Gutted …

[Spud]

I don't know if you expected the ghost writer to write it for charity? I don't know - maybe that's why he slagged it off rather than the story being crap (which it isn't....)

I have read somewhere the average published book sells not even a thousand copies, I don't think even if you found a publisher that much money would be going to charity once everyone took their cut - could you write the book yourself? I think you are capable of putting it down on paper even if it meant talking into an app and it puts it down on a Microsoft Word app.

I will be very open and honest with you … i have been incredibly naive in that I truly believe I have a fascinatng story to tell, that people would be interested in assisting me to produce it.

In the last 48 hrs I have had my eyes firmly opened.

What hasn’t changed because I know how difficult it’s going to be producing this book i am now completely determined to take on this
Project.

Thank you to 2 people from this forum that
I have spoke today.

Thank you for being brutally honest its what I needed.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I don't know if you expected the ghost writer to write it for charity? I don't know - maybe that's why he slagged it off rather than the story being crap (which it isn't....)

I have read somewhere the average published book sells not even a thousand copies, I don't think even if you found a publisher that much money would be going to charity once everyone took their cut - could you write the book yourself? I think you are capable of putting it down on paper even if it meant talking into an app and it puts it down on a Microsoft Word app.

I will be very open and honest with you … i have been incredibly naive in that I truly believe I have a fascinatng story to tell, that people would be interested in assisting me to produce it.

In the last 48 hrs I have had my eyes firmly opened.

What hasn’t changed because I know how difficult it’s going to be producing this book i am now completely determined to take on this
Project.

Thank you to 2 people from this forum that
I have spoke today.

Thank you for being brutally honest its what I needed.

I'd say don't be discouraged, take on board what you've learned, and crystallise why you are doing the book, and use that as fuel to spur you on.

So long as you believe in your reasons for doing this, you won't regret it, and there's always the possibility that you produce something that becomes something of a surprise hit, even if only a small one.

I have never regretted doing Magri's book, even though i earned very very little from it.

[Fray Bentos]

I don't know if you expected the ghost writer to write it for charity? I don't know - maybe that's why he slagged it off rather than the story being crap (which it isn't....)

I have read somewhere the average published book sells not even a thousand copies, I don't think even if you found a publisher that much money would be going to charity once everyone took their cut - could you write the book yourself? I think you are capable of putting it down on paper even if it meant talking into an app and it puts it down on a Microsoft Word app.

I will be very open and honest with you … i have been incredibly naive in that I truly believe I have a fascinatng story to tell, that people would be interested in assisting me to produce it.

In the last 48 hrs I have had my eyes firmly opened.

What hasn’t changed because I know how difficult it’s going to be producing this book i am now completely determined to take on this
Project.

Thank you to 2 people from this forum that
I have spoke today.

Thank you for being brutally honest its what I needed.

I don't think any ghost writer is going to put in the work for free or for some token sum - if you want the proceeds to go to charity, then you are going to have to write this yourself - you have two massive things going for you - you have a great story and the other is you know how to market a product and you have loads of contacts in boxing and the army.

Book cover design and formatting etc will also cost a few quid - you might get some Filipino to do it for 50 quid on fiverr but you want a proper job done with it - it will take 18 months to two years, get it written down, get it edited but you will have your book out there and I am sure loads of us will buy it and you will be out there promoting it on IFL and such channels that would happily have you on their podcasts - you will have a massive sense of satisfaction if you do it this way and your story deserves to be enshrined in print for people to read.

[maverick23]

My only advice on this would be to keep it away from John Exshaw. All the best with it Spud

[Boxerbeetle]

My only advice on this would be to keep it away from John Exshaw. All the best with it Spud

Also best steer clear of Meldrick Taylor's sisters, as they have poor form when it comes to assisting with boxing books.

[Ezzard]

Just to add...

I am a screenwriter with representation in LA. I had a novel published years ago (it was awful). And I know how the business works on both sides for novels/books and TV/films.

Everyone telling you about becoming an influencer or having a following is right. Turn yourself into a network.

If that seems grubby (as it does to me) then take on the realities of the life...

What contacts do you have in publishing? Keep them close.

Craft a first page that is dynamite. Most readers have a one page rule. If you can get their attention on the first page they will read the next 10. Otherwise the whole manuscript goes in the bin.

By page 10 you should have made the reader laugh and cry, preferably mutliple times.

Front load it. Don't save your best chapter for 100 pages in. Make it the first thing they read. You can always slot it back later on if you get interest.

Consider working with and paying for an editor as you go. They are worth their weight in gold.

Who is your favourite writer? Who do you want to write like?

[jamesmcdonnell]

Just to add...

I am a screenwriter with representation in LA. I had a novel published years ago (it was awful). And I know how the business works on both sides for novels/books and TV/films.

Everyone telling you about becoming an influencer or having a following is right. Turn yourself into a network.

If that seems grubby (as it does to me) then take on the realities of the life...

What contacts do you have in publishing? Keep them close.

Craft a first page that is dynamite. Most readers have a one page rule. If you can get their attention on the first page they will read the next 10. Otherwise the whole manuscript goes in the bin.

By page 10 you should have made the reader laugh and cry, preferably mutliple times.

Front load it. Don't save your best chapter for 100 pages in. Make it the first thing they read. You can always slot it back later on if you get interest.

Consider working with and paying for an editor as you go. They are worth their weight in gold.

Who is your favourite writer? Who do you want to write like?

Some good advice here. The one page rule was my suggestion too, write a cracking synopsis, if nothing else it will help you craft and MO for the book.

[big lennox]

My only advice on this would be to keep it away from John Exshaw. All the best with it Spud

Also best steer clear of Meldrick Taylor's sisters, as they have poor form when it comes to assisting with boxing books.

[margaret thatcher]

some may call it poor form, others may call it brilliance

[Controversial]

My only advice on this would be to keep it away from John Exshaw. All the best with it Spud

Also best steer clear of Meldrick Taylor's sisters, as they have poor form when it comes to assisting with boxing books.

Are you shure about. That they had styles and gramma peeple shud be proud off

[Deserter]

Spud (and for any others who may be interested). Ultimately this all depends on what your primary purpose is, but if you simply want to get your own story down in writing, either as a legacy thing or to share with family and friends, you're lucky enough to be in an era where AI tools are making that way more viable than ever before.

Check out tools like theoasis.com or otter.ai and you'll see how you can simply talk into your phone, sharing your memories, and then have the ai transcribe it for you (including in different styles). The tech is getting exponentially better by the month right now, so at the very least you should have a play around with it, and explore as I think you'll be surprised by the results.

[Controversial]

Spud (and for any others who may be interested). Ultimately this all depends on what your primary purpose is, but if you simply want to get your own story down in writing, either as a legacy thing or to share with family and friends, you're lucky enough to be in an era where AI tools are making that way more viable than ever before.

Check out tools like theoasis.com or otter.ai and you'll see how you can simply talk into your phone, sharing your memories, and then have the ai transcribe it for you (including in different styles). The tech is getting exponentially better by the month right now, so at the very least you should have a play around with it, and explore as I think you'll be surprised by the results.

What a great idea!!

[jamesmcdonnell]

Spud (and for any others who may be interested). Ultimately this all depends on what your primary purpose is, but if you simply want to get your own story down in writing, either as a legacy thing or to share with family and friends, you're lucky enough to be in an era where AI tools are making that way more viable than ever before.

Check out tools like theoasis.com or otter.ai and you'll see how you can simply talk into your phone, sharing your memories, and then have the ai transcribe it for you (including in different styles). The tech is getting exponentially better by the month right now, so at the very least you should have a play around with it, and explore as I think you'll be surprised by the results.

The problem is that transcription is very different from writing, it's great if you're interviewing people. but not so good when what you're trying to do is commit your own thoughts to paper.

It works for some people. others not, certainly wouldn't hurt, but it depends on whether you find it easier to commit your thoughts by typing or dictating - personally, I always found I wrote far quicker and better than I could ever hope to communicate my thoughts by speaking, but horses for courses.

[Spud]

Spud (and for any others who may be interested). Ultimately this all depends on what your primary purpose is, but if you simply want to get your own story down in writing, either as a legacy thing or to share with family and friends, you're lucky enough to be in an era where AI tools are making that way more viable than ever before.

Check out tools like theoasis.com or otter.ai and you'll see how you can simply talk into your phone, sharing your memories, and then have the ai transcribe it for you (including in different styles). The tech is getting exponentially better by the month right now, so at the very least you should have a play around with it, and explore as I think you'll be surprised by the results.

Very much interests me!!!

I will let out another secret … the parkies means depending on whether it wants to spoil my day is translated into how long it takes me to write a post on here. Which when I want to input one of my long winded waffles sometimes it takes me ages.

I have also suffered from word blindness.

Thank you again to the whole forum for the ideas … now I am armed with ideas and spoke to a couple of you i am ready to ring my forum pal SeanBrennan

I also need to speak to Muttley

[Deserter]

Spud (and for any others who may be interested). Ultimately this all depends on what your primary purpose is, but if you simply want to get your own story down in writing, either as a legacy thing or to share with family and friends, you're lucky enough to be in an era where AI tools are making that way more viable than ever before.

Check out tools like theoasis.com or otter.ai and you'll see how you can simply talk into your phone, sharing your memories, and then have the ai transcribe it for you (including in different styles). The tech is getting exponentially better by the month right now, so at the very least you should have a play around with it, and explore as I think you'll be surprised by the results.

The problem is that transcription is very different from writing, it's great if you're interviewing people. but not so good when what you're trying to do is commit your own thoughts to paper.

It works for some people. others not, certainly wouldn't hurt, but it depends on whether you find it easier to commit your thoughts by typing or dictating - personally, I always found I wrote far quicker and better than I could ever hope to communicate my thoughts by speaking, but horses for courses.

James, at least take the time to explore the tools before commenting as they are already moving well beyond standard transcription. For example, Spud could share an anecdote regarding his time with the Klitschkos and Oasis will give the option to write it in different styles ranging from a TED talk through to a New York Times article

There's a reality where a very high percentage of users on this forum aren't strong enough writers to get published and yet some of those same people would feel more comfortable and confident sharing their story 'in conversation' - tools like this potentially give them a route that has never been open to them before, which can only be a good thing.

[Giancarlo]

Giancarlo

If you would like to help your advice will be greatly received.

But i have a feeling you want to mock and take the p*ss

Like I said Spud, start writing it in here if you want feedback.

Chapter 1 - Introducing The Woollett Family

As long as you stick to facts and keep your personal grudges to a minimum, it should be a good read.

[Giancarlo]

Spud (and for any others who may be interested). Ultimately this all depends on what your primary purpose is, but if you simply want to get your own story down in writing, either as a legacy thing or to share with family and friends, you're lucky enough to be in an era where AI tools are making that way more viable than ever before.

Check out tools like theoasis.com or otter.ai and you'll see how you can simply talk into your phone, sharing your memories, and then have the ai transcribe it for you (including in different styles). The tech is getting exponentially better by the month right now, so at the very least you should have a play around with it, and explore as I think you'll be surprised by the results.

That's good advice.

[SeanBrennan]

really sensible advice in here. Good to read.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Spud (and for any others who may be interested). Ultimately this all depends on what your primary purpose is, but if you simply want to get your own story down in writing, either as a legacy thing or to share with family and friends, you're lucky enough to be in an era where AI tools are making that way more viable than ever before.

Check out tools like theoasis.com or otter.ai and you'll see how you can simply talk into your phone, sharing your memories, and then have the ai transcribe it for you (including in different styles). The tech is getting exponentially better by the month right now, so at the very least you should have a play around with it, and explore as I think you'll be surprised by the results.

The problem is that transcription is very different from writing, it's great if you're interviewing people. but not so good when what you're trying to do is commit your own thoughts to paper.

It works for some people. others not, certainly wouldn't hurt, but it depends on whether you find it easier to commit your thoughts by typing or dictating - personally, I always found I wrote far quicker and better than I could ever hope to communicate my thoughts by speaking, but horses for courses.

James, at least take the time to explore the tools before commenting as they are already moving well beyond standard transcription. For example, Spud could share an anecdote regarding his time with the Klitschkos and Oasis will give the option to write it in different styles ranging from a TED talk through to a New York Times article

There's a reality where a very high percentage of users on this forum aren't strong enough writers to get published and yet some of those same people would feel more comfortable and confident sharing their story 'in conversation' - tools like this potentially give them a route that has never been open to them before, which can only be a good thing.

I think Spud has the chops for writing already though, from his previous forays nto this area.

I said in my own post there's no harm in exploring these tools. I use otter, and it's not terribly good, it often creates unintellible gargage, because it has no ability to understand context, it is only giving the appearance of it.

However, I work in an industry where AI is discussed at length (namely Broadcast and Telecoms), and there's been much talk of it superseding human creativity.I also work with specialists in AI science and data management, (my company teaches people about it) and the truth is, if you ask experts on the subjects, that these tools are still very crude, compared to what the human brain produces, you have to remember, they are all trained on LLM's and all of those are in turn just regurgitating patterns, there's no actual creation going on there - and I am afraid, it shows.

I'd say use them if you wanted to think on the fly, and flesh out a synposis that is transcribed, but using AI tools to write a book - nah, it will be shite. If you don't think you can write your own, try first, and if you cannot, get someone who is a skilled enough writer to help you. If all else fails, if you have the money, get someone to write it for you, but if you're suggesting that AI tools can be used to create an entire book, then well yes, it might, but it will be crap.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Giancarlo

If you would like to help your advice will be greatly received.

But i have a feeling you want to mock and take the p*ss

Like I said Spud, start writing it in here if you want feedback.

Chapter 1 - Introducing The Woollett Family

As long as you stick to facts and keep your personal grudges to a minimum, it should be a good read.

I actually think, that another good point to starting the book, would either be right now, or for instance, your parkinson's diagnosis, I am sure it has had some impact on your wanting to look back on your life, the why's the wherefores - the motivations, ups and downs.

[Muttley]

I don't know if you expected the ghost writer to write it for charity? I don't know - maybe that's why he slagged it off rather than the story being crap (which it isn't....)

I have read somewhere the average published book sells not even a thousand copies, I don't think even if you found a publisher that much money would be going to charity once everyone took their cut - could you write the book yourself? I think you are capable of putting it down on paper even if it meant talking into an app and it puts it down on a Microsoft Word app.

I will be very open and honest with you … i have been incredibly naive in that I truly believe I have a fascinatng story to tell, that people would be interested in assisting me to produce it.

In the last 48 hrs I have had my eyes firmly opened.

What hasn’t changed because I know how difficult it’s going to be producing this book i am now completely determined to take on this
Project.

Thank you to 2 people from this forum that
I have spoke today.

Thank you for being brutally honest its what I needed.

I don't think any ghost writer is going to put in the work for free or for some token sum - if you want the proceeds to go to charity, then you are going to have to write this yourself - you have two massive things going for you - you have a great story and the other is you know how to market a product and you have loads of contacts in boxing and the army.

Book cover design and formatting etc will also cost a few quid - you might get some Filipino to do it for 50 quid on fiverr but you want a proper job done with it - it will take 18 months to two years, get it written down, get it edited but you will have your book out there and I am sure loads of us will buy it and you will be out there promoting it on IFL and such channels that would happily have you on their podcasts - you will have a massive sense of satisfaction if you do it this way and your story deserves to be enshrined in print for people to read.

I can respectfully tell you you are wrong about a ghostwriter not working for free. I recently wrote a book for a former boxing champion and never took a penny

[tony1234]

Write and publish it yourself, I did a book about wrestling during lockdown and have sold over 1000 copies of it.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I will be very open and honest with you … i have been incredibly naive in that I truly believe I have a fascinatng story to tell, that people would be interested in assisting me to produce it.

In the last 48 hrs I have had my eyes firmly opened.

What hasn’t changed because I know how difficult it’s going to be producing this book i am now completely determined to take on this
Project.

Thank you to 2 people from this forum that
I have spoke today.

Thank you for being brutally honest its what I needed.

I don't think any ghost writer is going to put in the work for free or for some token sum - if you want the proceeds to go to charity, then you are going to have to write this yourself - you have two massive things going for you - you have a great story and the other is you know how to market a product and you have loads of contacts in boxing and the army.

Book cover design and formatting etc will also cost a few quid - you might get some Filipino to do it for 50 quid on fiverr but you want a proper job done with it - it will take 18 months to two years, get it written down, get it edited but you will have your book out there and I am sure loads of us will buy it and you will be out there promoting it on IFL and such channels that would happily have you on their podcasts - you will have a massive sense of satisfaction if you do it this way and your story deserves to be enshrined in print for people to read.

I can respectfully tell you you are wrong about a ghostwriter not working for free. I recently wrote a book for a former boxing champion and never took a penny

Why not? Was it published?

I don't know many people who would give free time to do that.

[Deserter]

The problem is that transcription is very different from writing, it's great if you're interviewing people. but not so good when what you're trying to do is commit your own thoughts to paper.

It works for some people. others not, certainly wouldn't hurt, but it depends on whether you find it easier to commit your thoughts by typing or dictating - personally, I always found I wrote far quicker and better than I could ever hope to communicate my thoughts by speaking, but horses for courses.

James, at least take the time to explore the tools before commenting as they are already moving well beyond standard transcription. For example, Spud could share an anecdote regarding his time with the Klitschkos and Oasis will give the option to write it in different styles ranging from a TED talk through to a New York Times article

There's a reality where a very high percentage of users on this forum aren't strong enough writers to get published and yet some of those same people would feel more comfortable and confident sharing their story 'in conversation' - tools like this potentially give them a route that has never been open to them before, which can only be a good thing.

I think Spud has the chops for writing already though, from his previous forays nto this area.

I said in my own post there's no harm in exploring these tools. I use otter, and it's not terribly good, it often creates unintellible gargage, because it has no ability to understand context, it is only giving the appearance of it.

However, I work in an industry where AI is discussed at length (namely Broadcast and Telecoms), and there's been much talk of it superseding human creativity.I also work with specialists in AI science and data management, (my company teaches people about it) and the truth is, if you ask experts on the subjects, that these tools are still very crude, compared to what the human brain produces, you have to remember, they are all trained on LLM's and all of those are in turn just regurgitating patterns, there's no actual creation going on there - and I am afraid, it shows.

I'd say use them if you wanted to think on the fly, and flesh out a synposis that is transcribed, but using AI tools to write a book - nah, it will be shite. If you don't think you can write your own, try first, and if you cannot, get someone who is a skilled enough writer to help you. If all else fails, if you have the money, get someone to write it for you, but if you're suggesting that AI tools can be used to create an entire book, then well yes, it might, but it will be crap.

I made the context clear in the first line of my original post regarding the potential limitations. However, with regards to your own industry background, as a former journalist and editor who now works with clients like YouTube and Apple, i'm equally comfortable with stating that these, along with other tools, are giving some people storytelling capabilities that would previously have been beyond their reach - it's democratization of access.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Anyway, were rather getting off track.