| Teaching Methods & Materials |
|
|  |
| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 9 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
An informative book on the entire field of ghostwriting Sep 01, 2008
By Nancy Houser
A few years ago, the term "ghostwriting" was quite unheard of, and if it was not, it was an unspoken subject to the point of being taboo. Today it has become the future of the entire book trade, with the author of most books not the actual person who has done the writing. A common scenario in the publishing business of today, there are certain techniques that need to be followed for this sort of literary writing. This is where Julie-Ann Amos's latest book, "The Secret World of Ghostwriters", comes in.
One remark given by a ghost writer says it all, "The key quality of any ghost is the absolute absence of ego, good ghosts are hard to come by." This book does just this, with the absolute absence of ego in each of her chapters that are full of trade-secrets, hints, rules, knowledgable facts based on her experience--what works, what does not work, and what needs to be done. All of this in one humorously-illustrated package for the person who either has one idea after another but cannot get it all written down, or for the person who loves to write but about what?
Ghostwriting is definitely not a game for amateurs, but with a book like "The Secret World of Ghostwriters" by Julie Ann Amos, anyone can take the first step to becoming one.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Nothing Ghostly About This Book Aug 25, 2008
By Gail Leonard
Writing a book with success may not be something everyone is capable of doing, but neither is ghostwriting. Ghostwriting is an art form that requires a humble spirit, a love of writing and a clear understanding of the expectations and "rules of the road". To be a ghostwriter you have to understand both viewpoints - the views of the person you are writing for and your own views so you can keep them from muddying the waters so to speak. One of the toughest things a ghostwriter has to manage is eliminating personal views from the writing without giving up literary talent.
The book, "The Secret World of Ghostwriters: And How to Work With One" by Julie-Ann Amos is a pratical guide for those on both sides of the ghostwriting business. People looking for a ghostwriter learn how to find and work with a writer who can make their vision come true. The book is also a practical guide for the ghostwriter who needs to understand how to approach a project in this secret world. I highly recommend this much needed book to everyone on both sides of the ghostwriting business.
There is nothing ghostly about this book. It's a down-to-earth useful practical guide that doesn't deal with the ethereal. It only deals with the facts of the ghostwriting business.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Ghostwriting Secrets Revealed Aug 29, 2008
By Sharon Hurley Hall
In this excellent and clearly written book, Julie-Ann Amos lifts the veil on the world of ghostwriting. This book is aimed at people who might be thinking of hiring a ghostwriter but have no idea how the whole process works. By the end of this book you know what ghostwriters do, the skills you should look for, how much to pay them and much more.
Worried about the ethics of ghostwriting? No need to be. Amos explains clearly why you might need a ghostwriter, what kind of agreement you need to draw up and which topics might be beyond the pale. The book also explains how ghostwriters work and looks at some of the areas where hiring a ghostwriter might benefit your business. One of my favorite sections is the buyer mishaps section in chapter 28.
The Secret World Of Ghostwriters is beautifully illustrated by Nancy Houser, whose drawings are a real treat. Despite the simple style, you can tell that the book has been written by a veteran of the ghostwriting industry. Don't the simple style fool you. The Secret World Of Ghostwriters tells you everything you need to know about working with ghostwriters - and then some.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Ghostwriting Clarified! Aug 24, 2008
By M. Winder-Adams
Finally a clearly written and detailed book about the mysterious world of ghostwriters that can help small business owners, web content managers and even aspiring authors decide who is the best person to meet their writing needs. Far from just a boring old textbook, Julie-Ann Amos uses humor, real world examples as well as scenarios from her extensive writing career to illustrate exactly how to go about determining which writer is the best match for your writing project, no matter what it may be.
This book provides a solid foundation when considering using a ghostwriter from the type of writer that you should consider to what information the writer needs to get started. It also includes common errors that both inexperienced and unprofessional writers may include in a project but also helps those contracting with ghostwriters to be able to develop a project outline that will ensure the fewest revisions and include the relevant information for the writer to successfully complete the project up front.
The book is also helpful in not only covering the traditional work of ghostwriters such as novels, web contect and non-fiction works, but it also goes into many other areas where writers can be very effective. These areas include press releases, designing web pages, sales pages and even the ever popular blogging that is sure to draw hits on a website. This book really has it all, a must read for those interested in working with a ghostwriter on any project, no matter how large or small.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Ghostwriting? Try it. You'll like it. Aug 24, 2008
By J. Hale
"jimswords"
From the start, the reader should be prepared- to be informed.
Often, when we read a "how-to" book or a book that is meant to guide us in the ways of a successful project, we skim over the material, perhaps highlighting a few key points that we think may apply to our situation, while leaving the rest for the one or two "serious" readers who will actually use all the details.
Warning: Please don't do this with The Secret World of Ghostwriters... AND HOW TO WORK WITH ONE by Julie-Ann Amos. If you are an aspiring writer, a writer who wants to give ghostwriting a try, or a potential client for a ghostwriter, you will benefit from giving this book some time and real attention.
In fact, that last sentence may hold the key to the jewel in this book. It contains practical information not only for the writer but also for the individual who wants to tell a story but needs professional help. Chapter 6, for example, presents benefits in clean detail. Read 'em and don't weep.
Other chapters deal very well with the subject of setting guidelines, topic boundaries, expectations and so on. This may well be the most important part of a very useful book. Nearly all those who have attempted to tell someone's story in a "shared" project, can recite an instance where the client has rejected the work or demanded a complete rewrite. Much of the discomfort in these situations can be avoided by following Amos' advice. She provides some good examples.
The best advice about this book: Buy it. If you buy it, use it.
See all 9 customer reviews on Amazon.com
|
| | |
|
|
