Happy Wednesday, all. This week’s edition of the Weekly Ghost covers new writing technology developments disrupting (and enhancing!) the publishing and speechwriting world—plus a wealth of exciting updates from our writer network.
The Future of Writing
Our team stays on top of the latest developments in the writing world, and as anyone who’s paying attention knows, technology continues to collide with today’s publishing environment. While some of us might bemoan the ceaselessly shifting landscape in which we work, tech advancements aren’t always a detriment to our practice.
For instance, streaming behemoth Netflix has turned to the book publishing world in search of its next batch of adaptations, gobbling up popular novels for films and series — and not just hitting the critically acclaimed list. They’ve even started partnering directly with some authors on multi-book series deals. Could your book be next?
On the sharper edge of the developmental world, speechwriters are eyeing Artificial Intelligence with more than the usual trepidation and disdain. After tuning into an NPR podcast about a debate between a world-class champion debater and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system, speechwriter Ian Griffin raised some compelling questions. First the usual thought: Could AI replace speechwriters? (We’re in the firm “no” camp.) But what we found more interesting was this thought: Could AI help speechwriters construct more logical and persuasive arguments?
Moving to the mercurial world of online apps, Michelle Rafter (who’s part of our network) recently wrote this feature for the Managing Editor online magazine about the online apps that organizations use to find and manage freelance writers, including corporate ghostwriters. It follows a post she wrote in late February about Contently announcing and then dropping a proposed cash-out fee for freelancers.
Is all this too digital for your taste? No problem — Quartzy published a great piece about the hidden efficiency of old school writing tools like typewriters and pens. Such tools are popular among the literary world’s big names — biographer Robert Caro, along with J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen King, and Danielle Steel all draft by hand.
News from the Gotham Ghostwriter’s Network
Featured Writer of the Week
In the second edition of our new newsletter feature, Featured Writer of the Week, I’m delighted to highlight John Peragine, author of 14 books and ghostwriter of more than 100 others. Read a compelling conversation with John, who’s always brimming with great publishing and ghosting advice, here.
Writers Write
Toni Kamins crafted a compelling story for Tablet that addresses a complex side of the vaccination debate and subsequent laws in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Avery Blank is back at it again with a helpful Forbes article explaining how you can use failures to advance your career — as long as you face them.
Also writing for Forbes, MeiMei Fox has written a wealth of articles about aligning your career with your life purpose. In one of her latest, she offers hacks for handling your side hustle like a pro.
Writers Publish
A paperback edition of Doug Hill’s book Not So Fast: Thinking Twice About Technology was released April 1, 2019 with a new preface that addresses the dramatic shift in public perceptions of Silicon Valley.
Sheila Buff’s New York State Canalway Water Trail Guidebook and map set are now available from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Learn more about the project and download a freebie from it here.
Nicole Weisensee Egan’s book Chasing Cosby: The Downfall of America’s Dad has generated some buzz this month, a year after Bill Cosby’s conviction.
Writer Happenings
Jonathan Rick recently delivered two workshops: One on resumes to the Young America’s Foundation in Virginia, and one on sales to Broad Reach Retail Partners in Maryland.
Glenn Plaskin recently appeared on an episode of the podcast Voice America. It’s a great listen for writers, addressing sustainable success in your writing career. Listen in here.
Media Tidbits
Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez appeared in the news this week for unexpected reasons: Evidently she hired an agent and looked into a book deal. Although it didn’t move forward, it sounds like a ripe opportunity for the future.
A bit of humor for your day: This column in the New York Times pokes fun at literary agents’ bizarre wishlists. “Jane Austen geared toward men who hate manners.”
We’ve all groaned at obvious thesaurus abuse on the web, but The Outline valiantly defends this superb, spectacular, exceptional writing tool.
