Karen Jones
Garden City, New York
Robert understands the art of collaboration so well he makes the process seamless. He is easy to work with and a true professional. He also cares deeply about the work. Robert uses his considerable knowledge and expertise to make projects successful and I would recommend him to anyone.
Specializing in Memoirs
and Business Books
for Over 20 Years
Questions & Answers
Do you help your clients find a literary agent and/or publisher as part of your work?
Yes, I can, if that is desired. This service requires additional writing, which must be exceptionally well-tailored and focused, and also involves my proprietary list of trusted and highly effective agents, so it requires additional charges.
Why don’t you take part in an advance from a publisher or a share of the revenues of the sale of the book in lieu of a fee?
There are several reasons: My fee is based on a 100% guarantee that you will be satisfied with the work I complete for you. My best investment in your book project is not to discount my fee for future revenues, but to give you my full attention and time and to execute exceptional work that you will be proud of, and that will ultimately meet your publishing needs. I do not have the time to track or audit other outside contracts for royalties. Finally, I base my fee on a fair and competitive compensation. (Please see Fees page for more details).
How long does it take to write a memoir, business book or novel?
Generally, a memoir will take from 5 to 6 months to complete which includes the interviews, travel, research, writing and editing. A short business book (under 200 pages) can be completed in less than 4 months. Some of that time is dependent upon the availability of the client for interviews. I include a mutually agreed cut off time line for all my work in my contract. A novel is usually from 75,000 to 100,000 words and will take from 5 to 8 months to complete including editing.
If I want you to help me write a book, how do we start?
See the About Page on this site. The process begins with a simple phone call or email.
How many memoirs/business books have you written?
Out of the 40 books I’ve written, 15 were Memoirs and 6 were business books.
How is your fee paid?
Whatever fee I charge is paid in three increments over the life of the work. Those increments are determined by dividing the total anticipated word count by the dollar amount. (See fees page.) I do not participate in any deferred payments, advances or royalties. All of my fees completely inclusive of all work less outside expenses like travel which the client pays.
What is a book proposal and a query letter and what do they have to do with publishing my book?
A book proposal is a business plan for the marketing of your book. It is given to a literary agent and or publisher in advance of submitting your manuscript or along with submitting your manuscript. It gives an agent and publisher a sort of Cliff Notes version of the book, you and why you’re qualified to write your book, an analysis of competing books that are similar to yours, their contents and their sales volumes if available. It also includes your bio, a synopsis of the book and a chapter by chapter outline. A query is a letter that is sent to literary agents (publishers do not accept queries). It is a sort of invitation to read your manuscript and book proposal. It is written in a compelling manner outlining your story, why it’s unique, its value in the potential marketplace and other things pertinent to convincing an agent to ask for your manuscript.
Do you think self-publishing is a viable alternative to traditional publishing venues?
I recommend this vehicle for various projects, for reasons too complicated to answer in this brief space. But I can fully explain my thoughts on the subject if you call me.
Robert Bruce Woodcox
The GhostWriter
949.244.7880 PST
Based in Los Angeles
Working Nationally