National Association of Independent Writers & Editors
Member Benefit #31
Ghostwriting Professional Designation Program (GPDP) trains writers, journalists, and published authors to be book-industry experts proficient in ghostwriting theory, skill sets, unique tools, and mindset transitions. The GPDP prerequisite Introduction to Ghostwriting is the 6-week class to help you decide if professional ghostwriting is a good fit for you.
NAIWE members receive 10% off Introduction to Ghostwriting!
Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.
We wanted to get to know Jake Poinier (NAIWE’s Freelance Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here are some thoughts he shared with us.
How did you get started in ghostwriting, and how did your previous experience in editing inform your approach?
My first ghostwritten book opportunity happened out of the blue. I’d interviewed someone for a magazine feature, and when I asked him if he’d ever written a book, he responded, “No, but I’ve got a great idea for one. Can you help me write it?” I’d already been writing and editing for a long time, so the main challenge was working in a much longer format and structuring my time over an extended period. Having been a managing editor of a magazine was helpful in that respect: You need to drive the project, because the client is looking to you for guidance.
For writers just starting out, what would you say to them about building a reputation as a ghostwriter when they can’t publicly claim their work?
This is a tricky one if you have a nondisclosure agreement. On my website and LinkedIn, I list “ghostwriting” as a service. My portfolio simply says what type of book or client it was, without giving details, and I will say the same thing verbally if I am talking to a potential client. My business has always been word of mouth, and that’s a good way of getting these types of projects: Let everyone know that it’s something you offer, whether it’s existing clients or new prospects. You might not be able to jump right into books without a background, but smaller steps like blogging or speechwriting can be a stepping stone.
How do you adapt your voice to match that of a client? What is your process for learning their communication style?
Nothing can replace spending an ample amount of time talking with someone, preferably in person but over the phone or video can work too. I record every conversation, which allows me to pay full attention to their speaking style without taking notes. I run the conversations through Otter.ai for transcription, and listen to the whole thing again. From there, it’s a matter of mimicking word choice and cadence, hearing how they convey themselves, and areas where they feel passionate or put emphasis on.
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Not everyone has the time or talent to write for themselves — but that can spell opportunity for freelancers. In this webinar, Jake “Dr. Freelance” Poinier discusses how ghostwriting can open up new business avenues for you by crafting content in a client’s voice and style, in whatever platform they need: books, speeches, articles, blogs, and videos.
You can join in this conversation on September 24 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with agents. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!
Jake Poinier made the leap into freelance writing and editing in 1999 after a decade of positions in the publishing industry, giving him key insights from both sides of the desk. As the founder and owner of Boomvang Creative Group, he has worked with a diverse array of Fortune 500 and small businesses, consumer and trade magazines, and independent authors. Jake is committed to helping freelancers improve their businesses and shares his knowledge and experiences frequently as a speaker at industry conferences, through webinars, and on his blog.
Today’s podcast episode is a Book Award Winner episode, where we get to know a writer who won the NAIWE Book Award.
Tong Ge won the 2024 Book Award for her book The House Filler in the Literary Fiction category.
Born and raised in China, Tong Ge moved to Canada in the late 1980s as an international student, earning a master of science degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1992. Since 2012, she has written under both her real name and the pen name Tong Ge, publishing poetry, prose, and short stories in English and Chinese across North America, England and Taiwan. A recipient of five literary awards and a finalist for five others. Her debut novel, The House Filler, was published in Canada in 2023. It is a finalist for the 2023 Eyelands Book Awards and the 2024 Canadian Book Club Awards for fiction and won two book awards.
Here is a preview of today’s discussion:
Your book The House Filler was recently published. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
The House Filler is told through the experiences of Golden Phoenix, a widow with bound feet who faces war, poverty and political turmoil as she fights for survival, freedom and happiness.
After the untimely death of her husband, Golden Phoenix is determined to keep her family together, although finding a close enemy intent on destroying them. However, poverty forces her to make the heart-wrenching decision to allow her teenage twins to go to the Red Army. During the upheaval of the Japanese invasion of her hometown, she is separated from her two young girls, and her remaining son leaves to fight with the Nationalist army.
Golden Phoenix, along with her adopted son, remains to endure the horrors and the hardships of war. When the Civil War ends with the Communists winning power in 1949, one of her twins, a member of the Communist Party, is wrongly accused of being a traitor and is sentenced to death. Golden Phoenix and her family must find a way to save her son’s life.
What inspired you to write this book?
I always wanted to write my family’s stories into a book but struggled to find the right angle. Then, one day in 2004, while gardening, an idea struck me — the narrator could write a series of letters to her sister in China, recalling their family history. Though this format was later replaced by each book’s protagonist telling the story from her own perspective, that moment of inspiration allowed me to begin.
My family’s story became the foundation for this book and the two that follow.
What did you learn while working on this book?
I learned many things while working on this book.
First, I proved to myself that I can write fiction in a second language—and that I am the best person to tell this story. When I first started in 2004, I wrote in Chinese but soon realized I wouldn’t have access to critique groups, beta readers, manuscript evaluators, freelance editors, or publishers. At the time, I didn’t believe I could write it in English, so I searched for a ghostwriter. When that didn’t work out, I realized I had to do it myself. I took writing courses, read books on craft, and studied as much fiction as I could to learn from other writers.
Second, I learned to be patient. Writing is a long journey. Early on, I sent out query letters too soon, not realizing that you only get one chance per agent or publisher. Submitting flawed work means losing that chance forever.
Third, I learned the importance of professional help. I don’t believe a first-time writer can do this alone.
Fourth, I learned to be humble and take feedback seriously. As emerging writers, it’s easy to get defensive when receiving criticism and to believe that if others don’t recognize our talent, it’s their problem. But there is always room for improvement. If you can’t find an agent or publisher, the issue might not be them — it might be you.
September: Self-Improvement Month. Take some time to improve yourself. What class will you take or conference will you attend to improve your business self? Think ahead and sign up for an on-demand training through NAIWE!
September 1: Labor Day. This day recognizes the men and women who labor to build this country. As self-employed professionals, many tend to work on this day, but what will you do to celebrate?
September 6: National Read a Book Day. Grab a book (a fun read or even one for professional development) and spend the day reading.
September 7: National Play Outside Day. This is a day to spend a few extra minutes outside, enjoying the fresh air.
September 10: National Swap Ideas Day. Share a creative or helpful idea with a client or colleague.
September 12: National Day of Encouragement. This day is dedicated to uplifting people around us and making a positive impact. Who can you encourage?
September 15: National Online Learning Day. This day recognizes the advantages and vast potential of online learning and the accomplishments of these students. What can you study today to improve your skills? NAIWE hosts monthly webinars, which members and nonmembers may attend, to become familiar with new subject matter, learn new skills, polish existing talents, and get their questions answered by experts!
September 16: National IT Professionals Day. This day is set aside to honor the venerable geeks of the world we all rely on to keep us connected.
September 22: American Business Women’s Day. A day set aside to honor and reflect on the contributions and accomplishments of the millions of women in the workforce and the millions of women business owners in the United States.
September 24: National Punctuation Day. A period, a comma, a semicolon, a question mark, and an exclamation point are examples of some of the punctuation used in writing to separate sentences and their elements and to clarify meaning. National Punctuation Day commemorates these and all punctuation marks.
September 29. National Coffee Day. According to an expert cupper (a professional coffee taster), there are four components of a perfect cup: aroma, body, acidity, and flavor. Linger over a cup today while examining the importance of your words.
Technology helps to produce a diverse array of new products. Some products are short lived, while others will be around for a long while.
NAIWE members have access to several resources such as monthly webinars led by experts on current and upcoming information in publishing, webinars about innovative technology offered by our NAIWE Benefit Partners, and other NAIWE members.
These resources allow individual freelancers to have a wide breadth of information by increasing knowledge and enabling NAIWE members to command a higher hourly rate from their clients!
April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.
She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.
Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).
April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.
Member Benefit #30
Write faster with your word processor! Whether you’ve been using your word processor for years, or have just begun to learn a new program, it’s easy to fall into the trap of complacency and accept a basic skill level. But whether you write for pleasure or write for a living, you should be spending more time writing and less time figuring out how to use the tools. In Write Faster with Your Word Processor, Geoff will teach you how to use your software more effectively—both the tools you’ve used previously and new tools you haven’t yet tried. The skills apply equally well whether you write fiction or nonfiction. Although Geoff will use Microsoft Word 2019 to make the explanations more concrete, the same approach will work equally well with any word processor.
NAIWE members receive 21% off the print book or 33% off the e-book!
Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.
August: National Wellness Month. This month focuses on self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines.
August 3: National Play Outside Day. This is a day to spend a few extra minutes outside, enjoying the fresh air.
August 5: National Work Like a Dog Day. This is a day to pay attention to how hard you are working.
August 4-10: Simplify Your Life Week. This week was dedicated to be an encouragement to refocus your life and declutter. A suggestion is to eliminate things that cause stress or anxiety.
August 8: National Happiness Happens Day. Happiness is a choice. It is not a destination, but a life-long pursuit.
August 8: National Dollar Day. This day commemorates the day Congress established the U.S. monetary system in 1786.
August 9: National Book Lovers Day. A day for those who love to read to find a favorite reading place and settle in with a good book.
August 10: National Lazy Day. Nearing the end of summer, we all need a day to just kick back and do very little.
August 15: National Relaxation Day. Take this day to slow down, unwind, and relax!
August 25-31: Be Kind to Humankind Week. This is a week when we can make a difference in someone’s life by being kind to them.
August 27: National Just Because Day. This is a day to do something unexpected for another (or even for yourself) just because!
NAIWE members are freelancers, and freelancers are small businesses. Being associated with NAIWE gives our members buying power because our members have access to discounts on many products and services that are beneficial to those in the publishing industry.
Plus, we are always reaching out to our members to find out which products and services they would like to see added to the NAIWE Benefit Partner program!
April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.
She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.
Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).
April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.
Author: Frederick Douglass Reynolds
Police detectives’ cases are often entangled with drug abuse, gang violence, homelessness, and even death. One years-long homicide case that stands out for two detectives begins in California in 2008 when five people in a homeless encampment were murdered on the same night.
This account hits on areas of the victims’ lives leading to their deaths: one was sought out for his involvement in the gang culture of drugs and four were just in the wrong place that dreadful night and witnessed a murder. And then there was a sixth murder in the desert many miles away that again was connected to the gang culture of drugs with the ultimate price of death. Within the world of a jailhouse, these murders were used as bragging rights to gain status and then to convict.
Written like a story, Saint Bloodbath brings the reader in the scene, allowing the reader to better understand the situations of homeless people and gang members and why they make the choices they do.
Frederick Douglass Reynolds, the author and a retired L.A. County Sheriff’s Homicide Sergeant, is a gifted writer with a vast array of personal experiences to describe with his pen. Saint Bloodbath is an excellent read based on true events that will make you question the humanity of some.
Congratulations, Frederick Douglass Reynolds’s Saint Bloodbath for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!
Member Benefit #29
Most editors must now edit manuscripts on the screen (“onscreen editing”). Though the editing skills remain the same, transferring them into a word processor can be challenging. For editors who are already editing on the screen, the book will teach you the skills you need to greatly increase your editing speed and accuracy based on Hart’s more than 30 years of experience as an editor and as a mentor for other editors, improved by incorporating feedback from students who have taken his courses on onscreen editing. To make the editing strategies concrete, the book uses Microsoft Word 2016 for both Windows and the Macintosh to show how to implement these principles. The information is provided in small chunks, designed for easy reading and browsing. You can dip into the book to solve a specific problem, or read it a chapter at a time to increase your mastery of the art of onscreen editing.
NAIWE members receive 22% off the print book or 25% off the e-book!
Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.