Writing for Book Packagers

Can't get an agent? Disappointed about recurring rejections of your novel? There's another way to write a book and perhaps attain a byline. Sneak in the back door by writing for book packagers. I personally know two novelists who write books that others conceive--one westerns, the other action thrillers--and receive authorship credits as well as pay. Sometimes they write under pen names and are prohibited from talking about their work. Often packagers fulfill publishers' intentions for a specialty book or a series, finding writers, editors, graphic artists and designers to assemble the final product and deliver it as a turnkey project to the publisher.

You can apply directly to the packagers for consideration, but I must admit they like people who bring some expertise (education, experience), especially for textbook writing. The writer must fit the book in consideration, so be prepared to market yourself with vigor. This is the time to apply the catch phrase "shameless self-promotion". Find packagers through Internet search engines or by reading publishing industry newsletters and magazines. The American Book Producers Association also maintains a directory.