield any sales.
It's on the web if you take time and do your homework. People are losing thousands of dollars to these companies because they don't understand publishing.
~William Hammett
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Simply Google the name of a company, followed by the word "complaints" in the search box. Your eyes will be opened. Below are the most common complaints against these companies--and isn't it strange that most of the complaints are the same in nature from one company to another.
1) The work was poorly written, filled with basic errors and little style.
2) The editing and proofreading that was promised was never delivered.
3) Deadlines were not met and clients had to wait for up to eight months to get a response on the status of their projects.
4) The books were poorly printed, with bad or inappropriate covers used.
5) Clients are only allowed to speak to writers or editors for ten hours, no longer. The rate per hour ranges from $110 to $150.
6) There is little access to company personnel after the contract is signed.
7) The marketing strategies promised were ineffective and did not yield any sales.
It's on the web if you take time and do your homework. People are losing thousands of dollars to these companies because they don't understand publishing.
~William Hammett
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Ghostwriting Companies and the Better Business Bureau
Surprisingly, most ghostwriting companies get an A+ from the BBB, regardless of where they are located. But there are several reasons that this is the case. First, most people never take the time to complain because it's a hassle. Secondly, most people don't read the very complicated contracts tendered by the companies and don't have a leg to stand on. The deceptive Internet advertising aside, the companies deliver what their contracts promise since the contracts have a lot of small print that allows them to offer the least amount of effort and services for a maximum of money. If complaints are filed--and they are--the companies will cave in very occasionally to keep in good standing with the BBB. But the bottom line is that what is promised to the client on the phone and what is offered in the contract are two different things.
In the next entry on this site, we'll take a revealing look at how you can find out what people really think about these companies.
~William Hammett
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In the next entry on this site, we'll take a revealing look at how you can find out what people really think about these companies.
~William Hammett
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Sunday, March 24, 2013
Ghostwriting Companies: Are They Really Print-on-Demand Publishers?
Many large ghostwriting companies quickly branched out into offering package deals when POD took off. They have now dropped their prices for writing your book, but why? The answer is painfully simple. They're trying to get clients to use their printing services, and later, they want clients to start investing even more money in their useless and ineffective promotional packages.
There are many print-on-demand companies out there, and the ghostwriting companies have some stiff competition with companies such as iUniverse. With most people extremely dissatisfied with the quality of writing they receive from these firms, the companies decided to extend the "full range of their services" so that they could keep the sleight-of-hand--the misdirection going--and to keep the false hopes of the client alive.
An honest independent ghostwriter can never guarantee publication, but lo and behold, if the ghostwriting company is actually going to publish the book too, well then it's a case of "problem solved." The client doesn't have to worry about the reality that 98% of all books are not accepted for publication. So the client, ignorant of the publishing industry, buys into the sales pitch about the package deal--the writing, the printing, and the promotion.
The writing is not a great concern to these companies, which is why the manuscripts their subcontracted writers produce are so filled with errors. They want the client to go for the entire package. And you know what? People fall for the scam every day of the week.
Talk to a writer, not a ghostwriting company.
~William Hammett
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There are many print-on-demand companies out there, and the ghostwriting companies have some stiff competition with companies such as iUniverse. With most people extremely dissatisfied with the quality of writing they receive from these firms, the companies decided to extend the "full range of their services" so that they could keep the sleight-of-hand--the misdirection going--and to keep the false hopes of the client alive.
An honest independent ghostwriter can never guarantee publication, but lo and behold, if the ghostwriting company is actually going to publish the book too, well then it's a case of "problem solved." The client doesn't have to worry about the reality that 98% of all books are not accepted for publication. So the client, ignorant of the publishing industry, buys into the sales pitch about the package deal--the writing, the printing, and the promotion.
The writing is not a great concern to these companies, which is why the manuscripts their subcontracted writers produce are so filled with errors. They want the client to go for the entire package. And you know what? People fall for the scam every day of the week.
Talk to a writer, not a ghostwriting company.
~William Hammett
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Ghostwriting Companies Prey on Clients' Ignorance
I often ask myself how so many potential clients can fall for the sales pitches given by the large ghostwriting firms. The owners' names aren't revealed, the writers are not named, and secretaries and middlemen coordinate the communication between client and writer. The writer who closes the deal is not always the writer who composes the manuscript. (More on this in a later post.)
The answer is simple but sad. People know virtually nothing about ghostwriting and even less about the publishing industry. And they are taken in by the idea that a self-proclaimed "industry leader" is going to write and publish their book. But have people grown so naïve as to think that one or two people can't put up a slick website and pretend to be a large firm with dozens of staff members buzzing around a busy office? (Those offices don't exist!) Apparently, the answer is a big "yes."
The reality is that the manuscripts produced by these large companies (and I've been shown very many) are poorly written, and they haven't been ghostwritten by any bestselling authors--or anyone who has worked for the major publishers listed on the company sites.
Next, you can't trust the publishing packages that these firms offer. They are POD firms trying to get clients by offering ghostwriting services. The books they publish are NOT carried by conventional bookstores--only online.
The companies' promotional packages are worthless. The press releases and reviews they procure are seen by a handful of people, and the reviewers do not handle the wide range of books sent to them. The press releases are read by virtually no one.
If you want a book ghostwritten, you need a qualified independent ghostwriter who knows the publishing industry.
~William Hammett
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The answer is simple but sad. People know virtually nothing about ghostwriting and even less about the publishing industry. And they are taken in by the idea that a self-proclaimed "industry leader" is going to write and publish their book. But have people grown so naïve as to think that one or two people can't put up a slick website and pretend to be a large firm with dozens of staff members buzzing around a busy office? (Those offices don't exist!) Apparently, the answer is a big "yes."
The reality is that the manuscripts produced by these large companies (and I've been shown very many) are poorly written, and they haven't been ghostwritten by any bestselling authors--or anyone who has worked for the major publishers listed on the company sites.
Next, you can't trust the publishing packages that these firms offer. They are POD firms trying to get clients by offering ghostwriting services. The books they publish are NOT carried by conventional bookstores--only online.
The companies' promotional packages are worthless. The press releases and reviews they procure are seen by a handful of people, and the reviewers do not handle the wide range of books sent to them. The press releases are read by virtually no one.
If you want a book ghostwritten, you need a qualified independent ghostwriter who knows the publishing industry.
~William Hammett
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Sunday, December 9, 2012
Ghostwriting Companies: Why the Secrecy?
Have you noticed that, while looking at websites for most large ghostwriting companies, the site doesn't disclose who owns the company? Why the secrecy? What's wrong with knowing who the corporate owners are?
Actually, with a little digging at various watchdog sites that patrol writing websites, one can find out a great deal of information on these mysterious firms that make big promises and deliver precious few (if any) success stories. For example, at least two major ghostwriting sites are owned by the same individual, a person who has been under investigation by his state's attorney general many times. Others are owned by two or three cousins (or brothers) who literally have no personal experience in publishing. They are lawyers, marketing specialists, entrepreneurs, and others who think that the "ghostwriting business model" is lucrative. This is why they subcontract work to freelancers across the country while charging exorbitant fees.
And why can't the ghostwriting companies tell you who their writers are, especially the writers who are allegedly bestsellers and hugely successful? If I had people like that working for me, I'd trumpet the news and make known the identities of these "industry pros." The reason is that most, though not all, of the writers are young and inexperienced and trying to gain some experience.
Ask for references, and you'll usually get none. Ask for the names of some books or clients, and you'll be given the names of publishing companies, not titles or authors. Their sole hope is that you will be impressed with their claims and the fact that they are "corporate."
In some cases, the owners of these companies have been sued, gone out of business, and reincorporated under different names. Having seen their work, it's a pity they are not sued more often.
They? Yes. I myself know who most of them are. You, unfortunately, never will. It's a secret as to who is really handling your work. Does that sound right to you?
~William Hammett
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Actually, with a little digging at various watchdog sites that patrol writing websites, one can find out a great deal of information on these mysterious firms that make big promises and deliver precious few (if any) success stories. For example, at least two major ghostwriting sites are owned by the same individual, a person who has been under investigation by his state's attorney general many times. Others are owned by two or three cousins (or brothers) who literally have no personal experience in publishing. They are lawyers, marketing specialists, entrepreneurs, and others who think that the "ghostwriting business model" is lucrative. This is why they subcontract work to freelancers across the country while charging exorbitant fees.
And why can't the ghostwriting companies tell you who their writers are, especially the writers who are allegedly bestsellers and hugely successful? If I had people like that working for me, I'd trumpet the news and make known the identities of these "industry pros." The reason is that most, though not all, of the writers are young and inexperienced and trying to gain some experience.
Ask for references, and you'll usually get none. Ask for the names of some books or clients, and you'll be given the names of publishing companies, not titles or authors. Their sole hope is that you will be impressed with their claims and the fact that they are "corporate."
In some cases, the owners of these companies have been sued, gone out of business, and reincorporated under different names. Having seen their work, it's a pity they are not sued more often.
They? Yes. I myself know who most of them are. You, unfortunately, never will. It's a secret as to who is really handling your work. Does that sound right to you?
~William Hammett
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Sunday, December 2, 2012
Mr. Hammett, How Do I Become a Ghostwriter?
I get many queries throughout the year, but many are not asking for my services. With each passing year, I get more and more emails from men and women asking for advice on how to become a ghostwriter. They usually tell me that they have helped a friend write a book or that they feel they'd be good at it. They cite some minor credentials and proceed to ask me how to build a clientele and conduct such a business.
Here's the problem: if they need to ask how to become a ghostwriter, they don't belong in the profession. One becomes a ghostwriter because he or she understands the publishing industry and knows what ghostwriters do. More importantly, a person becomes a ghostwriter because of extensive experience writing and editing manuscripts in a capacity that transcends helping a friend.
Here's an example used by permission.
Dear Mr. Hammett:
I would like to ask if you can provide me with any advice on becoming a ghostwriter. I have written several articles and helped various friends edit their books. I am very good with the written word and last year I ghostwrote a book on health. Can you give me some tips on making this a full time job?
Sincerely,
(Name withheld by request)
Regrettably, I can no longer provide people with advice, even at the expense of becoming a curmudgeon who looks down at aspiring writers. When someone tells me that he or she has helped a friend write a book, I have no idea if the book was good or bad. And a few articles does not a ghostwriter make. I paid my dues for twenty-five years as a writer and editor before advertising my services, and I was familiar with publishing.
The bottom line is that if you need to ask how to become a ghostwriter, you haven't gained enough experience to know the logical, self-explanatory steps to make the desire a reality. I am all for lending people a helping hand, but I can no longer, in good conscience, give streamlined advice that puts people on a fast track to providing mediocre services in a complex, little-understood profession.
~William Hammett
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Here's the problem: if they need to ask how to become a ghostwriter, they don't belong in the profession. One becomes a ghostwriter because he or she understands the publishing industry and knows what ghostwriters do. More importantly, a person becomes a ghostwriter because of extensive experience writing and editing manuscripts in a capacity that transcends helping a friend.
Here's an example used by permission.
Dear Mr. Hammett:
I would like to ask if you can provide me with any advice on becoming a ghostwriter. I have written several articles and helped various friends edit their books. I am very good with the written word and last year I ghostwrote a book on health. Can you give me some tips on making this a full time job?
Sincerely,
(Name withheld by request)
Regrettably, I can no longer provide people with advice, even at the expense of becoming a curmudgeon who looks down at aspiring writers. When someone tells me that he or she has helped a friend write a book, I have no idea if the book was good or bad. And a few articles does not a ghostwriter make. I paid my dues for twenty-five years as a writer and editor before advertising my services, and I was familiar with publishing.
The bottom line is that if you need to ask how to become a ghostwriter, you haven't gained enough experience to know the logical, self-explanatory steps to make the desire a reality. I am all for lending people a helping hand, but I can no longer, in good conscience, give streamlined advice that puts people on a fast track to providing mediocre services in a complex, little-understood profession.
~William Hammett
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You Can't Become a Ghostwriter by Answering an Internet Ad
One of the main reasons why many people decide to become ghostwriters or editors is that they have seen Internet ads on Wiki, eHow, or About.com, ads that urge people to enter "the exciting and lucrative profession of ghostwriting." These ads list five or six essential steps people must perform in order to enter the alleged glamorous world of ghostwriting so as to make the "big bucks" from the comfort of their homes.
The steps are utilitarian in nature: be sure you have the necessary writing skills (which is the stumbling block for most); send your resume to agents or websites; decide how much to charge; choose a specialty; and set up a website. That's it. Do these things, and you can become a ghostwriter.
Notice that there is no attention given to obtaining the solid credentials that it takes to be a first-rate ghostwriter or editor. In reality, it takes years of training and experience to become a professional writer who contracts with others to write or edit their material. It doesn't involve a one-two-three step process culminating in advertising on a website.
What is disturbing is that clients place their hopes, dreams, and business transactions in the hands of freelance writers, and those writers should be consummate professionals, not people who respond to an Internet ad.
~William Hammett
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The steps are utilitarian in nature: be sure you have the necessary writing skills (which is the stumbling block for most); send your resume to agents or websites; decide how much to charge; choose a specialty; and set up a website. That's it. Do these things, and you can become a ghostwriter.
Notice that there is no attention given to obtaining the solid credentials that it takes to be a first-rate ghostwriter or editor. In reality, it takes years of training and experience to become a professional writer who contracts with others to write or edit their material. It doesn't involve a one-two-three step process culminating in advertising on a website.
What is disturbing is that clients place their hopes, dreams, and business transactions in the hands of freelance writers, and those writers should be consummate professionals, not people who respond to an Internet ad.
~William Hammett
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1000s of Qualifed Ghostwriters and Editors?
Many ghostwriting and editing sites offer you the opportunity to select a writer or editor from thousands (or tens of thousands) of listings of people who are allegedly highly qualified professionals. This is more than a bit misleading. There are not tens of thousands of highly qualified ghostwriters in the United States--and probably not in the entire world.
Let's look at ghostwriters first. Ghostwriting is certainly used by the publishing industry, but writing books is a tough, challenging occupation. It takes a unique talent to write a book, and writing a really great book is beyond the abilities of even those with decent writing skills. Fifteen to twenty years ago, there were probably a few hundred ghostwriters in the United States. The Internet has now created thousands, and their number is growing daily. But why?
Consider the above: people with "decent writing skills" think they can make big money at ghostwriting. I've known quite a few English teachers in my life, and I have encountered only one or two who had the potential to actually pen a good book.
When it comes to editing, a majority of people can't spot the errors in their own writing let alone the writing of others. I'll discuss the qualifications that ghostwriters and editors need in later posts, but suffice to say for now that there are definitely not tens of thousands of "qualified" ghostwriters and editors to choose from.
~William Hammett
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Let's look at ghostwriters first. Ghostwriting is certainly used by the publishing industry, but writing books is a tough, challenging occupation. It takes a unique talent to write a book, and writing a really great book is beyond the abilities of even those with decent writing skills. Fifteen to twenty years ago, there were probably a few hundred ghostwriters in the United States. The Internet has now created thousands, and their number is growing daily. But why?
Consider the above: people with "decent writing skills" think they can make big money at ghostwriting. I've known quite a few English teachers in my life, and I have encountered only one or two who had the potential to actually pen a good book.
When it comes to editing, a majority of people can't spot the errors in their own writing let alone the writing of others. I'll discuss the qualifications that ghostwriters and editors need in later posts, but suffice to say for now that there are definitely not tens of thousands of "qualified" ghostwriters and editors to choose from.
~William Hammett
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It's Nonfiction, not Non-fiction
One way a potential client can gauge whether or not an editor or ghostwriter knows what he's doing is to look for red flags in the writer's resume. One of the most common errors--a rookie mistake, to be sure--is to spell the word "non-fiction" instead of "nonfiction." The word is not hyphenated. It is one word: nonfiction.
If a ghostwriter says that he or she can write your non-fiction, do you really want to hire that writer? Most people do background checks on doctors, lawyers, car dealerships, caterers, and just about any professional service that costs a great deal of money or that is providing a very important service. Do your due diligence and educate yourself about ghostwriters and editors.
~William Hammett
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If a ghostwriter says that he or she can write your non-fiction, do you really want to hire that writer? Most people do background checks on doctors, lawyers, car dealerships, caterers, and just about any professional service that costs a great deal of money or that is providing a very important service. Do your due diligence and educate yourself about ghostwriters and editors.
~William Hammett
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