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How it works
Sometimes I work with existing notes,
publications or diaries. But many of the people whose
experiences I have successfully written have simply relaxed
and talked.
If a person doesn't really want to work with me, it shows.
Inevitably their 'voice' will sound, in print, churlish
or glum.
So we should try to meet, if only to make sure we don't
hate each other on sight, before we start out. We collaborate
like this...
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We meet
(preferably in London). We discuss the outcome we want,
the terms of our agreement and a date for commencement.
I may be writing on your behalf for three months or more,
and as a significant amount of money is involved you may
want to discuss my simple letter contract with your solicitor. |
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We agree the dates and
times of our interview sessions, which will take place
over three weeks or less. |
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Once the interviews
are over, I sit in my garret writing the book. When I've
pretty well got it right, you receive a draft copy, communicate
the corrections and amendments to me, and feel, I hope,
happily expectant. |
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A few weeks later I
provide the final copy. |
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| A book for commercial
publication may take some literary licence, and longer
to write; a family history, or specialist non-fiction,
may mean research, or assembling documents, or interviewing
more than one person. |
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Autobiography