Finding a writer for our project...

danshaw · Jul 27, 2011

Hi,
I wasn't sure exactly where to post this, so apologies if it gets moved...

I have always been on at my Dad to write a book about his career. He worked in the film game at Pinewood Studios, on many famous films, worked with famous actors and did a really unique job. He gets contacted all the time by movie fans/collectors etc asking him questions. He also has hundreds of photos of "on-set" bits and pieces and the props/sets and special effects he has made.

None of us in the family have any writing experience, so I was wondering if this is the kind of thing we can find a professional to take on. Perhaps interview him for stories/material and facts and then piece together a really unique book.

I think it would be a really interesting insight into the british film industry and a unique look and how some of the effects were done before it was all done on computers.

I am now 30, and he continues to surprise me with new stories, and name drops and stuff he worked on that I didn't even know. Its fascinating.

Anyway, Id love to know if anyone would be interested, or whether its a viable idea, or how this project might get started.

Thanks everyone

CaseyMack · Jul 27, 2011

Hi danshaw,

Hey, that sounds like a fine project. Pinewood Studios definitely produced a lot of memorable films and television shows. I'm sure your dad has lots of anecdotes that fans of those productions would appreciate.

I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback here. My two cents worth is that you should consider just starting it yourself. As I think almost every writer will agree, half the battle is just getting started--and I think most will also agree that the other half is knuckling down to revision. I therefore encourage you to take a stab at getting it started.

Again, I think it's a great idea. I hope it goes somewhere.

Regards,
Casey

LoLo · Jul 27, 2011

CaseyMack said:
Hi danshaw,

Hey, that sounds like a fine project. Pinewood Studios definitely produced a lot of memorable films and television shows. I'm sure your dad has lots of anecdotes that fans of those productions would appreciate.

I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback here. My two cents worth is that you should consider just starting it yourself. As I think almost every writer will agree, half the battle is just getting started--and I think most will also agree that the other half is knuckling down to revision. I therefore encourage you to take a stab at getting it started.

Again, I think it's a great idea. I hope it goes somewhere.

Regards,
Casey

Great advice. The knuckling down to revision, really hit close to home.

danshaw · Jul 27, 2011

Thanks for the response.

I had considered making a start a few times over the last few years, but it really isn't happening. I have zero time as it is, so now am looking at other options. It's really this way, or no way!

Thanks again, I look forward to other comments

danshaw · Jul 27, 2011

Also, are there official ways to get matched up with a writer, or am I starting in the right place?

alvin123 · Jul 27, 2011

You could create a list of guidelines, what you're looking for, etc (see submission guidelines from other sites for reference) and create a website to post them on.Then simply link writers to that website. (You can even put that link in your sig.)
If the proposal interests someone, I'm pretty sure they'd take on your task.

E. S. Lark · Jul 27, 2011

There are various ways to go about hiring a writer. You could also try posting an ad in the local newspaper, that way the writer (if they're local) can interview your dad and take notes. The project you have in mind would require a lot of research as well as time. You also need to have permission from the studios, actors etc. to use them in the novel. You might have to get release forms for actors at the very least.

Another thing you should consider is the length of the project and if you'll be paying the write an hourly wage or a large sum once the project is finished.

On a final note, are you looking to have this written for family and friends, or in hopes of getting published by one of the big six? If it's the latter, you might want to contact a few literary agents to see if there is interest in that sort of thing before hiring a writer.

PinkAmy · Jul 27, 2011

CaseyMack said:
. My two cents worth is that you should consider just starting it yourself. As I think almost every writer will agree, half the battle is just getting started--and I think most will also agree that the other half is knuckling down to revision. I therefore encourage you to take a stab at getting it started.

I agree. You'll probably have people PMing you offering to write the book, but I suggest someone in your family taking on the project. You don't need to be the most awesome writer on the planet to sell a book. For your first draft just concentrate on getting the story on paper (computer hehe,) don't worry about quality or grammar, you can fix that in your rewrites.

CaseyMack · Jul 31, 2011

LoLo said:
Great advice. The knuckling down to revision, really hit close to home.

Thanks LoLo.

I have to credit a couple of writing instructors who I had relatively late in life who emphasised that revision is the MOST important part of the whole process. I think embracing that notion is a real breakthrough in terms of making writing easier--and (ironically) more fun.

scope · Jul 31, 2011

Being a published ghostwriter and writer, I'm pretty familiar with projects like yours. The first thing to ask yourself is, when your book is created, do you want to try and get it published by a traditional publishing house or do you want to self-publish it and handle everything yourself -- and do you know how, are you capable of doing so, and do you want to spend the time and money required to do so? If you decide you want to use a ghostwriter, can you explain to him (outline) what you want the book to cover, and whether or not there are competirive books in the marketplace. Lastly, on this very short list, how much money are you willing to pay a ghost and how soon do you want the book completed. There's much more, but this is a very basic start. Let me know if I can help.

booker c · Aug 12, 2011

I'm am attempting to write a book based on family things and never writing before it's a real challenge. It's also a great learning experience and doing the research is a large part of it all. Good luck. :hooray:

Finding a writer for our project...

danshaw

CaseyMack

Write more; worry less!

LoLo

danshaw

danshaw

alvin123

Author of Hell to Pay (Blood for S)

E. S. Lark

Editing all the time

PinkAmy

New kid, be gentle!

CaseyMack

Write more; worry less!

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

booker c