working with your clients
November 6, 2007
Here are some tips and tactics for working with your author:
Shut up and write! Be discreet about your assignment.
Put aside your ego. It’s ultimately their book!
Ghostwriting is a business, and you are a professional.
Treat your projects as such. Hold your rates.
Remain flexible, but know when to hold your ground with your author.
Remember, you are the writing expert.
Work to find your author’s “voice.”
Don’t blab about your project, who you’re writing for, etc.
Act professional at all times – never treat the project casually.
Don’t get too attached to your words, because they are about to become their words!
More coming soon!
Video Post Production - Part 2
November 5, 2007
Entire volumes have been written on the finer points of “non-linear” editing, so we won’t try to re-invent the wheel here! Editing can take years to master, but you just need a few basic guidelines to get your video ready for the Web. Here are the key points to keep in mind, whether you’re using the relatively simple iMovie, or a high-end editing system like Avid:
The best editing is the editing that the viewer doesn’t notice!
Just because you have all kinds of cool effects and transitions at your disposal, doesn’t mean you should use them all! Cheesy effects are the mark of an amateur. 95% of the time, your transitions from clip to clip or scene to scene should be simple cuts or dissolves. Forget the forward, backspin, 3D effects for now. Stick with tried and true, simple, subtle effects and transitions.
Working with clients/authors
November 3, 2007
Working with your client is where the rubber meets the road. Once you’ve agreed on your contract and fees, you can get started on the project. This section outlines some suggested “best practices,” as well as some helpful tips for ensuring a smooth and productive experience.
Ghostwriting a full-length book could take up to six months, so you need to be sure beforehand that you can work with this client. Unless you want to spend half the year in misery, make damn sure that you and your client understand each other, have decent “chemistry,” and are clear on expectations. Here are a few general guidelines for beginning your project.
More tips coming soon!
Video Post Production - Part 1
November 3, 2007
Post-production really is “where the magic happens!” This is where, depending on your equipment and your level of expertise, you can pull it all together and make your video look professional. Post-production provides the opportunity to edit the footage from your shoot, adding music, graphics, titles, transitions, effects and finishing touches.
First, you’ve got to get your footage into your computer in order to format it for uploading to the Internet. In most cases, you can just connect your camcorder directly to your computer and transfer the footage right into your editing program (usually via a “firewire” connector). Then, get your video Internet-ready with the editing/movie software that came with your computer, such as iMovie on the Mac or Windows Movie Maker for the PC. For a more professional product, you could upgrade to Final Cut Pro for the Mac or Adobe Premiere for the PC.
If you’re using a Mac, I suggest tapping into the extensive “knowledge base” at: http://www.dvcreators.net/dv-knowledge/. If you’re editing with the Movie Maker software that came with your PC, there’s a basic “how to” page here: http://www.windowsmoviemakers.net/Tutorials/HowToEditVideo.aspx
If you need or want extra help, consider using our “Personal Producer” package. That’s where we take the video you shoot… you send us the tape; and we give you a full, professional edit. More tips coming soon!
Types of Writing Agreements
November 1, 2007
Letter of Intent – Usually used as an initial commitment
Writer’s Agreement/Contract – Detailed agreement
Collaboration Agreement – Document that states “credit” arrangement
A general rule of thumb is that you can charge a higher fee if you are a true “ghost” on the project – meaning you get no credit whatsoever on the book or its cover. If you’re listed as a co-author or collaborator on the project, you can expect a lower ghostwriting fee.
“Royalty” or percentage deals are less common, and should probably be avoided – especially if you’re new to the ghostwriting genre.
Online Rules
November 1, 2007
Here are the top five facts about Online Video versus traditional television:
1. Shorter is better: Web viewers have incredibly short attention spans.
2. Show me the funny: Comedy and humor play much better in the world of Online Video
3. Don’t be boring! There’s nothing worse than a “talking head” droning on about some dull subject. Be compelling and creative or viewers will click away fast.
4. WIIFM (What’s in it for me?): This is what the web surfer – your potential viewer and customer – is thinking every minute. Clearly demonstrate the benefit, or don’t bother doing video. It’s not about you, it’s about them!
5. Audience participation encouraged: Online Video is dynamic and interactive. Most video sites are like blogs, so there’s plenty of room for comments, feedback and viewer involvement. Let’s see CBS do that!
The best advantage of all about Online Video is that it levels the playing field, and gives us “little guys,” any and every opportunity to compete with major advertisers and brands. These days, you don’t have to buy a half-million-dollar TV commercial on ABC to reach hundreds of thousands of people. With nearly 157 million viewers watching Online Video on the Internet, you can market your product or service to a massive worldwide audience, 24/7 for free! Just create, upload and go! For help or more information, give us a call…
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