So you've decided to get into the internet marketing business. And of course, you've decided that you need an eBook in order to drive your opt-in page. Or maybe you've been hearing about the Kindle and Amazon. And you've decided to make a quick couple of bucks by putting your own book up. Or maybe you have a company and want to encourage pre-qualified customers to call.
There's only one problem -- you can't write! So what can you do?
One of the best techniques is to hire a ghostwriter to write your book for you. But hiring a ghostwriter for the first time can be a scary proposition. In this article, I'm going to give you fifteen tips to help you negotiate the moors and actually produce a useful book. Before you start, I want to qualify my article somewhat. We're talking about a high quality book that you can be proud of producing. There is a world of difference between a proper book (eBook or print) and a ten-page report.
So given that caveat:
1. Don't use same person you would use to produce search engine marketing articles. SEO articles are articles you use for article marketing or blog marketing. Their purpose is to drive traffic to your site. The current price you pay for a 500-word article marketing or SEO article precludes quality.
2. Know what you want before you go out looking. There is a big difference between a 25-page PLR quality book, a 200 page executive book, and a four hundred page textbook.
3. Know what style you want. There is a difference between formal, informal, and "try to sound like me". While most ghostwriters can switch between formal and informal, imitating your speech patterns can be difficult.
4. Know what rights you really want and need. The more rights, the higher the cost will be. Although it's not as straight forward as in traditional publishing, since ghostwriters typically sell all rights. For example, will their name be on the eBook or just yours? Can they use the book for their own promotion? Can they disclose that they wrote the book or is it a secret?
5. Be clear & upfront with all ghostwriters about your requirements. You're more likely to get what you want without later arguments. Remember that these people are freelance contractors. Copyright laws favor them as the creator.
6. If you know someone who has used a ghostwriter, ask him or her for a recommendation.
7. Do a web search (in other words a Google search) for ghostwriters, or use a Writers' Union or Guild to find professionals.
8. Try using Kijiji or Craigslist. However, be very clear with your ad as to what your expectations are.
9. Do not use freelancing websites such as eLance or Guru or similar. They tend to focus on lower priced talent. Save these for article marketing writers and similar quality products.
10. Ask for samples of previous work (ghostwritten or otherwise). If possible, these use the same type of style as you are looking for.
11. Check for spelling mistakes & grammar mistakes. Some mistakes on a website are for SEO reasons. However, most writers hate spelling and grammar mistakes. Books and commercial articles should have no spelling errors and few grammatical errors.
12. Look for a native speaking writer. Someone from China or India might be able to write sufficiently for an SEO article. However, a real eBook or a book is another issue.
13. Pay as you go (progress bill) or use an escrow service. For example, 10% on acceptance, 10% on outline, 10% after each chapter (presuming eight chapters). If you pay up front, there is always the chance that your writer will disappear with your money. Just one more reason to deal with a professional ghostwriter.
14. Be prepared to pay from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, for a quality eBook. Professional ghostwriters charge anywhere from 20 cents to $1.00 a word or more. So prices can spiral quickly. Don't forget to set a budget and be prepared to negotiate your expectations. Don't forget to include the cost of editing, reformatting, and graphic design in your budget.
15. You get what you pay for.
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