by Scott Lorenz | Agents, Blog, Book Marketing, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Book Shepherd, Ghostwriter, Marketing a Book, Writing a Book
By: Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Ghostwriters work behind the curtain as narrative architects of the literary world. You’ve probably read a ghostwritten book without knowing it, since their names are rarely credited in the books they write. Some experts estimate that up to 60% of the nonfiction section in your nearest bookstore is ghostwritten.
As a book publicist deeply involved in the world of storytelling, some of my clients seek out ghostwriters to pen their books. Working with a ghostwriter can save you valuable time and energy and give your book a professional edge. But ghostwriters can be hard to vet, and their referrals tend to be word-of-mouth. There are also a few things you should know before you hire one. So, I put together a quick list of my favorite ghostwriters in 2023, as well as the top agencies, and a few tips for hiring a ghostwriter.
Marie Hasty
“The books I write for my clients change lives. That’s what I love about ghostwriting — even more so than personal relationships and getting to learn from healthcare leaders. These aren’t vanity books; they’re deeply impactful career investments.”
Marie is a concierge ghostwriter and former hospital nurse who writes business books and memoirs for healthcare innovators. Her clients are often busy clinicians and leaders who are focusing on a better future for medicine. Her writing helps build brand authority and audience recognition. She loves elevating these leaders’ influence with the books she writes, as well as seeing her clients succeed as published authors.
To learn more about Marie’s work, visit her website: www.mariehasty.com
Debra Englander
“You need to think about your target audience. Some authors want a book to promote their business or gain more visibility. But you should consider the benefits to the reader. Ultimately, writing a book that provides something tangible — skills, exercises, stories – is the one that will be recommended. As ghostwriter and editor, I help the author communicate his or her message in the most effective way to reach a wide readership. Having worked as an editor at traditional publishers, I have a good handle on what books are likely to succeed.”
Debra Englander has worked as a writer and editor for magazines and publishers; she managed a business book program at Wiley for seventeen years, publishing numerous NY Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers.
Learn more about her work at www.linkedin.com/in/DebraEnglander or contact her at: d_englander@yahoo.com
Mike Ball
“We can work with your outline, your rough manuscript, or we can interview you and write your book from scratch.”
Mike Ball is an Erma Bombeck Award-winning author with three books of his own in print, including an Amazon bestseller, “Banjos, Boats and Butt Dialing.” He is a popular speaker at writer’s conferences and retreats and facilitates a number of writers’ groups.
Mike has helped hundreds of authors bring their work into the world, partnering with them in various roles as an editor, writing coach and ghost writer. He most recently penned “MIA’S ODYSSEY.” This 12-time-award-winning book has captivated the hearts and minds of many across the USA for its powerful story about a woman married off by her parents, abused by her husband, homeless all while raising five children. This book is currently in development as a screenplay. He’s ghostwritten several memoirs and a book about “SALES.” CNN has named him a CNN Hero for 2023 for his work with troubled youth using music as an expression of their innermost fears, hopes and dreams. If you have a compassionate, endearing story then Mike is your ghost.
Check out his website: https://www.mikeballonline.com/
Erick Mertz
“Whether I’m working on a memoir or screenplay, my work is focused on bringing the best possible story to the page. I believe we are all natural storytellers. Working with a professional ghostwriter offers the best opportunity to affect your target audience.”
Erick Mertz is a dynamic storyteller who left a career in social work to follow his calling as a full-time professional ghostwriter. He is a native of the Pacific Northwest with dozens of ghostwritten screenplays, television episodes, business books, memoirs and novels to his credit. He especially enjoys working with his clients to discover what it is that makes their story unique.
Visit his website at: www.erickmertzwriting.com
Erick is also the author of “How To Hire A Ghostwriter: Your Guide To Finding The Best Pro For Your Writing Project.”
Christina Schweighofer
“From my earliest days as a journalist, I have loved interviewing people, hearing about their experiences and dreams, and making their story come alive on the page. My clients, in turn, feel seen and valued for who they are.”
Christina has a passion for writing that began in her days as a staff journalist and reporter in Austria. She’s an accomplished writer and interviewer, known for her ability to capture the essence of the people she writes for. Christina specializes in personal and business memoirs and has interviewed and portrayed notable names such as John Irving, Lisbeth Zwerger, Wolfgang Puck, and more.
Learn more about Christina and her ghostwriting services at: www.chswriter.com
Pam Gossiaux
“My clients are often busy entrepreneurs and CEOs who have a great book idea, but no time to write about it. Entrepreneurs are fearless about change, they love challenges, and are known for creating the future they want. I love being a part of that energy! Handing them a finished book that they can add to their platform is very rewarding for both of us. I love to write and am blessed that I can do what I love for a living!”
Pamela specializes in ghostwriting business books and articles but writes sweet romance fiction on the side. Her clients are USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal bestselling authors and range from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned C-Suite executives.
Explore Pamela’s website at: www.BestsellingBookShepherd.com
Dr. Don Steele
“My Legacy books capture the life of people with stories that need to be told. There’s an African Proverb that says “When a man dies a whole library of life experience turns to ashes”. The Legacy books I write prevent that.”
Dr. Steele has an impressive background in education and as a corporate speaker at the highest levels and has published nine books, three of which have been used as university textbooks. His ‘Moments to Remember’ Legacy book series helps preserve and elevate stories of people who have led fascinating lives. His titles have included Rebel Without Applause, Undefeated, and The Misfit Millionaire: The Life and Times of Terry Duperon.
Find out more about Don on his website: www.performancelearninginc.com/authoring-1
Julie Anne Eason
“Your book needs to do more than just position you as an expert. These days ‘expert books’ and ‘business card’ books are everywhere, and most never make an impact. No matter what your topic, your book needs to inspire, educate, and sell. It should inspire the with stories that engage the senses. It should educate with original frameworks and structures that are easy to understand and pass along. And it should sell additional products and services, so readers have ongoing support from you and/or your company. Find a ghostwriter who can do all that and write in your voice, and you’ve got a winner!”
Julie Anne Eason is CEO of Thanet House Publishing, as well as a best-selling author and ghostwriter. She has ghostwritten and consulted on multimillion-dollar books for industry leaders like Russell Brunson, Alex Hormozi, Amanda Holmes, Annie Grace, Alex Charfen and more. She is the author of The Profitable Business Author: How to Write a Book That Attracts Clients and Customers, The 5 Author Freakouts, and Writing For Money & Meaning.
Learn more at JulieAnneEason.com or ThanetHouseBooks.com
Robert Taggart
He is an accomplished former media writer for magazines and news articles. He has co-authored the Elizabeth Bromwell Expat series and a recent biography. His work experience as a radio show host on an NBC-affiliated sports station helped him hone and master his skills by interviewing sports players, coaches, and executives.
Learn more about his work at www.linkedin.com/in/rtbondwritingadventures
Dr. Katie Lever
The adrenaline of creating a story that exceeds what a client might expect is invigorating. As a former journalist, I was fortunate to meet many interesting people and tell their stories. Ghostwriting offers the same reward—I get to take raw ideas, research, mold, and make a client’s dream come to life on the page.”
“We live in a highly filtered world—everywhere we look, people are carefully curated, which is why, to me, the most important part of writing is authenticity: people truly crave what is raw, real, and human. I’ve written articles, academic papers, long-form journalism pieces, nonfiction work, a dissertation, and an award-winning novel and I’m proud to say that every piece is uniquely my own. It’s always a joy to tap into an author’s sense of self-expression when I work with them because it makes their writing shine and gives them the chance to show up as themselves. The world needs more authenticity and writing is the perfect vehicle for it. I’d love to help you bring out yours.”
Dr. Katie Lever is the award-winning author of Surviving the Second Tier, a dystopian novel about the college sports industry. She’s also an editor, freelance journalist, and scholar whose work has been published in textbooks and top journals in communication studies. Her work is located here: https://linktr.ee/Katielever
For inquiries, please reach out via LinkedIn messenger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-lever-941a31180
You can also reach out via messenger on Instagram and X by searching @leverfever.
Ghostwriting Agencies
Writer’s groups and agencies can be another great resource for finding a ghostwriter for your next project.
Jenkins Group
With 35 years of custom book publishing and ghostwriting experience, the Jenkins Group has written and produced books for thousands of clients. With the expertise of their professional writers, your ideas and concepts are transformed into polished and engaging content. Working closely with their clients, Jenkins Group understands your goals, voice, and objectives, ensuring that the final product aligns with your vision. Since they are full service, they can also handle the publishing and distribution of your book once its completed. Reach them at: www.JenkinsGroupInc.com
Gotham Ghostwriters
Gotham Ghostwriters, founded by CEO Dan Gerstein, is the first agency dedicated to long-form writing solutions. With a network of over 3,200 skilled writers, Gotham has successfully matched clients with top-tier editorial professionals for over a decade. From business books to white papers, their one-stop solution offers excellent ghostwriting support and expertise.
Between these top agencies and the writers, I mentioned earlier, you should be able to find someone who meets your ghostwriting needs. But what should you know before hiring a book ghostwriter? Let’s talk about it.
4 Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter
Know ghostwriting rates.
Many people are surprised at the going rate for ghostwriting. For example, Gotham’s rates start around $30-35k. Many of the top writers’ charge in the six figures. J.D. Moehringer, who ghostwrote Prince Harry’s memoir Spare, was paid a million dollars. If you want a professionally written book, expect to pay at least $25,000.
Know your audience.
It’s essential to know and understand who you want to target before you hire a ghostwriter for your book. Knowing your audience leads to a more successful book launch and a more targeted book. Your ghostwriter won’t intuit your audience, so it’s essential to know this before you work together.
Do some vetting.
Ghostwriters can be difficult to evaluate because many work under strict Non-Disclosure Agreements. But any writer should have samples of work you can view before agreeing to work together. You’ll likely be able to tell after a quick conversation whether they’re experienced or not.
Seek compatibility.
The writing process can be an intimate affair with the author and ghostwriter. Look for someone who is reliable, and who you genuinely like talking to. They should be good listeners and take the time to understand you and your project.
Following these tips will help you find a ghostwriter who will elevate your story, build your brand authority, and above all, make the book-writing process a breeze. If you’ve been thinking about writing a book for more than a year… it’s time to hire a ghostwriter. We’re not getting any younger!
The Bottom Line: Hire a Ghostwriter! A ghostwriter will get the job done faster and probably better than you can write it yourself.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Author Advice, Blog, Book Title Generator, Books to Movies, Hollywood, Television, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Whether you’re a new or seasoned author, you could always learn something from other authors. You can visit author websites. Or you may watch certain movies. There are a number of movies about authors that are sure to teach you a thing or two and maybe even inspire you.
Here’s a list of my favorite movies about authors that I believe every author should see.
1. My Salinger Year
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2222052/)
My Salinger Year tells a story of an aspiring writer named Joanna who becomes an assistant to J.D. Salinger’s literary agent. When she’s put in charge of responding to fan mail, she abandons the agency’s form letter and writes her own responses. I love that it highlights her journey to find her own voice and use it.
2. Genius
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1703957/)
Genius revolves around Maxwell Perkins, a renowned editor who develops a friendship with an author named Thomas Wolfe while he works on his manuscripts. I think this is a great movie as it shows that while every writer has their own challenges, an editor can come in and help them deliver a stellar manuscript.
3. Colette
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5437928/)
Colette is based on a French novelist named Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. I was inspired by her creativity throughout the movie. When she couldn’t earn money from Claudine books because they were published under her ex-husband’s pen name, she got creative and performed at music halls in France to support herself.
4. Julie & Julia
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135503/)
Julie & Julia features two main characters: Julia Child, a world-renowned chef, author, and teacher as well as Julie Powell, Julia Child’s fan and struggling writer. Julie started a blog that didn’t receive any views. Despite this, she kept it up and eventually began to attract visitors who turned into loyal readers. I think her consistency is a great lesson for all writers.
5. Adaption
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268126/)
Adaption is about Charlie Kaufman who is hired to adapt “The Orchid Thief,” Susan Orlean’s non-fiction book for the screen. It includes his struggle with writer’s block, which I’m sure we can all relate to and learn from.
6. Midnight in Paris
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1605783/)
In Midnight in Paris, a Hollywood writer named Gil Pender attempts to write his first novel while on vacation in Paris with his family. In Paris, he meets other writers, painters, and musicians who he learns many lessons from, reinforcing the importance of networking.
7. Finding Forrester
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181536/) 
Finding Forrester tells a story of Jamal Wallace, an inner-city teenager who befriends William Forrester, an author who helps him grow as a writer. I am all about new writers connecting with more experienced writers that are willing to mentor them.
8. Almost Famous
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181875/)
In Almost Famous, 15-year-old William Miller lands his dream gig of writing a story for Rolling Stone magazine. His determination to write the story and get it published no matter what an inspiration to other writers is, especially those who are young and new. Drive and ambition can take you far.
9. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401383/)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly revolves around a journalist who suffers from a severe stroke and gets diagnosed with locked-in syndrome. Despite his struggles, he uses his imagination to succeed.
10. Miss Potter
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482546/)
Miss Potter is based on Beatrix Potter, a 20th-century author and creator of Peter Rabbit. She goes against her parents’ desire for her to get married and writes about animals she’s loved since she was little. She struggles to find a publisher, but a small firm takes her work and turns her into a literacy star. This movie shows it only takes one to take your writing career to the next level.
11. The Ghost Writer
(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139328/) 
Ewan McGregor, a talented ghostwriter is hired to write memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang. The plot twists and he discover secrets that put his life in jeopardy. You’ll love this film’s suspense and realize that no matter who you are, things can happen when you least expect them.
The Bottom Line: Writers are a special breed of humans. The creative minds depicted on film underscore one common theme, and that is to keep going and never give up!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers.
His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else? Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Agents, Author Advice, Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publishing, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
As a book publicist, I have a unique perspective in the publishing process and see the many roles that contribute to the success of a book. Some books are masterpieces ready to be promoted while others have issues that slow down the process and kill a project’s momentum. Because I work so closely with the final product, I have a good understanding of what can make or break a book.
Besides book marketing, one of the most important things you can do as an author is to make sure an editor is a member of your team.
Authors and editors are two very different jobs. Both of these roles are equally important to book creation. However, when an author is their own editor, the lines that distinguish the two jobs can easily get blurred, and the quality of work ultimately suffers. Nothing quite compares to a book that has been properly edited with a fine-tooth comb. A polished manuscript creates potential for a much better book marketing experience overall.
The Editor’s Role on a Book Publishing Team
“Nothing detracts from good writing like bad editing,” says Debra Englander, an experienced non-fiction editor and writer. “Submit your best work. Have it copy-edited and proofread by a professional. Don’t ruin your reputation because of preventable mistakes.” Englander served as editorial director at John Wiley Publishing for nearly 17 years and was on the receiving end of thousands of pitches from agents and authors. She currently works with authors on creating winning book proposals and editing manuscripts.
In an interview with author Jane Thurnell-Read discussing how to get a book published, Englander stressed the importance of the division of labor within a book. An editor provides the objectivity that one lacks when reviewing their own work. Their job isn’t to change the meaning of a book, but rather to make it better. Englander said authors can’t always tell what a scene is lacking, or if it’s clear enough to someone who’s unfamiliar with the subject matter. After all, perception is just as important as intention in the world of book publishing.
Ensure Your Book is Publisher-Ready
An editor can clean up the original content and make awkward sentence structure and grammatical errors much less likely. These details can throw off the flow of a book and create obstacles for the reader’s comprehension. Those types of unfavorable features will likely be noticed early on in a publishing attempt and could very well result in rejection.
With over 25 years of editorial experience, Tiffany Yates Martin understands how to make the publishing process better for everyone involved. “Reputable, competent editors will save authors immense amounts of time and agony in deepening, developing, and polishing their stories, and can often give authors a leg up in attracting the attention of agents and editors, and make their stories more salable.”
Her extensive work with publishing houses such as New York Times and Writer’s Digest, has left her with the belief that editing is the most important part of the writing process. “Editing and revision are the real work of writing—and often where the story is fully found and developed and the magic happens…Because most authors were never taught this fact—nor how to edit and revise—many get disheartened when their first draft isn’t publisher-ready, or when the revision process may be more demanding or difficult than they expected. That’s not a reflection of your talent or skill but a completely normal part of the process for nearly all authors, at all levels of experience and skill,” explains Martin.
Before your book is introduced to a publisher, it needs to go through a rigorous editing process. Although being your own editor may sound enticing, no author is above hiring an editor. As Tiffany Yates Martin says, “Even editors need editors.”
Good Editing Leads to Successful Book Marketing
Aspiring authors sometimes fear that an editor will make their work less authentic, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. Hiring an editor is like hiring a personal trainer; it’s still you just faster, tighter and trimmer. The work can still get done without one, but it’s a much more tedious process. Because of its time-consuming nature, refined writing needs multiple sets of eyes to ensure that everything on paper is intentional.
There is no shame in working with multiple people to ensure the highest quality of work. In fact, it’s highly encouraged. Publisher’s Weekly points out that grammatical errors are far too common to cut out entirely, but an effort to minimize them must be made. “The writer’s primary task is to create work that is as compelling and error-free as possible. A great book cover, a marketing plan, and a cool author website are all important,” they say, “but if an author hasn’t spent the time and money for a solid editing job, it’s all just wasted effort.” Good book marketing and publicity can only do so much; the true quality of the book is essential to its success.
The Bottom Line: Authors, give yourself the best shot at success; hire an editor. Together, you can create the absolute best version of your work.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Agents, Author Advice, Blog, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Marketing a Book, Writing a Book
“In the Midst of Every Crisis, Lies Great Opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Without a doubt, the past two years were some of the strangest in recent history and it is likely the changes brought by the global pandemic may persist well into the future.
Our daily rhythms of work, school, and life are altered and contact with others is now masked, distanced, and sanitized. So much is still unknown about the way things will unfold, and it is uncertain when life will return to “normal” and what that will look like.
Three Reasons To Write Your Book
Whatever may be happening in your life, as a book publicist, I’d like to encourage you that in spite of these challenges, NOW may be the perfect time to write your book. Here are three reasons:
1. Historically, many books have been inspired by the uncertainty of a pandemic. John F. Kennedy once said, “When written in Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters – one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.” Creativity rises to the forefront in times of upheaval or danger. Great works of literature, including Shakespeare’s King Lear, were produced during periods of epidemic and plague. Other “pandemic literature” such as The Plague (Albert Camus), Twilight in Delhi (Ahmed Ali), The Andromeda Strain (Michael Crichton), Survivor (Octavia E. Butler) and Station Eleven (Emily St. John Mandel), seize moments like ours to tell fascinating stories. The best and worst aspects of humanity are vividly displayed against the literary backdrop of chaos brought by illness and epidemic. Even if your work is not directly inspired by the pandemic, it could one day serve as an example of art produced during a critical period in world history.
2. Writing can provide a pleasurable means of relieving pandemic induced stress. In times of stress, the act of writing can be therapeutic, becoming an outlet for pressure and anxiety brought by unexpected change. It is a way to both reflect on what is happening and try to bring meaning from it. Writing a book and the research and organization involved keep the mind active, so that learning continues no matter what else in your life may have changed.
In an interview with GQ, author Ottessa Moshfegh says,
It’s the mind organizing the details of life into a narrative that logically orients the writer back to her own story. […] In some ways, this quarantine is the ideal creative environment. Writing takes patience and listening, allowing oneself to linger on a word or image or gesture and watch it develop into drama through a language of its own. It also takes a lot of time. […] I’m trying to see this period as a blessing in that way. The light side of the darkness.
3. Book sales are strong. While many industries have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, book sales have increased. After an initial slump during the spring of 2020, the book market made a strong recovery, with Jim Milliot of Publisher’s Weekly reporting an 8.2% rise in the sale of print books. Elizabeth A. Harris of the New York Times reports that 2020 brought increases of 17% for audio book sales and 16% for eBook sales. With many normal activities suspended and screen time at an all-time high for both adults and children, books remain a great low-tech option for entertainment.
Author Dave Pelzer once said, “Something good comes out of every crisis.” Writing your book now may not only help you by giving you an outlet and a goal to attain but may also one day inspire future generations to meet the challenges they face with creativity and bravery.
Bottom Line: Times of change are times of opportunity. Seize the day, write your book, and let it be one of the good things that come out of this crisis.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Author Advice, Blog, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Marketing a Book, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
If you’re an aspiring author in search of the secrets to success, it only makes sense to ask those who have achieved it. After all, they’ve been in your shoes.
While you may not be able to speak to successful authors directly, you can read their quotes. I’ve done the heavy lifting for you and compiled these 20 quotes about writing, which are sure to inspire and intrigue you.
1. “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” – Jack London
2. “All a writer needs is talent and ink.” – J.K. Rowling
3. “The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King
4. “Nobody buys a book that they don’t pick up.” – James Patterson
5. “You see a lot of young writers who have interesting ideas and a certain skill with words, but their story is not a story … it’s more of a vignette.” – George R.R. Martin
6. “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” – Robert Frost
7. “If you have no critics, you’ll likely have no success.” – Malcolm X
8. “You can make anything by writing.” – C.S. Lewis
9. “Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts.” – Larry L. King
10. “I don’t need an alarm clock. My ideas wake me.” – Ray Bradbury
11. “In order to write about life first you must live it.” – Ernest Hemingway
12. “Character is plot, plot is character.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
13. “Write what should not be forgotten.” – Isabel Allende
14. “If you don’t see the book you want on the shelf, write it.” – Beverly Cleary
15. “I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.” – Emily Dickinson
16. “Write about the emotions you fear the most.” – Laurie Halse Anderson
17. “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” – Anne Lamott
18. “You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” – Jodi Picoult
19. “Done is better than perfect.” – Sheryl Sandberg
20. “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” – Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler)
The Bottom Line: Take these quotes and use them to push you forward. Remember, success as an author doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a great deal of dedication, passion, and hard work.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
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