The Complete Guide to Ghostwriting

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Pub Date 05 Sep 2017 | Archive Date 20 Sep 2017

Description

Ghostwriters, for so long the publishing industry’s best kept secret, are finally stepping out from the shadows. In recent years there has been a rapid increase in demand for professional writers who can turn their hand to every genre of book, from celebrity life stories, to misery memoirs from ordinary folk with extraordinary stories, to ‘how I did it’ style biographies of successful businesspeople. Some leading non-fiction publishers report that up to 70 per cent of their list is now penned by ghosts.

The Complete Guide to Ghostwriting is a comprehensive overview of this little-known, yet burgeoning profession. Written by ghostwriter and former Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday journalist Teena Lyons, it explores every aspect of this secretive industry revealing why people use ghostwriters, who might need one, from celebrities to ordinary people and how to get the best out of a publishing collaboration. 

Teena has enlisted the help of more than 30 of the UK’s best-known ghostwriters, publishers and agents for this book who have shared their stories about their own collaborations and their tips for success. 

The Complete Guide to Ghostwriting is the book that brings ghosts to life.

Ghostwriters, for so long the publishing industry’s best kept secret, are finally stepping out from the shadows. In recent years there has been a rapid increase in demand for professional writers who...


Advance Praise

By the ghostwriter of On Leadership:
‘Immensely readable.’ - Management Today

By the ghostwriter of On Leadership:
‘Immensely readable.’ - Management Today


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781910198643
PRICE $14.99 (USD)

Average rating from 5 members


Featured Reviews

This is a good book to read if you're interested in ghost writing. I loved that it included insights and experiences from ghostwriters. The chapters on what makes a good ghost, how to become a ghostwriter, getting structure right and most of all what to do when it all goes wrong are a must-read!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and now I have an idea of what ghostwriting involves and some the things to bear in mind like a journalistic experience, flexibility, interviewing skills and most of all the confidence around people.

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This book leads you through the world of ghostwriting. What makes a ghost writer? How to be a good ghost writer? How to become a ghost writer? There really is everything in this book and i have found the information invaluable. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

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A very good resource indeed. A straightforward, no nonsense guide, for writers, to the world of Ghostwriting - in fact, not just for writers really as it's an eminently readable and interesting insight into a world that, perhaps, readers know little of. The book covers the process, how it works, how to do it and how to get it right! There are also little asides and anecdotes from writers in 'the trade' which provide entertainment too. It's a good reference aide but also an enjoyable read - recommended.

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For those considering a career of ghosts (writing), The Complete Guide....by Teena Lyons is offering the right inspiration and guidance from the very beginning of the career. It explains the process, the pitching, how to use various opportunities ans the main techniques to follow at the beginning or mid-level career. 'It is difficult to write a book, which is why there are ghosts in the first place'. More importantly, it uses quotes from experts to illustrate the different stages of the process, which gives authenticity and the proper inspiration to move forward.
Although I personally found a bit redundant the first chapters, where the ghostwriting is described in the smallest details, till the end of the book I discovered many useful ideas, especially when it comes to setting up and developing a collaboration with 'the author', the planning and various techniques of approaching hectic and/or difficult personalities.
A book recommended to anyone considering ghostwriting as part of their writing career.

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This was a quick reference book for writers interested in ghostwriting. There were many wonderful points with anecdotes of writing genres for ghostwriters and for whom they write. I enjoyed knowing what is required of a ghostwriter and the expectations for completing projects. I think my only point of contention, and it was so minor, is the presumption that journalists can more readily ghost write. I think any career or position where one must interview with follow up questions can be a ghost writer too: detectives, police officers, attorneys, judges, social workers, therapists, doctors, etc. I'm a former attorney and professor who taught my students how to interview clients. I led workshops on how to take notes, organize those notes, and annotate notes while interviewing for ease of follow up questions.
If you'd like a reference giving insight on ghostwriting, I'd recommend this book as a great start.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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