ACI Editorial Services: FAQ

FAQ

How many books are ghostwritten?
More than you would likely ever imagine, which is testimony to the value of this approach. A ghostwritten book that has been well-conceived and well-executed is an investment that can pay for itself many times over.

What do you mean when you say that such an investment can pay for itself many times over?
Most of our clients are professionals (primarily speakers, consultants, personal coaches) who are aware of the value of a high-quality publication in their name as a promotional tool. A good book generates numerous opportunities that would not occur without it. The monetary value of these opportunities far exceeds the combined investment in all stages of producing the book.

Will you help me write my book in exchange for a percentage of future earnings?
No. The writers on our team are all full-time professionals who earn their living and support their families through the practice of their craft. This is only feasible if compensation is immediate and reliable, which it would not be, under any kind of future profit-sharing arrangement.

How can I be sure you won't steal my idea for a book and use it for yourselves?
Demand for services is so great that we're obliged to turn some people away. In other words, we have our hands full, doing what we do best: Helping others write their books. That being said, we would be happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement, to help you put your mind at ease.

If I have a book ghostwritten, am I obligated to give credit to someone else?
No. The work is yours and yours alone. You own the copyright and you are the author of record. Your book looks just like any other, with your name and your name alone on the cover.

Parts of my material are controversial. How do I avoid legal trouble?
Consult with a competent attorney. You can find literary attorneys via the Internet or your local yellow pages.

Is there any subject you will not write about?
ACI reserves the right to decline any job, for any reason. We will decline anything we deem to be illegal, offensive or in poor taste.

Can you write my book from recordings I make?
Yes. We can work with transcripts of the recordings, the same way we would work with a written draft.

What's the difference between proofreading, editing, revision and rewriting?
These are four levels along a continuum, with proofreading involving the least amount of work and rewriting involving the most. Proofreading is intended to catch mistakes in spelling and formatting. Editing goes a step further and may involve word choice consideration, for example, and correction of grammatical errors. Revision calls for significant shifting of sentences and perhaps inclusion of some new content. Rewriting involves striking entire sentences and paragraphs, major juggling and deletion of existing content and introduction of entirely new content.

What sort of guarantees can you offer?
We guarantee that your book will be written to the highest professional standards. We guarantee that we will follow your written instructions. We guarantee that we will correct any errors or omissions on our part at our own expense.

Will you guarantee the performance of my book after publication?
How well your book performs will depend on what you do with it, how well you leverage the tool you've been given. We have no control over what you will do. We would be happy to give you suggestions and make recommendations.

I've read your page on pricing and get your point but can't you at least give me a price range?
The fee for a full-length book can range from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the exact nature of the assignment. The fee for a "lite" version or reworking of material provided could be as low as $5,000. Our current minimum job fee for smaller assignments is $500.

Do you provide other kinds of writing-related services, apart from book ghostwriting?
Yes. We can do almost any kind of writing, although our focus is book-writing, as this tends to be the most cost-effective for us. If you have something else in mind, you are welcome to query us.

Is there any contract to sign?
Yes. Both sides are party to a joint written agreement, which helps clarify terms and serves as an important reference document. "Memory can distort but words on paper (unless tampered with) document the original ‘meeting of the minds.'"

How do you handle payment?
Payment is made online, through PayPal, following the schedule laid out in the written agreement.

How long will the project take?
It depends on the nature of the project. As a rule of thumb, plan on several months for a full-length book to work its way through from conception to completion.

Can you help me with getting my book published and marketed?
Yes, we can work with you on a consulting basis, to arm you with "inside information" to help you leverage your book investment to the max.

Who are your ghostwriters and how can I trust them with such an important project?
Our writers are all experienced, skilled professionals, working under close supervision of our project manager and director. We've taken pains to put up sufficient content at this Website (e.g., testimonials) to enable you to make an informed decision. "Go with your gut." We do not encourage anyone to work with us who would feel uncomfortable doing so.

Will you do an unlimited number of rewrites?
The written agreement we sign addresses this as well as other issues. For rewrite work beyond what is covered in our agreement, you may have as many as you wish, as long as you are willing to pay for them. Typically, clients are so pleased with what we do for them that they do not feel the need for further (re)writing. That being said, we always make a concerted effort to "go the extra mile" and exceed expectations.

What if I can't find the answer to my question on this list?
Contact us. We'll be pleased to address your individual questions and concerns.