Description
Who is the client behind this ad:
Me. No one else. I'm a soloist who has a grand idea. I'm not a fiction/publishing company looking to churn out hundreds of ghost written novels every year nor am I going to woo you with reverse psychology rhetoric questions i.e. Are you looking (fill in the blank) and earn (fill in the blank) writing... you get the idea.
I'm simply a dude with a small budget and a grand action adventure fantasy idea I like to bring to life.
I've only posted this job here at problogger and no where else (i.e. not reddit/freelancer/upwork etc). I trust the quality of applicants here and I utmost respect your time.
My agenda for this novel:
- Recreation! For Fun!
- Commercial but I understand 98% of such fiction don't make it (But I'm hopeful :))
- I have an ultimate moral/life lesson to share (Yes. I've watched Simon Sinek's Ted Talk - Power of Why almost a million times! My Why is ON FIRE HERE)
What I need:
I've tried my hands at writing out this fiction fantasy myself but due to work constraints, family and a day limited to 24 hours - I wish a 'day' could have more hours!! - I'm extremely time poor.
I need a reliable and experienced ghost with:
- Urban fantasy experience
- Has written to young adult audience (think of Harry Potter to Twilight)
- Writes third person POV well
- Can write that SHOWS rather than TELL
- Can write that stirs EMOTIONS
- Knowledgeable in Buddhism/Eastern esoteric knowledge/High concept of Meditation/Reincarnation/Karma
- Outrageously creative and thinks outside the box and further into the 4th dimension of creative hyperbole
- Sign exclusive NDA (in case this novel might 'pop' but I know 98% don't - but I'm an optimist but I'm also a realist)
- Can bounce ideas off me and suggest scenes
- Must be able to Skype or whatever online talk
- Able to do research/brainstorm character arcs/brainstorm act structures/story beats (You must know your shit about story arcs - I've read almost everything under the sun about fiction writing/screen writing/structure)
- Simply be patient and flexible with me BUT I'm not a 'scope creep' - once the story beats are mapped out - it will stay that way UNLESS we both mutually agree a change of direction is required to revive the story
- You've watched Avatar - The Last Airbender and you love it to bits (the cartoon not M. Night Shyamalan's rubbish and failed adaptation)
- You are keen to explore fiction/adventure involving karma/reincarnation/eastern meditation powers + lessons of redemption/theme of love/friendship (I'll tell you more after I've short listed you) ;)
Lastly you must like:
- The Kite runner
- Life of Pi
I like detail but obviously not to that level as I'm on a small budget (But I don't want any writing like Jodi Picoult! Don't mean to offend any Picoult fans out there - but no)
My requirements:
Just common sense stuff:
- You got past work (I know you're got NDAs but show me some samples of work you can release and show me)
- Not looking for ghost writing agencies or groups. I'm looking for indie writers. Or someone who does it for a living or breaking out.
- Someone who has TIME vs my lack of time. Don't want to work with someone who lacks time. Too much friction. I won't yield to your time limitation.
- Experience wise - Don't BS me. I don't expect you to be perfect. I just need someone who can help me write a first draft FOLLOWING my guidelines and directions but knowledgeable about story beats/character arcs/POV (I'll know very quickly if you write 3rd POV of the protagonist and then the POV changes suddenly - these type of NOOB error will end our arrangement) - if you're a noob, be honest about it and I'll work with you
- You write excellent English. Great command of words. (Anything but this is a NO NO. It's like the blind leading the blind here and I've definitely someone who speaks English as a second language so NO please if you are like this unless you can really wow me with your material.)
- Looking for someone with a easy going personality
- Don't take this project if you feel flaky about it. I need 3 to 6 months commitment or even more.
- I'm very demanding if your work is subpar especially if I've set out objectives in the scene or certain beats to achieve in story and it sounds wish washy or un-researched.
Remuneration:
- I got a small budget but I'm thinking of writing a series. Will pay you accordingly and definitely keep using you if the first draft is LIT.
- If I get published. I'll further remunerate you with a bonus. But sorry, no royalties or credits so you hopefully you can let this baby go if you're getting too involved with it. NDA will cover this off.
- Open to retainer but you must offer me an overview or milestone of what to expect.
When would I like to start:
- To be honest ASAP. But story arc and characters still need to be fleshed out. Will pay for your time with these type of consultations and then further pay for your words.
Resources/help:
- I've got all the researched material I can scan you.
- I got a few scenes I've written so you can see my voice.
- Will only give this all out if I've short listed you.
For those who've read thus far and reached this final blurb:
- Please email me at [email protected] - John
- I won't read generic CVs. So write a cover letter. It shows you're keen.
- I'm expecting many inquiries - If I don't respond - sorry it's either you didn't write me a personal email and copy and pasted a generic response or I've found someone (I'm only looking for ONE - sorry!)
- I don't care if you have a website or linkedin or whatever. Just send me your work. It needs to resonate with me.
- At the end, this is me. I'm long winded and I will be like this when you work with me. I can be dry and blunt/pushy and creatively whacky. (But if this turns you off - GOOD - we won't work well together any ways)
Thank you!
P.s. Seriously thank you for reading thus far!