How to Determine Your Fee and Prepare a Quote
October 30, 2007
Here are several ways to determine your fee: Keep in mind that book ghostwriting fees can vary greatly and, as a general rule, can run anywhere from $10K to $50K for a full-length, non-fiction manuscript.
Considerations include:
Book length – (60,000 – 70,000 words is a conservative estimate)
How much (if any) of the book is done?
Is there already an outline or chapter structure?
Does the author have detailed notes or existing material?
How much research will be needed?
What will the client supply?
Are there other sources (from the author) that can be tapped, i.e. blog entries, previous interviews, articles, etc?
How many sources or people will need to be interviewed?
Is travel required?
What is the author’s deadline?
Does the client need a book proposal written before the book?
Will you be working with a co-author, agent or publisher?
Aside from the above considerations, think about your average hourly or daily rate, and try to get a sense of how long the book will take to write.
Got $419,000?
October 30, 2007
What does it cost to advertise on “network” television? Well, it depends on the show. According to Television Week, a 30-second ad on Grey’s Anatomy will cost you a whopping $419,000! But before you need a doctor to revive you from that sticker shock, keep in mind that the same 30 seconds to run on Cops, will cost you a mere $55,000.
Such is the state of high-stakes advertising on “traditional” network TV. If your marketing budget is slightly more modest – say ZERO – then a much more efficient and effective approach is to use the Internet.
Online Video is exploding in popularity, with 100 million videos being seen per day on YouTube alone. Consider the amazing fact that web users are downloading a staggering 8 billion videos per month! Oftentimes, the amount of viewers for Online Video far surpasses the audience estimates for network television – and all for an amazing low price of, well, just about nothing!
You can create your own video and upload it to YouTube in minutes, and that video can then be seen by a worldwide audience, 24/7! Obviously, there’s no guarantee that your video will “go viral,” and be seen by thousands of people – but it’s certainly possible!
Fortunately, for video on the Internet, creativity trumps cash, and a good idea is going to beat a big budget, every time. Online Video viewers are also much more forgiving of overall quality and production value, though that is beginning to quickly change. True, you can sit in front of a webcam and make your own home-made video, but viewers are becoming more discerning about what they will watch and share with others. Your video must meet a certain quality standard, but it’s more important that it be compelling and engaging.
Ghostwriting: Payment Options
October 29, 2007
There are a few common payment options, including:
Flat Fee
Percentage of Royalties
Hourly or Weekly Rates
Most ghosts seem to prefer a flat rate, and with good reason. This “work-for-hire” arrangement is simply the most practical and the least complicated.
A royalty arrangement can be complex, and can “tie” you to the author for years to come. In many cases, a royalty payment is a gamble and much less of a sure thing. For that reason alone, I suggest avoiding this option.
You can also charge an hourly or weekly rate, but this is also less practical, and can make for much more paperwork, tracking and overall administration.
A flat fee is a relatively safe bet where both parties understand the arrangements and the costs from the get-go.
Real Cool
October 28, 2007
Even classifieds are using video!
What do you get when you combine craigslist and YouTube? You get Realpeoplerealstuff.com, a new site that mixes classified ads with web-based video. It’s e-commerce meets funny videos…
YouTube Mashups
October 27, 2007
YouTube recently launched YouTube Remixer, a service that allows user to edit their videos from within YouTube itself. So if you’ve always wanted to add goofy sunglasses, graphics or captions to that video of your cousin’s wedding, you’re in luck! Give it a try! Have a ball…
A few more ghostwriting questions answered
October 26, 2007
Q: How does the ghostwriting process typically work? Usually, the client and the ghostwriter have an initial meeting by phone to review the scope of the project. If all parties agree to proceed, the ghostwriter will provide a letter of commitment and/or a contract.
Q: What’s the first step?
Aside from reviewing this information, you should have a conversation with your prospective writer and complete the project survey to help provide your writer with an overview of the book.
For more info, visit www.LouBortone.com
More ghost writing questions answered
October 24, 2007
Q: What will I need to supply to the ghostwriter?
Very simply: time, information and feedback. Weekly interviews may be all that’s needed.
Q: Will the ghostwriter also develop a book proposal?
The ghostwriter can create a full book proposal, if necessary. However, this is a major project in itself – and requires additional fees.
Q: What should I look for in a ghostwriter?
The best ghostwriters are professional, dependable, discrete, collaborative, supportive and deadline-oriented. Most important, the ideal writer does exactly what he says he’s going to do! Obviously, chemistry and a good “fit” are important.
Q: Will the ghostwriter provide references?
A pro will always provide references and will usually come recommended from a trusted source.
Q: Will the ghostwriter help me find a publisher?
The ghostwriter is not responsible for getting the material published, nor do they typically provide services offered by agents or publishers.
Final Q & A coming soon…
EFFECTIVE PR TIPS
October 22, 2007
EFFECTIVE PR TIPS
By Lou Bortone
Public relations can be an effective way to generate awareness and name recognition for your business. PR is also considered to be a low-cost alternative to other marketing tactics such as traditional advertising and media buying. Your PR strategy should begin with the following key elements:
1. Build your target list: Compile an accurate database of key media contacts.
2. Develop your hook: Tell a compelling story.
3. Follow up: Cultivate relationships with the media and stay in touch.
Here are a few insider tips to maximize PR opportunities:
Turbo-charge your press releases
Your news releases should be newsworthy, targeted to the appropriate contact and, above all, engaging.
Maximize email marketing
Email marketing software has made it easier than ever to send out professional newsletters and press releases. User-friendly templates let you customize, target and track your email releases. It’s a low-cost way to stay top-of-mind with the media.
Make the media’s job easier
Tailor your pitch to the appropriate writer or reporter. Respect their time and deadlines. Have a press kit ready if the media ask for more info, but don’t flood them with sales materials. Give them what they need, when they need it, and you’ll increase your chances for positive press coverage.
Develop relationships with press contacts
Network with the media at industry events. Make an effort to get to know local reporters and leverage those relationships. Establish yourself as a resource to reporters and editors.
For more info, please visit: http://theonlinevideoguy.com/home/index-webcam.html
More ghost writing Q & A
October 22, 2007
Q: How long will the book take?
Again, it depends on the project. Generally speaking, a full-length book takes 4 – 6 months to ghostwrite.
Q: Does the ghostwriter get a credit on the book? If it’s truly ghostwritten, then no, the writer does not receive any kind of credits. Depending on the arrangement, a co-author or “with” credit could be negotiated. If so, the fee structure usually changes or decreases.
Q: How much will I need to be involved?
In most cases, you’ll only need to supply access to you and your information. Weekly phone interviews and occasional feedback/approvals are typically all that is required. A good ghostwriter works independently, providing as much or as little interaction as you’re comfortable with.
To be continued…
Starring You
October 21, 2007
The JibJab boys are back with a new feature that allows you to upload your own photos and add them to JibJab mini-movies. You might remember JibJab for those wacky “cut-out” animations they did with John Kerry and W during the last election. Now, they’ve made it possible for you (or your family and friends) to star along with them – and it’s free! Just upload your favorite photo and you could be doing the hula with Hillary Clinton or Steve Jobs. Check it out at: http://www.jibjab.com/starring_you/?cmpid=20.
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