Monthly Archives: March 2012

I learned how to be a journalist when I took a part-time job at the Muncie Star and worked under an iron-willed martinet who had all the charm of a sunburned gorilla. This guy not only stabbed you, he also … Continue reading →

My own first cold bath in manuscript criticism came when I was a twenty-three-year-old graduate student in college. I had written five chapters of a novel and had sent them to a literary agent recommended to me by one of … Continue reading →

When I work one-on-one with attendees at writers’ conferences, I find that some are there only for praise for their “masterpieces,” and they go home disappointed and unlearned. Others, however, are like one who told me, “Be blunt. I’m only … Continue reading →

Part 4 in the series, “Ghostwriting Isn’t as Spooky as It Seems” There are several ways you can become a working ghostwriter. If you know someone who is famous or is an expert in some area, try to convince that … Continue reading →

Part 3 in the series, “Ghostwriting Isn’t as Spooky as It Seems” Before you sign a ghosting contract, get three questions answered. 1. What is the deadline? If the book isn’t needed for a year, you can work at a … Continue reading →