Ghostwritten, 6 (Expanded, Fully Developed incomplete manuscripts)

BUSINESS BOOKS

Over 50, Feeling 30! BEST SELLER! William H. Lee, M.D., "You did a great job. Everyone comments it's an easy read, meaning they appreciate that it is in 'layman's language'. You were a stickler for that...." "A special thanks to Charol, my book doctor. She organized my extensive materials, edited with great enthusiasm, and motivated me with new ideas that have brought a greater fullness to this book for all who are seeking better health... This book would not have gotten into print without her knowledgeable assistance." (ghostwriter, developed author's 100 pages into 300-page book, with materials received from him via email)

The Colors of Grief: Understanding a Child’s Journey Through Loss from Birth to Adulthood - Janis A. DiCiacco, Ph.D., “Writing this book in a cohesive manner could not have been achieved without the objective and insightful work of my editor, Charol Messenger, who worked with diligence and integrity. Because of her creative formatting and revisions, the readers will find the information easy to digest.” (ghostwriter, developed author's 100 pages into 200-page book)

MEMOIRS

Opting In! Molly Fiore, First Place Winner (overcoming suicidal longings) - "After two years of blood, sweat, and tears creating my first manuscript, my advice to anyone embarking on this journey would be to hire Charol Messenger! I have heard that Michelangelo created David by taking a raw slab of marble and simply chipping away what wasn't David. This is what Charol did for my first book. She found my voice and chipped away the rest. What was left was amazing. My expectations were far exceeded and I am beyond thrilled with what we created together. She will be the first person I call when I finish my next book!" (full development)

NARRATIVE NONFICTION (TRUE STORY, author draft extensively developed fictionalized =ghosting)

The Liberation Symphony, Philip K. Rhyu (novelized true story of inside North Korea) - "I am so immensely satisfied with Charol’s work... I recommend her to any aspiring novelist and writer who is undertaking a book project. She has impressed me with her professionalism par excellence through her editing in a judicious and timely manner. She has improved my writing with her creative enhancements and suggestions offered in the editing process." (developed, also titled The Freedom Symphony)

I met with Philip in person throughout the several-months editing process. He calls his book a "novel" because he "novelized" it, with dialogue etc., to give it a dramatic appeal - but it is his own true story. It is a powerful story especially because the events actually did happen. The dramatic flair only enhances the true experiences, as he reported to me before and during this work. I recommend this story because it is chilling and also heartwarming, in his strength and courage for revealing these events that happened inside North Korea. I was deeply moved by the story. It is powerful, and deserving of much attention.

NOVEL (Light Mystery, good author draft, full development to publish-ready)

Misery Loves Company, Henry Shulte

“When I received the first few pages Charol Messenger edited for me as an example of her work, I was stunned. The pages were scribbled with notes, lines crossed out, sentences rearranged. I thought she had to be kidding. I was certain my work only required a few changes and a once over before it would be ready to send agent shopping. It took a few days and rereading those first sample pages before I realized she was right. Once we started working together, it became even more apparent that I had chosen the perfect editor. Charol stayed focused and became as much a part of the novel as I was. She cared about the characters and how they were defined, their voice and the consistency required to make the novel flow. Her attention to detail forced me to become an even better writer. It was a pleasure working with someone who cared as much about my work as I do and turned what I thought was a decent piece of work into a clean, well-structured, and perfectly edited manuscript. I look forward to working with Charol next year on my new novel and hopefully many more books to follow.”

“My Saturday book signing was fun. I wish they’d allotted me more time. I sold about 20 books in forty minutes but was rotated out when the crowds really began to form.... Thank you so much for doing such an excellent job. I like the fluid way things move now. I have had a tendency to get too wordy, rather than keep sentences tighter and keep the momentum going. What I considered humps, you smoothed out. ”

Original was in excellent condition, mostly well-organized start to finish; mostly consistent character developments, voices, and dialogue; realistic and empathetic characters. I mainly smoothed out the flow and consistency of details, fine-tuned, and enhanced the dramatic appeal. Full polish on computer (two drafts on paper and refined on computer), original 300 pages took 200 hours. I also wrote the cover copy and advised on the cover design and cover art.