Got our first Amazon review for "Run, Jane, Run...we need you in office" 5 Star !
Frequently Asked Questions
Check here for answers to most commonly asked questions:
HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?
To date, I've written two non-fiction books, four fictional books, and a collection of short stories. I co-authored the first book, Run Jane, Run...We Need You in Office! with Maria Rodriguez, former mayor of Long Grove, IL, and we launched that in August of 2018. It's available wherever books are sold. That's the only co-written book. I'm the sole author of the others. The second non-fiction book entited Silent Witness: The Verna Sadock Story will be released by the end of 2018.
DO YOU HAVE A CERTAIN NICHE IN WHICH YOU WRITE?
I write both fiction and non-fiction, but I think my niche is winding up to be creative non-fiction or biographies of people I find really interesting. I also do technical & business writing, as well magazine feature articles.
EXACTLY HOW DO YOU WORK AS A GHOSTWRITER?
First, I have an initial phone interview to find out if if it's a "good fit." By that I mean are you able to articulate (even if not clearly yet) what the book/article/speech to be about, why you feel it's important, and what your want people to "get" from it. During this phone call, I also get a sense as to whether your tone is serious, ironic, playful, etc. That allows me to exchange my voice for yours in the way the material is written. For instance, the Yankee's beloved Yogi Berra spoke differently than someone like Barack Obama in conveying the same thought. My goal is to help you convey information in your own unique voice. I conduct multiple interviews, asking incisive yet relaxed-atmosphere, and organizing the material in the best manner for the project. You, of course, have the final say, but I make recommendations based on many years of experience as we go along.
WHAT DO YOU CHARGE TO GHOSTWRITE?
Not to be evasive, but it really does depend on the product and the amount of work involved--which is why I never quote until after that first conversation. For instance, I consider:
- Is the topic something that will need research, and if so, how much?
- Is the topic controversial, so that both sides need to be presented to validate conclusions?
- Is research on the topic easily available or must I do further interviews with experts?
- How mmuch of a deadline am I under -- do I have enough time during normal business hours, or will it require nights and weekends?
All these things come into play, but I can state without doubt that my fee will be competitive, and my work will be well above simply satisfactory!
WHAT TYPE OF AUDIENCES DO YOU SPEAK TO?
Basically, as one of my testimonials says, I speak on practically any topic (physics is out of my wheelhouse!)
As you can see from the topics on my speakers page, I cover the age range from school age to retirees. I'm able to do that because I've lived them all--and at each stage seemed to be in roles requiring me to speak.
The topic you choose is what's important, along with the message you want the audience to leave with. Once I know that, I can find out the demographics of your group and what they're most concerned with, and then build the talk from there.
DO YOU USE HANDOUTS, POWERPOINT, ETC.?
Handouts are a tool I use as appropriate, but not always. Power Point, no, not at all. My philosophy is to engage and interact with the audience and I think that is often hindered by PowerPoint, which I find tends to distract.
CAN YOU PROVIDE REFERENCES?
Of course! You can start by perusing our testimonials throughout the site.
Questions? The answer may be right here!