Afraid to Write?

It is a fact; though many individuals know or at least feel they have a tale to tell the idea of actually writing it down scares them to death. Many consider they do not have the ability or expertise to formulate a book. In truth I believe many of us have more ability and talent than we credit ourselves for. Of course there may be a learning curve; grammar, punctuation, dialogue, formatting, presentation etc. We should also not forget some do not have available time for the writing process. Now for many, who decide to persevere despite their considered limitations, there is the option of hiring a ghost writer, something I am surprised we do not hear much about these days. I assume they still exist but, as far as I am able to see, are not as high profile as they used to be.
Sadly, many simply put aside the whole idea. I believe society is often the poorer for that; interesting stories are lost; advice and examples of how something may be dealt with or overcome is denied us; we are robed of the hope that may often be gained from someone else’s experience; we simply miss out on an entertaining story; etc. I am sure you can think of more. I am fully aware this has to be balanced by the fact that the advent of free self-publishing systems has resulted in some not so very good books being in the market. Nevertheless, I suspect there are many potential good ones we are missing out on.
 Is there an alternative for these people? Well, it so happens, if you have the means, there is. I was very interested when I recently heard about a company (Book in a Box) that helps people, like those described above, get their potential books published.
Their initial approach is, similar to how a ghost writer works I assume, to carry out a series of interviews with their client; fifteen hours over three to four months. These are then formulated into an initial manuscript for the client to consider. I was particularly interested in the fact that they try to retain the author’s own voice. This method certainly removes a lot of pressure from the author and enables them, by reviewing and discussing the manuscript, to convey exactly what they want. Sounds good.
Is this for everyone? The companies published information indicates they consider their service is particularly beneficial to those with ‘niche’ audiences, markets or businesses. They also suggest those who do not already have a large audience may benefit from their services e.g. anyone wishing to publish a memoire. In addition, those who have books a main-stream publisher would not consider may find them a viable option. I am also impressed by their up-front statement that their services may not be for everyone and that they consider each request to see if it will fit into their overall objectives. They also clearly state they must consider their own reputation.
As said I was initially attracted and interested. However, for me at least, there is one massive drawback: the cost. There are two packages available; $20.000 and $50,000. I must confess I had minor palpitations when I finally saw these figures. Of course there are those for whom such figures pose no problem and in fairness there are some testimonials on the site which explain who these people may be and why they opt for using the services offered. The packages are quite comprehensive as you may see from the following overviews.
$20,000 ($4,000 per month for five months):
·         Comprehensive interviews;·         Manuscript: draft and final;·         Proofreading;·         Experienced publishing expert;·         Cover design (working with a designer);·         Paperback and e-book;·         Marketing and promotion to become an Amazon Bestseller (no explanation of how this is achieved);·         Printing and distribution through all major retailers;·         Etc.
Please note this is an overview: there are some other elements included in the package that are not listed here.
There are also other elements you may have included but at a cost:
·         Hardcover including first one thousand copies: $7,500.·         Audiobook, production and distribution: $5,000.·         Memoir (as opposed to traditional non-fiction): $4,000. I have to say this rather shocked me. Quite honestly I do not see the justification for this additional fee.·         Multiple authors working on book (not an issue I think would affect many of us): $2,000 per author. Again, I am not sure what this is really about or how justified it is.·         Illustrations, designed and added: No set fee; quotes given by individual requirements.
$50,000: All as in $20,000 package plus;‘Numerous additions customized to each author.’ (not specified).Obviously, there is a little more to this then I have outlined above.
As you see this is not an option for those of us with little or no resources. Nevertheless, it may appeal to some who do have the means, especially business personal with niche markets. Of course, it does have the advantage that the author’s time is not tied up with all the peripheral issues related to publishing. And, we must not forget those who just cannot face the idea of writing their own books. There is also the additional element related to marketing, which most of us find difficult, tedious, unrelenting and often unsuccessful. However, though marketing and promotion is listed as an element of each package, I have the impression this would only be in the initial stages and probably limited.
I must not forget the matter of royalties. The company clear states, in one of their blog posts, that the author retains 100%. In view of the substantial fees I should think so.
I must make clear I am not affiliated in any way to Book in a Box nor have I used their services. It is simply, having, over the years, seen people comment upon how the idea of writing, even reviews of books, scares them, I thought some may like to know about the existence of this fairly new company.
You may read more for yourself at: http://www.bookinabox.com