BobbiLinkemer

Do You Have a Book Just Waiting to be Written?

Professional speakers are often asked if they will be selling their books in the back of the room after their presentations. A book enhances their credibility and commands higher speaking fees. Business leaders, subject matter experts, humorists, psycholo... Read >

Why a Writer Needs People Skills (and how to develop them)

Writing is often perceived as a solitary process. While there is some truth to that perception, it is only half the picture. I think many people actually visualize writers as holed up in our little garrets, shut off from the world, waiting patiently for i... Read >

Why Use a Ghostwriter?

You're an expert in your subject matter. You know it inside and out. You can explain it, present it, analyze it ... but can you write about it? Not sure? Don't have the time or inclination? Perhaps you don't even want to. Let's face it, if you're not a w... Read >

What It Takes to Be a Ghostwriter

Do you have what it takes to be a ghostwriter? Take this simple test, and find out. 1. Do you have a special knack for crawling inside people's heads? 2. Can you understand what they really want to say? 3. Are you able to speak in their voices? 4. Can... Read >

Ghostwriting is Not for Sissies: Six Lessons Learned the Hard Way

When I decided to become a ghostwriter, I was quite naive. I had been writing professionally for close to four decades and freelancing for most of that time. I had written 12 nonfiction books on a range of topics. I had developed a workbook and taught man... Read >

7 Ways to Promote Your Nonfiction Book

There are two things every author must know about promoting your nonfiction book. First, it is your responsibility, no matter what publishing method you use - conventional, print on demand (POD), or do-it-yourself. Second, promotion should begin long befo... Read >

Think Like a Winner

Writers put words on paper for public consumption, and it isn't always easy. Why? Isn't that what we are supposed do? What kind of courage does it take to write something - a piece of news, a brochure, a PR release, or an article - and let someone else re... Read >

7 Questions to Answer Before You Write Your Nonfiction Book

1. Why do you want to write a book? There are as many reasons to write a book as there are books. Whether you are truly an authority on a subject or not, just put that subject between book covers, and people will assume you must be. If you do a good jo... Read >

7 Ways to Research Your Nonfiction Book

If you are writing nonfiction, chances are you will have to research. Here are 7 of the most effective ways to go about it. 1. Interviews The first rule of interviewing is to find an expert. The second is to use every listening skill at your dispos... Read >

6 Steps to Writing a Nonfiction Book

Almost everyone harbors a secret -- or not-so-secret -- yearning to write a book. Ideas range from memoirs to mysteries, from pamphlets to tomes. Books do not appear out of thin air; they are the product of much thought, planning, discipline, and effort. ... Read >

Professionalism and Writing

What does it really mean to be a professional writer? Years ago, I thought it was just a matter of being paid - something, anything - for a piece of writing. The first time I received a check for all of $50, I was sure I had made it. But the thrill didn't... Read >