When we recently fielded the “AI and the Writing Profession” survey, I was delighted to be able to generate well over 1,400 responses. It’s not just bragging rights. Big samples are better in a lot of ways. I’ll explain why. Use caution in interpreting surveys with small and biased samples At Forrester Research, where I…
Yesterday, I announced that we were releasing the results of a survey, sponsored by Gotham Ghostwriters, of 1,481 writing professionals about their attitudes about AI. From time to time, I’ll be examining and sharing data from that survey in more detail. One of the most interesting parts of the survey compared attitudes of different groups…
Newsletter 122. A deep dive into what 1481 writers told us about how they use AI. Plus, AI is a better parrot than MFAs, demystifying royalty statements, three people to follow, and three books to read. And, I’ll see you next week at the Gathering of the Ghosts — let’s connect! Key results from the…
I help authors succeed. That’s my brand. Don’t abuse it. Look: I am generous with my time. It’s my instinct to help. If you’re a first-time author, you probably have lots of questions about books; I’m likely to spend 30-40 minutes on the phone with you. I’m also likely to give your recommendations for which…
Fifty years ago, William J. Brink, editor at the New York Daily News, wrote a front-page headline for the paper’s story on President Gerald Ford’s refusal to bail out New York City as it neared bankruptcy: Ford to City: Drop Dead With apologies to the runner up, “Headless Body in Topless Bar,” this was the…
In August and September, with the support and sponsorship of Gotham Ghostwriters, I undertook a study of writers and their attitudes about AI. The results were fascinating. This Wednesday, November 5, we’ll be releasing them in the form of a free report. While I can’t share any statistics yet, I can tell you a little…
“We’re going to be a great partner for you.” Now that nobody writes checks any more, I think that statement has overtaken “The check is in the mail” for the most common lie stated in a business context. Partner is such an overused word. What it usually seems to mean in a sales context is…
I know you’re experienced and think you’re a decent writer. And I know you have what you think is a great idea. But after working with many dozens of authors, I’ve learned that you need more. These are the three personal qualities an author needs to get to the end of the book creation process…
Newsletter 121: Why is so much harder to lie in print . . . and could that save us all? Plus concentrating on what AI is bad at, an AI-enabled publishing imprint, three people to follow and three books to read. I can’t lie in print I’ve noticed something about myself and I want to…