Q: I'm a magazine editor, corporate recruiter, aspiring author, person with money and a serious desire to hire you. How do I do that?
A: I make it very easy to do that! Go to the "Contact Me" page and send me an email with a telephone number with area code, name, and good time and day to call. I'll contact you ASAP - usually within the hour, but definitely within 24 hours.
Q: What's your day job - what do you do for a living?
A: I write. Seriously. I'm a full-time writer. I write copy for ads, press releases, magazine articles, blog posts for others and I ghost write books.
Q: What is ghost writing?
A: Many people are either too busy to write their own book, or don't know how to write their own book, or can write, but not write as well as they'd like. So they will pay a professional writer called a "ghost writer" to write their book or speech or ebook or whatever for them.
Q: How does that work - the ghost writing thing?
A: Well, some people give me what they've written and I edit or rewrite it. Some give me the idea and a direction and a lot of research articles. Some people like to be interviewed and then have me write the book from the interview and additional research. "How" the book is ghosted depends a lot on the amount of time, money and effort a person is willing to put into it. The less time and effort they put in, the more it costs since that is that much more time and effort I need to put into it.
Q: How much does it cost to have a book ghost written?
A: It depends on the length of the book, the kind of book, and a variety of variables, but it ranges from $2,500 for a 50-page ebook to $50,000 for a full-length novel.
Q: I heard you can get a 50-page ebook on elance for under $500.
A: Yes, you can. And you can get a Rolex watch for .50 cents in most gumball machines. You get what you pay for. Great writers don't usually work for .50 cents an hour - but you might luck out there. Give it a whirl and contact me when you find someone. I have a bridge in Kansas they might want to buy.
Q: How much do you charge to write a press-release?
A: Standard press releases (300-500 words) begin at $99. For $125 you get a press release and my book on how to write Press Releases that get results. If you want just the book, it's $29.95. It's filled with case studies, results, some photos of real people, witty repartee', humor and some real kick-ass tips on how to turn your boring attempts at media coverage into stories editors will jump on.
Q: How long have you been writing?
A: I've been writing since I learned the alphabet at age 3. I didn't start writing seriously until age 10. I started earning money for my writing about age 25 - so, about 30 years.
Q: Where have you been published?
A: Everywhere. Well, it seems like everywhere. I've had articles in Woman's World Magazine, American Profile, Airstream Life, Motivated Magazine, Trailer Life, Road King, Applachian Backpacker's Quarterly, Working World, Creative Loafing, Chattanooga Life & Leisure, The Blueridge Business Journal, The Green Line, The Knoxville Journal, and more than 300 other papers, magazines and journals I can't remember right now - but those are the major ones. I've also had a photograph in TIME.
Q: Where can I read your articles?
A: Aren't you in luck! There's a page on this blog labeled "Clips" and one labeled "Portfolio." You'll find samples of my writing and my ebooks there. Feel free to download and read the articles, but don't post them to your website, or sell them. The publishers will sue your pants off and relish every step of the way.
Q: Where can I buy this book?
A: I thought you'd never ask. I'll be posting it here the end of February 2011. The first 100 copies will cost $19.95. Go to the contact form and send me an email if you want to be guaranteed one of those first copies.
Q: I'm with a non-profit, homeless, a student, a small business, a new business, someone with no money or very little money. Do you do pro-bono work?
A: Indeed I do! But my pro-bono calendar is booked solid through 2012. If the world does not end then 2013 is looking good. If you really think your cause or need is worthy, put together a good reason/letter why and send it to me. If I do take on your request however, it will be on my timetable and in my spare time. So please don't send me requests for something you want or need in a "timely" manner. For that - I suggest elance.com.
Q: I've always wanted to write a book. Is it hard?
A: Very.
Q: I still want to write a book. How do I start?
A: By writing.
Q: You're not being very helpful. Seriously. I want to write a book. What do I need to know?
A: Sigh. Okay. You need to know it is hard, it takes time, most people spend, on average, 5 years or so writing their first book. If you are serious about it and devote yourself to it your spouse (if you are married), kids (if you have any), boss and co-workers (if you are employed) will hate you or at least be very tired of hearing about long before you hit the halfway mark. I advise you to find other writers to suffer and cry and wring words out of rocks with. THEY understand. Read this blog. Read lots of writing blogs. Join a writing group. Buy books on how to write. You'll need those things as diversions almost before you sit down to write the first page because if you have never written before you will find it difficult to start. It's always good to have hobbies and things to distract you when writing your first book because 90% of people who want to write a book never write it. It becomes a hobby - of collecting, preparing and convincing yourself and others that you ARE indeed going to write your book. Don't hate me. I'm saving you time and money. If you're serious about writing, just start writing. And keep reading this blog.
Q: I need more personal attention. Can you coach me?
A: Yes indeed. My coaching rate is $100 an hour. Are you worth investing in?
Q: Are you married?
A: Yes. To my computer.
