I’m a working children’s ghostwriter and get a lot of queries asking about my writing service. Doing this for a number of years, I’ve come across different personalities, different requests, and a couple of ‘be careful’ moments.
The first tip is about your information and scammers.
One of the recent ‘watch it moments’ was from a woman who sounded very genuine. She had a great heart-tugging reason for wanting to have a picture book written.
I went through the process and sent her information on how I work. She agreed to use my services. BUT . . .
When I sent her an initial invoice through PayPal to get started, she told me she had a problem paying through PayPal. She went so far as to say she’d try her mother’s account.
I emailed back that if she still had a problem she could pay by check and regular mail.
She emailed back, very upbeat, that if I’d give her my banking information she’d transfer the money to me – it’d be super quick.
A light went off.
Why on earth would I give a complete stranger my banking information with all the identity theft and scams running rampant out there.
So, I politely explained that a check would be fine. I even gave her my PO Box address.
Well, I never heard back from her.
What would have happened if I didn’t think first and sent her my banking information?
It wouldn’t have been good.
The second tip is about your address.
A while ago, I got a query from a client who wanted me to read his manuscript and rewrite it. He didn’t have email and asked if he could mail it to me.
At the time, I didn’t have a PO Box, so I gave him my home address.
He mailed me the manuscript and when I read it quickly realized this guy was crazy and according to him, he was heading to prison. I politely explained that because of my work load I couldn’t take on his project.
He called me for a couple of months, all times of day and night. And, he had my address.
Fortunately, circumstances intervened and I ended up moving. I also got a different phone number. But, it was a little scary for a while.
These are two warnings to all you freelance writers and ghostwriters out there:
1. Be very careful of the information you divulge to strangers.
2. If you don’t already have a PO Box to use for queries and clients, get one today.
Remember, better safe than sorry.
MORE ON WRITING FOR CHILDREN
The One Sentence Pitch for Your Manuscript
Aim for Writing Success
How Do You Build a Successful Writing Career? (3 Tips)
Let me take a look at it. I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can turn your story into a publishable and saleable book.
Shoot me an email at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com (please put Children’s Writing Help in the Subject line). Or, you can give me a call at 834—347—6700
