SEND ME A MESSAGE TODAY: ALTHEGHOSTWRITER@GMAIL.COM I'm also available by phone: (424) 272-5268
THE MAGIC: HOW DO WE MAKE IT GREAT?
So we’ve established what our project’s ingredients are — a good story (you) well told (me).
But wait...isn’t there someone else in this picture?
Oh yes, the reader.
As important as you and I are in this, the reader is the most important. But how do we get their trust and attention?
How do we catch them?
CATCH: 5 Essentials in a Great Global Memoir
Character: Voice is probably the most tricky part of a memoir. A reader has to enjoy listening to you.
Adventure: People like to read action — your story has plenty of it — but adventure is action with context.
Tribulation: No one has a completely smooth ride. Digging into the rough times and challenges gives the story some arc.
Culture: Conveying the cultural elements of your story is essential. This is what sets your memoir apart from others on the shelf.
Honesty: Think about the books you love, what did you love about them? When the authors dig deep and tell the truth.
THE PROCESS: HOW DOES IT WORK?
O.K., now we’ve got the reader, you and I covered, but...
How do we get the story in your head into my word processor and finally into reader’s hands?
How long does such a daunting process take?
How much hard work do you need to put in?
It’s simple. You don’t need to do any work. You just need to talk.
Once you’re finished talking just sit back and wait while I work my CATCH magic.
How can I ensure you that magic will be finished?
Easy. I have a process. I love deadlines. I stick to them to get deliverables to you, on time, every time.
The Process: 6 steps in 6 months
Month 1: Discover - During the first month, we get your story down. We do interviews over the phone, Skype, or face-to-face — whatever works for you. I also collect and use any journal or diary entries that you think help illustrate your story.
Deliverable I: Outline of your book.
Month 2: Organize - After discovering your whole story, I transcribe and edit the interviews. Of course, no one’s whole life can fit into one book (especially not yours). I select the best parts to tell a compelling narrative that illuminates your story to readers.
Deliverable II: Chapters 1-4 of your book.
Month 3: Write - Once organized, I go through and use my writing expertise to write the chapters that are true to your voice. I write in a way that sounds exactly like you. I write in a way that highlights the parts of your life that are important to your story.
Deliverable III: Chapters 4-8 of your book.
Month 4: Edit - With the bulk of writing done, I go back through and edit each chapter individually for clarity. I double check to make sure your voice shines throughout and that every key moment is given its deserved attention. I tighten up the narrative.
Deliverable IV: Chapters 8-12 of your book.
Month 5: Revise - When you’ve had a chance to read through all the edited chapters, you can give me feedback. Maybe you decide you want to take something out, maybe you decide to put something in. We note all major and minor changes and revise them.
Deliverable V: Polished draft of your book.
Month 6: Perfect - Finally satisfied with the revised manuscript, I send it off to two separate line editors (I know some great ones) to proofread every line, word and paragraph. They pick up everything we missed, leaving your book perfected.
Deliverable VI: Publishable draft of your book.
COST: YOU’RE READY, NOW THE NUMBERS
Throughout these 6 steps over these 6 months, I will be in contact with you anytime. You will be able to review chapters, comment on direction and really get what you want.
You will be spending time and money on this project.
I’m a professional and a book is no small task — you already know that after trying it on your own in the past.
So what will you need to spend on this project?
Time: Between 25 Hours & 50 Hours
Usually this is 4 hours every week for interviews during the the first month (Discovery) and a couple hours each month for the remaining five. It typically comes out to somewhere between 20 and 30 hours all together — not even a full work week.
Money: Between$50,000 & $150,000
This is a flat fee. Where the book lands between the 250-300 page range (60,000-75,000 words) is going to be dictated by the story, not some arbitrary limit. Often, clients will pay half up front and half upon manuscript completion. However, there is an option for a payment plan. The payment occurs on the first of every month incrementally for mutual benefit.
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OR SEND ME A MESSAGE: ALTHEGHOSTWRITER@GMAIL.COM
* I'm also available by phone: (424) 272-5268