Not a ghostwriter- what is this situation & how do I do this? - Writers Forum

99nails · 10-08-2008, 08:28 PM

I hope this post isn't too out of place; I think it falls under "advice".

I had posted some of what I've been attempting to write here and was saying I need a ghostwriter. I realized today after talking to a friend that this is NOT what I want; I had not thought the whole thing through. I know very little about the publishing industry.

I am looking for a Jay Anson/Lutz family situation (Amityville Horror); an author to take the story, write it and put their name to it (with me obviously getting some sort of compensation). Can anyone enlighten me as to how this might come about? I know in the case of the Lutz family, the story was in the paper first. My goal is in publishing it; I don't care about large financial gain.

I'm hoping to do it this way for a number of reasons- I am not enjoying writing it, am probably too close to the material to be objective, and lack the skills to put a book together and publish it. I think I can write far better than how it's come across so far; the problem is I just am having a lousy time doing this and it's not fun at all for me. It's showing in the end result. I've been just trying to push everything onto the paper and get it over with.

Again- I am sorry if this is wrong to put here & I don't mean to annoy. I hope to be a more productive member of the community and actually give some feedback to others when I'm a little bit more comfortable here.

Thank you.

Hawke · 10-08-2008, 11:16 PM

Mod note: Moved from Crit and Advice (works).

99nails · 10-09-2008, 02:34 AM

Thanks for moving it- still getting to know my way around here.

Non Serviam · 10-09-2008, 03:39 AM

Hi, 99nails

Do you mean that you want someone else to write a story based on your ideas, characters and plot?

Because if that's what you mean, it's likely that nobody will. Or not unless you pay them. Sorry.

The reason people become writers is so they can express the stories in their head, and as a rule they'd rather write their own stories than other people's.

Still, good luck; I suppose it's possible you could find someone with horrendous writer's block on their own ideas who'll get enthusiastic about yours.

99nails · 10-09-2008, 11:21 AM

Yeah; I am figuring that finding someone will not be easy. Just trying to figure out how.

This isn't exactly about using my ideas, characters and plot, as it's a true story. Without going too much further into it, I have a reason to believe it actually needs to be published; it's not an issue of it being entertaining. There's something else to it. It would address a current issue existent in our society from a slightly new angle that I think people need to examine and would examine if given the chance.

So I'm looking for a non-fiction writer that would be interested. In all honesty, when I run the entire thing past most people, the consensus is that a writer must exist out there that would want to do this. The question is where that person is and how to find them.

Thanks for your input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Non Serviam

Hi, 99nails

Do you mean that you want someone else to write a story based on your ideas, characters and plot?

Because if that's what you mean, it's likely that nobody will. Or not unless you pay them. Sorry.

The reason people become writers is so they can express the stories in their head, and as a rule they'd rather write their own stories than other people's.

Still, good luck; I suppose it's possible you could find someone with horrendous writer's block on their own ideas who'll get enthusiastic about yours.

99nails · 10-09-2008, 11:23 AM

Non Serviam · 10-09-2008, 03:34 PM

Are you looking for a journalist? A sociologist? An economist? A social worker?

99nails · 10-09-2008, 04:21 PM

I suppose what I am wondering is where to locate a non-fiction author to pitch an idea to. I hadn't given thought as to the writer's preferred subject matter, if that is what you are asking. Simply looking around at this point and asking how to bring about the desired end (finding a non-fiction author to write this story).

Came back to edit, because this may matter; I don't know. I would prefer someone who would be comfortable with horror and supernatural themes. I don't know if you've seen the "chapters" I posted; if so I should probably also clarify that I would completely rule out anyone trying to make it a Christian-themed book.

I do understand that attempting to sell anyone (writer or reader) on the idea of "true horror" will be quite an undertaking. I am merely in the beginning stages of looking around for an author; I do not harbor false expectations that this will be written anytime soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Non Serviam

Are you looking for a journalist? A sociologist? An economist? A social worker?

Non Serviam · 10-09-2008, 06:05 PM

Sure. But where you might look for the author depends on the subject matter, see.

For example, if there's real evidence of a supernatural effect, then you should approach a university with a parapsychology department. But if there's no real evidence, you're probably best off with a journalist for the sensational press.

cllorentson · 10-10-2008, 11:18 AM

99 Nails,

You could try Elance.com, it's a bidding site for freelancers where people post writing jobs of all sorts. You could post your project, explain what you want done, and then see who bids on it. If you don't like any of the bids you are not obligated to accept any of them, but it would give you an idea of how many writers would potentially be interested in doing this project.

-Callie

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