POPULARITY
1076. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, looks at how ghostwriting fiction really works, who's hiring ghostwriters, and why AI can't replace human storytelling. We also talked about how ghostwriters negotiate royalties, film rights, and what makes a great collaboration work.Find Dan at GothamGhostwriters.com.
Ever thought about writing a book but don't know where to start? Whether you're an expert looking to establish authority or have a story to tell, the path to publishing can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, to demystify the world of ghostwriting and book publishing.Dan shares insights from his extensive career in writing and communications, explaining how Gotham Ghostwriters helps authors bring their ideas to life. He breaks down the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, the importance of understanding the ROI of writing a book, and how the publishing industry is evolving. If you're considering writing a book, this episode is packed with expert advice to set you up for success.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Gotham Ghostwriters helps authors turn ideas into books✅ The pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing✅ Why writing a book is an investment—and how to measure its ROI✅ The evolving landscape of the publishing industry✅ Key steps to strategically plan your book for maximum impactResources & Links:
1056. Ghostwriting is more than just anonymous book writing — it's a thriving industry. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, shares how writers can break into ghostwriting, what types of projects are available, and how much top ghostwriters earn. Plus, we explore the ethical considerations of ghostwriting and how the industry is evolving.Dan Gerstein is founder and CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, the country's premier ghostwriting agency. Featuring a network of more than 4,000 accomplished freelance editorial pros, Gotham specializes in sophisticated, long-form writing (such as books, speeches, and reports) for authors, speakers, and thinkers who need expert help telling and selling their stories. Gerstein, a graduate of Harvard College, has been writing and communicating professionally for more than 30 years. He started his career as a local sports and news reporter at the Hartford Courant. He then went on to spend more than a decade as a speechwriter and communications strategist on Capitol Hill and for two presidential campaigns, serving as a senior advisor to Senator Joe Lieberman from his home state of Connecticut.In 2004, Gerstein moved to New York to become a political consultant (primarily working with issue advocacy groups) and commentator. Known for his independent, thoughtful analysis, he has served as a contributing columnist for Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Politico. He has also appeared regularly on television as a political analyst for Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, WNBC-TV, and NY1.Among other pursuits, Gerstein, 57, has served as an adjunct faculty instructor in New York University's master's program in Public Relations and Corporate Communications; he currently serves on the board of the recently-launched 5Boro Institute in New York City. He lives in Manhattan with his wife Simona, their daughter Ella, and their dog Ugo.
My newsletter: https://simonowens.substack.com/ I'm sure just about everybody has had the experience of looking at a celebrity memoir and wondering: did they actually write that? In many cases, they didn't, at least not by themselves. There's actually an entire shadow economy of ghost writers who do the bulk of the work on these books – not just for celebrities, but all kinds of public figures ranging from big-name CEOs to politicians. But how does one go about hiring a ghost writer? And what's it like to work with one? To answer these questions, I turned to Dan Gerstein, the founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, an agency that specializes in connecting clients to professional ghostwriters.
In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, ALLi News and Podcast Producer Howard Lovy interviews Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters. Dan discusses the different forms of ghostwriting available to authors, from books to speeches, and how these services can fit various budgets and needs. The conversation also touches on the growing demand for ghostwriting in areas like business and memoirs, reflecting on how this trend is shaping the publishing industry. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 years, and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X.
“How do you tell someone else's story, but make it authentic?” That's the question at the heart of this episode of As Told To: The Ghostwriting Podcast, which is really a repurposed, repackaged edition of a recent episode of Missing Pages, the critically-acclaimed investigative podcast hosted by renowned literary critic Bethanne Patrick—known to readers across social media as “The Book Maven.” Bethanne and her production team at The Podglomerate, a leading producer of original podcasts, pull back the curtain on the lucrative culture of non-fiction ghostwriting, and offer a compelling take on the art and practice of writing in collaboration, and the role “literary chameleons” have come to play in the telling of high-profile tales. Along the way, Bethanne looks at the evolution of the practice, and interviews ghostwriting veterans like Jon Sternfeld and Dan Gerstein, both former As Told To guests, as well as cookbook author J.J. Goode. She also spends some time chatting with As Told To host Daniel Paisner, who weighs in with a hard-won insight or two. This special crossover edition of As Told To is being presented with the permission of the Podglomerate team, and Bethanne Patrick, and is intended to further the conversation among writers and creatives who continue to write and create in service of someone else's voice or vision. Also listen to Part II of the two-part Missing Pages exploration of the ghostwriting trade: “Ghostwriting: Fiction – Will the Real Tom Clancy Please Stand Up?” Learn more about Bethanne Patrick and Missing Pages: Bethanne Patrick's website Bethanne's memoir, Life B: Overcoming Double Depression Missing Pages The Podglomerate The Podglomerate Twitter The Podglomerate Facebook Please support the sponsors who support our show: Daniel Paisner's Balloon Dog Daniel Paisner's SHOW: The Making and Unmaking of a Network Television Pilot Unforgiving: Lessons from the Fall by Lindsey Jacobellis Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Libro.fm (ASTOLDTO) | 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 when you start your membership Film Freaks Forever! podcast, hosted by Mark Jordan Legan and Phoef Sutton A Mighty Blaze podcast The Writer's Bone Podcast Network Misfits Market (WRITERSBONE) | $15 off your first order Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Wizard Pins (WRITERSBONE) | 20% discount
Daniel (Dan) M. Gerstein is a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. Previously, he served at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as under secretary (acting) and deputy under secretary in the Science & Technology Directorate. America has immunized troops since George Washington's time. Here's how to improve military (and civilian) vaccination programs
Dan Gerstein is a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. Previously, he served at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as under secretary (acting) and deputy under secretary in the Science & Technology Directorate. Economic Security and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Addressing a Changed World and Evolved Threat Landscape
Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, shares his reflections about how and why elected officials, candidates, and advocates use ghostwriting services to create impactful speeches, books, op-eds, and other projects. We talk about: Working with Governor Hochul on her State of the State book Sweet spot for the length of a live and video speech Use of humor in political communication How the language of politics has changed Mistakes speechwriters make when coming up with the right words to reach voters @GothamGhosts #Ghostwriters #PoliticalSpeeches #Voters GothamGhostWriters.com
Do you know how to find the perfect writing partner? For many authors, writing a book can feel overwhelming. But fear not! A ghostwriter (aka your perfect writing partner) is the secret weapon for those who don't have the time or skill to write their own masterpiece. This week's interview is with Dan Gerstein, a nationally recognized political writer, communications strategist, and CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters. He is a contributing columnist for Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Politico, and appears regularly as a political analyst on Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN. In this powerful episode, Dan and I discussed… What *exactly* is ghostwriting and the difference between the practical vs. technical approachWhat you need to know to find the perfect writing partnerHow AI and traditional writing practices can coexistAnd, a whole lot more...Here's how to get your complimentary 15-minute session with Dan.Click here to schedule your 20-minute brainstorming session with Susan
Veteran speechwriter and communications strategist Dan Gerstein has been a champion of ghostwriters and collaborators for the past decade. As founder and CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, an industry-leading agency that matches writers with clients seeking help telling (and selling!) their stories, he brings unique insight into what it takes to write a successful book, screenplay, white paper or family history. He comes by his work from an organic place. As a speechwriter and policy advisor to Sen. Joe Lieberman, and a contributing columnist for such publications as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Politco, Dan was often asked by friends and colleagues to collaborate on a speech or position paper, and he found himself making referrals across his network of fellow scribes and political analysts. Those referrals led to a business—a business that in ten years has grown to support the work of over three thousand writers. Join us for a freewheeling conversation on the art and commerce of ghostwriting. Learn more about Dan Gerstein and Gotham Ghostwriters at the following: Gotham Ghostwriters website Follow Dan on Twitter Follow Dan on LinkedIn Follow Gotham Ghostwriters on Twitter Follow Gotham Ghostwriters on Facebook Please support the sponsors who support our show. Daniel Paisner's Balloon Dog Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Libro.fm (ASTOLDTO) | 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 when you start your membership The Thoughtful Bro podcast, hosted by Mark Cecil Pop Literacy, hosted by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong and Kimberly Potts Writer's Bone, hosted by Daniel Ford
Working with a ghostwriter can be confusing and complex. In this episode, we are joined by an expert in each of these fields, to help thought leadership practitioners get a better grasp of the possibilities. Dan Gerstein is the founder and CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, where he uses his talents to connect authors with speakers looking for help, focusing on matching both people's needs and personality. Jesse Finkelstein is the co-founder and Principal of Page Two, a publishing agency helping non-fiction authors navigate the full range of options while providing high-level support for a wide variety of organizational publishing activities. We start the conversation by discussing the concept of ghostwriting, and the tasks available to those who perform that function. Dan helps us understand that ghostwriters can write every word of a book, or work as a developmental editor— or anything in between! All the while, their duty is to maintain focus on the expertise, reputation, and authority of the client. With a firm grasp of the writer in hand, we move to the publishing side. Jesse clarifies the mysterious business of publishing. We learn about the various methods of publishing, the need for an established platform, and why authors want to retain the rights to their book — as they do with their other intellectual property. This episode takes us from page to print and everything in between! Three Key Takeaways: * It's easier than ever to publish a thought leadership book, the task a ghostwriter can help you accomplish is standing out and making an impact. * Before starting a thought leadership book, you need to know your unique value proposition and how it fits into the world. · Publishers look at more than the content of your book. They want to see that you have a strategy, and that the book aligns with your larger business model.
What if you want to write a book, but you aren't a confident writer—or you just don't have the time to write it yourself? In this episode, Maggie talks with Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, about what it takes to create a successful book with the help of a ghostwriter.Dan has been writing professionally for himself and others for over 30 years, and during his early days as a political speech-writer working for the likes of Senator Joe Lieberman on Capitol Hill, he honed the skills to effectively collaborate with thought leaders—to help them inspire and educate their audiences. Now, he specializes in all types of sophisticated long-form writing, having founded a top-rated agency that matches ghostwriters with authors who need help telling and selling their stories. During this conversation, he breaks down what that process is like:Matchmaking: How running a ghostwriting agency is a lot like being a matchmaker—figuring out which projects have true potential, and which authors and writers are the right fit for each other.Collaborating: What does the author have to produce, and how does the writer translate that material into a book? What does it take to make the book a success?Pricing: The cost will likely surprise you, but don't let sticker-shock keep you from achieving your vision!Making the Leap: How to determine whether hiring a ghostwriter makes sense for you—and how to get over any shyness or fear that may be keeping you from publishing your book.For more, check out:gothamghostwriters.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/gotham_ghostsinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast
Why is ghostwriting such a secretive aspect of the literary world? How do you even find a ghostwriter? Do they only work with one author at a time? Do they get upset that they aren't credited? If you have ever asked yourself these questions, then you will find great enjoyment out of today's guest! I got to sit down with Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, a company that helps pair ghostwriters to projects and is "a one-stop solution for any author or speaker looking for help telling and selling a story." This episode is sponsored by Audible! Follow this link to get a free 30-day trial for Audible. Become a Patreon Member! https://www.patreon.com/abookshelfbinge Join the discord server! Shop the Podcast! We have merch! Click here to shop the podcast's merch! Credits: Host: @bookshelfbinge Guests: Dan Gerstein from Gotham Ghostwriters (@gotham_ghosts) Cover art: SaraSomethingCo (@sarasomething.co) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Dan Gerstein is the CEO and Founder of https://gothamghostwriters.com/ (Gotham Ghostwriting Agency. ) Dan never expected himself to be an entrepreneur but after many years of working as a writer, he saw the need for an agency to match ghostwriters with politicians, celebrities and authors in need of speeches or books. Gotham Ghostwriting helps ghostwriters and entrepreneurs connect and benefit each other.
Liliana Russo in TuttoLibri presenta... Mai Stati così Uniti, di Simona Siri con Dan Gerstein
Dan Gerstein, CEO, Gotham Ghostwriters shares insights about the challenges of writing speeches which will be given in an empty room, advantages to the intimacy of talking directly to those tuning in online or on television, the relevance of background and positioning of the speaker, and intermixing of live and recorded content in the national conventions. We also talk about the impact when the speaker is yelling (or is it showing passion?), the ways in which men and women politicians are perceived when they are expressing anger or strong opinions, and the changing standards for men to show more emotion. @gothamghosts #2020Election #RNC2020 #DNC2020 GothamGhostWriters.com
Dan Gerstein, CEO, Gotham Ghostwriters reflects on the challenges and rewards of working with elected officials as a speechwriter and ghostwriter. He points out how those clients who are themselves good writers are perhaps the most appreciative of the work of a ghostwriter. Dan explains the different roles a ghostwriter might play, why politicians need help writing persuasive speeches in this age of social media, mobile technology, and hyper-partisanship and the potential of humor in telling a story to engage voters and build coalitions. @GothamGhosts #2020Election GothamGhostwriters.com
Our guest, Dan Gerstein, contracted COVID-19 but added several societal layers. Starting with his wife whose family was enduring the brunt of it in her home, Italy. He wrote about it in his NY Daily News article He talks with Mark Thompson and J Elvis Weinstein about the entire experience of the earlier days of the COVID-19 outbreak in NYC. First, Mark torments J Elvis with his new "toy" and the two review the world of presidential corona virus briefings and the magic of Huell Howser 00-2:30 Intro 2:45- 30:40 J Elvis Weinstein 31:00- 1:01:50 Dan Gerstein on COVID19 in his life Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com
Our guest, Dan Gerstein, contracted COVID-19 but added several societal layers. Starting with his wife whose family was enduring the brunt of it in her home, Italy. He wrote about it in his NY Daily News article He talks with Mark Thompson and J Elvis Weinstein about the entire experience of the earlier days of the COVID-19 outbreak in NYC. First, Mark torments J Elvis with his new "toy" and the two review the world of presidential corona virus briefings and the magic of Huell Howser 00-2:30 Intro 2:45- 30:40 J Elvis Weinstein 31:00- 1:01:50 Dan Gerstein on COVID19 in his life Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com
OODA CTO Bob Gourley is joined by technologist and national security expert Dan Gerstein from Rand Corporation. Dan is also the author of the recently released book entitled “The Story of Technology“. In this wide-ranging discussion, Dan provides insights relevant to business and government leaders on: How we can all learn from the history of technology to better understand the situation today and forecast what will come tomorrow Approaches leaders can take to prepare for the future The role of education and writing and approach that agile/learning organizations take to career development. Advice for those seeking to educate themselves for the future. How people can shape the future of technology. The role of governments in the future of technology. The concept of a patent system where it takes 18 months to get a patent but innovation and creation occurs much faster. The need for law enforcement access to encrypted data and the long running DoJ/Apple debate. The role of technology in spreading misinformation and countering it. Guest Bio: Dr. Daniel Gerstein is a national security professional who has served as a senior government civilian, in uniform, in industry, in think tanks and in academia. As a senior government civilian, he served in the Department of Homeland Security as Under Secretary (Acting) and Deputy Under Secretary in the Science and Technology Directorate where he directed the organization’s over $1 billion annual budget. During his service in the U.S. Army, he served on four continents while participating in combat, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and homeland security and served for more than a decade in the Pentagon in various high-level staff assignments. Dr. Gerstein also has extensive experience in international negotiations having served on the Holbrooke Delegation that negotiated the peace settlement in Bosnia. He is a frequent national security contributor and has published numerous books, articles and commentaries on a wide variety of national and homeland security issues. He serves as a member of several corporate boards and advisory committees.
How many people have tried to convince you they know what the future holds? When it comes to technology, Dan Gerstein looks back at what he calls the story of technology to take a stab at where it will take us next. He is the former under secretary of the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, and is now with the RAND Corporation. He joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin in studio.
Connecting skilled writers with unique voices is a day in the life of our podcast guest this week, Dan Gerstein, President of Gotham Ghostwriters, joins Peter to talk about discovering voice, creating content, and building the relationship to create your next book or speech. Dan shares insights on how writing a book is like being CEO of a pop-up business and bringing in a writer is like hiring a Chief Product Officer. If you're looking to maximize the impact of your book, this episode is required reading.
Published by Greenleaf Book Group | Book Publishing & Author Branding Podcast
In this episode of Published, I speak with Dan Gerstein of Gotham Ghostwriters about working with a ghostwriter.
In this second edited highlight from the call, social media director Jerry Weinstein reviews postings to the tweet-stream under the #PSAworld hashtag. He discusses the unusual nature of the opening keynote that took people out of their intellect into a bodily appreciation of what is involved in the act of speaking. He comments on the “Know your Worth” breakout session with Fletcher Dean, Julie Conway and Harry Kruglik and the relevance of salary surveys in journalism which might be valuable for speechwriters to initiate. Likewise, in a parallel breakout, Gotham Ghostwriters founder Dan Gerstein addressed the value of freelancers sharing rate information. Duarte Design content developer Katie Gray was attending her first ever speechwriters conference and was impressed by the variety and cross-section of presentations. She liked the mixed media content of Mette Højen’s presentation on the ways speechwriters can command audiences exactly like an orchestra conductor. David Murray explains why he chose an experiential opening keynote from Edmée Tuyl. He explains that it’s easy to find tips on the basics of speechwriting which he assumed most attendees at this event knew. He wanted to encourage people to share experiences, with someone who talked about speechwriting on a holistic basis. He discusses the closing keynote by General David Petraeus was himself a speechwriter for General John Galvin, Supreme Commander of European Forces. Petraeus demanded the right to be present every time the General spoke and to be in the car on the way to the event to get the boss fired up before stepping onto the podium. To hear the audio, click on the podcast icon below.
Nancy Gibbs and Dan Gerstein are our guests this week. Show produced by Katherine Caperton. Original Air Date: May 19, 2012 on SiriusXM Satellite Radio "POTUS" Channel 124. Polioptics airs regularly on POTUS on Saturdays at 6:00 am, 12 noon and 6:00 pm. Follow us on Twitter @Polioptics Listen to the show by clicking . . . → Read More: Episode 56, with guests Nancy Gibbs and Dan Gerstein