Thursday

The Freelancer’s Journal: Tales from the Writing Trade (No. 1)

In a message dated 5/22/2003 ______ writes:
I have to apologize about canceling this Saturday in Brooklyn. I still have the flu, and I thought I would be over it by now.


Subject: Re: My book [Editing job]
Received: Thu, 22 May 2003
From: Adam E.
To: ___________

Please get well soon, and let me know when you can meet at the appointed place.


Subject: Re: My book
Date: 5/23/2003
From: _________
To: Adam E.

Dear Adam,

I'm sorry I lied to you about being sick. The truth is as follows: Five years ago I was renting a room in a house out on _____. My landlady never checked or had her oil burner inspected for six years, and I spent a whole winter breathing in carbon monoxide. Finally, I went berserk and assaulted a man in the subway, thinking he was from outer space. I was sentenced to two years in jail. I'm out now but still on parole, and my parole officer told me yesterday I'm not allowed to go to New York City at all. I'm confined to ____ and ____ counties, so I can't meet you in Brooklyn—much as I would like to.

I didn't want to alarm you with this story, so I just said I was sick. Actually, I'm a very nice guy, an Ivy League graduate. This was my only act of violence ever. And I generally tell the truth (sorry).

If you still want to meet, please let me know. But it would have to be in _____. My parole officer has approved that. I will pay you for your time. This weekend is fine.

What do you think? And feel free to ask any questions you like.

# # #

Need writer, editor, lawyer or. . .
Date: 2003-06-16
Reply to: _____@craigslist.org

anyone in the book biz who can link me to a literary agent who is interested in adventure. My novel is based on a true story, about a group of quasi Marines who are tracking murderous poachers in East Africa. You must like high adventure and not be bothered by a little cursing and some violence. Very good pay. But I will NOT pay up front. Once I sign on with an agent, you will be paid. If you like good, realistic fiction, with a strong feel for Africa, get back with me.

# # #

Need ghostwriter to write my Autobiography
Date: 2003-06-25
Reply to: _____@craigslist.org

Need ghostwriter to write my Autobiography. Required: 1) Watch "Little Big Man", starring Dustin Hoffman; 2) Read "No One Here Gets Out Alive: The Biography of Jim Morrison", by Jerry Hopkins; 3) Respond to this ad with your quoted price for a 500 page manuscript.

The manuscript will turn into a book and movie. Experience with publishing, screenwriting, and the movie business is a big plus!

# # #

Blog Ghost Writer
Date: 2003-07-11
Reply to: _____@craigslist.org

High-end children's furniture website has a job opening for a ghost writer for their blog and other copy. Please send samples of your work: 300-400 words describing baby's room for a boy and 40 words describing a changing table.

Click label below for complete Freelancer’s Journal.