non fiction
by anita Montoya
(Pueblo Colo.)
Question: Do I leave my family names out knowing they hate me. afraid they will try to sue. plus who can be a ghost writer?
Answer: Writing a book about your personal history can be very therapeutic and satisfying, but it's seldom something that can or should be shared with the world, unless you're either very famous or your story is so unusual that it has commercial value. Releasing personal information to the world can cost you as much as your relatives. Plus, autobiographies of non-famous people generally don't sell.
If you plan on self publishing your book, regardless whether you make money, then it is safer to change the names and any other identifying information. For instance, if the business or career of one of your relatives suffers because of the book, they might have grounds to sue you, and you don't need that sort of trouble.
There are professional ghost writers, however they are expensive. A ghost writer is entitled to the entire advance plus 50% of additional royalties from a book. Since most books lose money, it is seldom worthwhile hiring a ghost writer unless...
1. You are famous enough (as above) that the book will sell enough copies for the royalties to cover the ghostwriting fees and then some.
2. You're not famous, but you know your book has tremendous commercial potential (for instance, if it is advertising for your business, if you have a huge platform, or have business secrets that are highly valuable). Usually its best to let publishers make such decisions.
3. You are wealthy enough that the costs are irrelevant to your lifestyle.
Best of luck.
Comments for non fiction
|
||
|
||
- Home
- Writing Questions
- non fiction
Search this site...
|
||
| site search by freefind |
Popular Articles
Mini-Course
Never be stuck for a great story idea again! This online mini-course will show you how to create simple ideas for original characters and build a plot around each character that contains the essential elements needed for a compelling story.
Recent Postings
-
Filler Chapters
Filler Chapters: Why nothing in your novel should be filler. -
How to do a phone conversation?
Question: In my book there are a couple time when a character is talking on a phone or through an ear piece to someone. How would I do the conversation? -
What to do if your novel is too short?
What do do if your novel is too short? Developing vs padding a story.
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero
