A lot of us have extra time on our hands these days – whether that is a good or bad thing depends on the circumstances. Either way, many people are searching for ways to better utilize their time than sitting in front of the TV, playing video games or spending too much time on Instagram. While online classes on Zoom can stimulate the mind, you can also use some of your free time to write … Continue reading…
Despite their incredible surge to unimaginable status as the world’s premiere retailer, it is comforting to know that even Amazon, makes mistakes now and then. Roughly 20-years ago, early in my career as an author, my agent connected me with the folks at Crown Publishing who were looking for a new version of Roberts Rules of Order, or disorder, depending on how well you follow such rules of decorum. I got the project, plus half … Continue reading…
It’s been noted many times that with smart phones, smart cars, and smart houses, we no longer have smart people. While that isn’t completely true, there is a tendency to minimize the need to think, whether it means doing simple math, having some problem-solving skills or naming all the Kardashians. Phrases like “well, that’s what it says on the computer,” or “we do it this way because we’ve always done it this way,” are clear … Continue reading…
You may not be writing a book, but if you’re in the business world, you’re writing thousands of words a day. Yes, in an age of the latest, greatest and smartest phones we have ever imagined (until the next one is rolled out in a few weeks), we spend more time texting and emailing than we do talking. And, whether you like it or not, those texts and emails, along with memos, business letters, sales … Continue reading…
Are you sick of reading the great success stories about the 40 under 40, 30 under 30, 20 under 20 and a 13 year old that started a business, made a million dollars and is now a consultant? After all, he has a wealth of experience to share, before his bedtime, of course. I’m sick of ageism. It’s the one ism where discrimination is widely accepted, especially by those convinced that they will retire before … Continue reading…
In recent years, the annual number of self-published books has surpassed the number of traditionally published books. Why? Because people are not just looking to profit directly from book sales. Instead, they want to market their businesses and their skills to gain new customers. They also want to tell stories, book speaking engagements, and make their mark on the world. Since most writers are not yet celebrities in their fields, and have not built the … Continue reading…
There are two things people are always saying they’d love to do; open a restaurant and write a book. Of course, if they’re in the culinary field they can do both. The closest I came to learning about opening a restaurant was writing a book on how to get started with your own food truck. However, I do know quite a bit about writing a book and the excited feeling of getting published. When my … Continue reading…
I was recently discussing the latest edition of a theater book, which I had worked on, with an indexer/fact checker. We were double checking titles such as Book of Mormon vs. The Book of Moron, and reviewing which of several shows mentioned won Tony Awards. Most authors, and ghostwriters, appreciate editors, fact checkers and proofreaders, who help us get it right. And yes, most authors out there still want to get it right. Today, however, … Continue reading…
One of the first questions people ask when talking to a ghostwriter is “how much?” You’ll see rates for book ranging from $2,000 to $200,000. So let’s just say, it varies. As a result, just as everyone on an airline has paid a different price for their seat (and will end up at the same location) ghostwriting has a similar inconsistency in pricing. Why such a disparity? There are many factors involved. For example, a … Continue reading…
According to a Gallup poll, 40% of people are afraid of public speaking, or have Glossophobia, as it’s called. I’m sure you’ll also find a large percentage of people who aren’t afraid, but simply don’t feel confident in their speaking abilities. Then there are those of us who love public speaking. First, I should dispel the myth that you need to be an extrovert to get up and speak publically. I was never particularly outgoing … Continue reading…
