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Cost of outsourcing creation/rewriting of an ebook?

by Marine0302
9 replies
I have collected 100 pages of articles and information (organized into chapters) that I want to have rewritten into an ebook.

All of the material is copyrighted (news articles, website content, etc) and needs to be rephrased, reworded, etc., in order to produce an "orginal work".

The content is related to social media, and is very basic information that any writer working in the IM space would be comfortable with. The writer wouldn't have to do any research at all, just take the existing content and reshape it with his or her own words.

I'm looking for advice on how much I could expect to pay to get this done. I want quality writing and am willing to pay a fair price for a quality product.

Thanks for the help!
#cost #creation or rewriting #ebook #outsourcing
  • Profile picture of the author EllesBelles
    Does the copyright for the existing articles belong to you?
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    • Profile picture of the author Marine0302
      No, I found the copyrighted material from various sources - none of it is my work. The topic of the book I want created from this material is very basic, entry level information on social media, social media sites and tools, how social media is being used by businesses, etc.
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      • Profile picture of the author rooze
        [DELETED]
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        • Profile picture of the author Marine0302
          Thanks for the advice, Rooze. Good stuff!

          The ebook is one part of a larger marketing business that includes several dozen existing websites related to digital marketing/social media topics aimed at mid and large sized companies. I outsource about 90% of the work involved in maintaining, updating these sites. I don't have time to write this ebook myself, but I have created the outline you've suggested.

          About a year ago, I had the revelation that I have more money to invest in my IM business than time. Once I started using VA's and ghost writers, I was able to scale things very fast.

          Assuming the writer I hire is ethical and is able to use the various info sources and examples I'm providing to base the finished product on, I'll certainly be proud of whats been created!

          Anyone know of any links/info sources where I can find typical rates for the creation of this ebook?
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          • Profile picture of the author Marine0302
            Don't know what happened to Rooze's post.

            I certainly can sense the vibe that some here think I'm "stealing" someone else's work. That's not what I have in mind, and not what I've done when I have had other content, articles written or rewritten in the past.

            For the sake of educating me, perhaps some of the writers here can tell me that if I hired them to create a Social Media 101 guide, whether or not their work would contain essentially the same introductory info on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc, as similar guides being offered on Amazon or in bookstores?

            And if it does, would you be guilty of what some seem to be inferring that I am asking for in my original post?

            At a minimum, perhaps there are certain phrases or terms that professional writers use to describe the task that I want to outsource. If I can find out what they are, I'll use them in the future.

            Thanks for your patience!
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            • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
              Originally Posted by Marine0302 View Post

              Don't know what happened to Rooze's post.

              I certainly can sense the vibe that some here think I'm "stealing" someone else's work. That's not what I have in mind, and not what I've done when I have had other content, articles written or rewritten in the past.

              For the sake of educating me, perhaps some of the writers here can tell me that if I hired them to create a Social Media 101 guide, whether or not their work would contain essentially the same introductory info on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc, as similar guides being offered on Amazon or in bookstores?

              And if it does, would you be guilty of what some seem to be inferring that I am asking for in my original post?

              At a minimum, perhaps there are certain phrases or terms that professional writers use to describe the task that I want to outsource. If I can find out what they are, I'll use them in the future.

              Thanks for your patience!
              You're making a lot of assumptions. You seem to think that anyone hip to Internet Marketing would also be well versed in social media matters. That's not so. It might be true but assuming someone is just going to whip your articles into a shiny new piece of work is wishful thinking. Rewriting is often much harder than original writing. Beware of anyone who waltzes up to you and says they can do it, especially if they don't absolutely insist on seeing the material you already have first.

              I wouldn't touch your project, at least the way you want it done. Not because it's unethical but because to me (and to most experienced writers with a well-defined style of their own) it's a struggle to take someone else's work and turn it into something cohesive. I, and most good writers have my own style and flow to my writing. It would take me twice as long to take someone else’s stuff and force my style into something foreign to me.

              Do yourself a favor and contract with a good writer to write something original. If there's stuff in your pile you want covered make an outline and emphasize to your writer what points you want made.

              If I were to do something like this my minimum would be around two grand depending on what you wanted. There are cheaper writers around who will do a good job though I'm not going to venture a guess as to how much they might charge. If you pay less than $500, it’s likely you’re going to get crap.
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              • Profile picture of the author Marine0302
                Travlinguy,
                Thanks for your response.

                What you've shared makes sense and I've taken in onboard for future reference.

                As I thought, how I originally worded the request was a poor attempt at asking for exactly what you describe. I am seeking a writer to follow the tone and content of the source material, but expect them to write in their own personal style. And, I do want a "real" writer vice someone who would produce crap that I'd refuse to be associated with.

                Now that I've cleared that up, am I correct in understanding that you estimate that an ebook of this size, well written, etc., would cost ~ $2000? Is that an average, low, high estimate?

                Any thoughts on how long it would take a writer to produce the finished product? One week, 3 weeks, etc? I have no frame of reference on this, my previous experience is mostly with outsourcing articles that can be turned around in less than a day or so.
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                • Profile picture of the author Marine0302
                  Using my iPhone to post and hit the send button too early!

                  Thanks so much for your patient explanation and guidance on this issue. I really appreciate your help!
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                • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
                  Originally Posted by Marine0302 View Post

                  Travlinguy,
                  Thanks for your response.

                  What you've shared makes sense and I've taken in onboard for future reference.

                  As I thought, how I originally worded the request was a poor attempt at asking for exactly what you describe. I am seeking a writer to follow the tone and content of the source material, but expect them to write in their own personal style. And, I do want a "real" writer vice someone who would produce crap that I'd refuse to be associated with.

                  Now that I've cleared that up, am I correct in understanding that you estimate that an ebook of this size, well written, etc., would cost ~ $2000? Is that an average, low, high estimate?

                  Any thoughts on how long it would take a writer to produce the finished product? One week, 3 weeks, etc? I have no frame of reference on this, my previous experience is mostly with outsourcing articles that can be turned around in less than a day or so.
                  $2000 is the minimum I'd charge for this. As I've said, you can get quality writing cheaper. What would you get for $2000? My best work. This is not the place for a portfolio parade but I can demonstrate I'm worth the price. I've been writing for nearly 25 years. I write every day. I live to do it.

                  I've had many successful products both digital and physical. I'm not pitching you for this gig because I'm not any fan of social networking. I understand it and how it works but my heart wouldn't be in it. Also, I don't often write for others because my time is better spent developing my own stuff.

                  I have an eye for good writing. I have a lot of Warrior Forum friends that don't charge enough for their services and are a screaming bargain at their current rates. Check 'em out. You can't go wrong with any of these people. I don't know if Lee (cashcow) is writing for clients.

                  AmandaT
                  cashcow
                  Kecia
                  MMWoodward
                  Rose Anderson
                  Tinkerbell
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            • Profile picture of the author JOSourcing
              Banned
              Originally Posted by Marine0302 View Post

              For the sake of educating me, perhaps some of the writers here can tell me that if I hired them to create a Social Media 101 guide, whether or not their work would contain essentially the same introductory info on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc, as similar guides being offered on Amazon or in bookstores?
              All you need to do is ensure your writer avoids the actions defined as plagiarsm at Plagiarism.org : Learning Center : Plagiarism Definitions, Tips on avoiding Plagiarism, Guidelines for proper citation, & Help Indentifying Plagairism

              And note what the text says at the bottom of that page: "Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided by citing sources."
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