Kerry Zukus

Kerry Zukus – Ghostwriter

New York Times Bestselling author/ghostwriter/editor/book doctor of over 40 books in multiple genres

Overview

My debut novel, the family drama, "The Fourth House," was a Featured Selection of the Book of the Month Club©, the Doubleday Book Club©, and the Literary Guild©, divisions of Random House/Doubleday Entertainment, where it sold out its first two printings. "The Fourth House" had previously been named a finalist for the prestigious James Jones Award, annually given to the best first novel by an American author.

In the literary world, I have worked invisibly behind the scenes for years, ghostwriting numerous books in a wide variety of genres. In and around the greater New York City area (the Mecca of American publishing) I have held the position of Head Writer, General Manager, Development Consultant, and Senior Writer at various publishing concerns, overseeing and editing books by other writers and acting as mentor and teacher to talents young and old. My articles on the art of ghostwriting have been published in the bible of the publishing industry, Publishers Weekly. I have authored, co-authored, edited, or ghostwritten nearly 50 books.

In addition to assisting clients with manuscripts for self-publishing, I specialize in agent and publisher querying, as well as book proposal creation for those seeking traditional (advance-paying) publishing, garnering numerous agent and publishing contracts for my clients, including six-figure advances and a major motion picture deal.

An eclectic artisan, I am an alumnus of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I studied composition and arranging, while also treading the boards as an actor in theaters all over New England. I have also played with fellow Berklee-ites Melissa Ethridge, Steve Vai, Branford Marsalis, Kathy Troccoli, and Aimee Mann. Writing about music, theater, the arts, and entertainment come naturally to me.

Having written in multiple genres, I am comfortable and skilled at writing in male or female voice, young or old, etc., always properly capturing the unique voice of my client.

Located in the metro NYC area, I am plugged in yet fully able to travel extensively if requested.

"Ghostwriting requires the absence of ego, a kind and empathetic soul, a thespian’s ear, a diligent work ethic, a love of loneliness as well as the human family, a sense of humor, an embrace of all learning, a passing knowledge of everything, patience, loyalty, stability, and a character worthy of trust. These are the words by which I conduct my affairs and lead my life.”
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Christian Non-Fiction Music Parenting & Families Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Finalist, James Jones Award, best first novel by an American author

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2002 — Present

Portfolio

NEW
CEO and International Entrepreneur Reveals Sexual Abuse When seven-year-old Peter Pelullo suffered multiple sexual-abuse attacks at the hands of two older neighborhood kids, no one in his 1950s middle-class world knew what to do. Everyone hoped he would just f... read more
Business Lessons From Behind the Grill or Wherever You Want to Be As anyone who’s ever watched cable TV knows, running a restaurant may be one of the toughest businesses out there—but it has a lot of lessons to teach any would-be entrepreneur. From Gordon Rams... read more
A MANUAL TO UNLOCK YOUR SPIRITUAL POTENTIAL - Did you ever wish your baby came with a manual? How about a manual for a loving enduring marriage? We need manuals for life! Wouldn't it be great to have a step-by-step roadmap - a job description for our spiritual... read more
DESIRE AND DISASTER IN THE BIG EASY. Happy-go-lucky Andrew Savoie thinks he s found his dream job when he s hired as a mortgage broker by Jerry Bisantz, the B in A&B Mortgage. When sexy, sophisticated Virginia Bard, the dissatisfied wife of a millionaire real ... read more
Thread of Life: An Adoption Story is the true story of an adopted child’s journey to find his birth parents. The adoption process can often leave many unanswered questions for the adoptee, the adopted parents, and even the eventual offspring of an adopted chil... read more
Considered by many to be the "Encyclopedia of Personal Finance," this book for adults was written to be the single source of what you really need to know to be financially literate in the real world. Written in a conversational and easy-to-read format, the con... read more
Enjoy escaping into the world of wealthy extravagance, romance, humor, and dramatic and unexpected cliffhangers, plot twists and turns when this fast-paced chick lit novel pushes the limits to resolve a very real issue between two women who love the same man. ... read more
"The Mount Rushmore of Adult Entertainment has four heads: John Holmes, Marilyn Chambers, Jenna Jameson, and Seka. That's it; there ain't no more." - Bill Margold, famed adult film actor, agent, producer, director, and activist Seka-The Platinum Princess, the ... read more
In 2004, the Academy Award–nominated movie Hotel Rwanda lionized hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina for single-handedly saving the lives of all who sought refuge in the Hotel des Mille Collines during Rwanda’s genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Because of the fi... read more
Dr. Sylvester "Skip" Sviokla lived life as a successful, driven, athletic, and brilliant graduate of Harvard Medical School, reveling in wealth and glamour as a "celebrity doctor" until addiction brought his life crashing down. This real-life "Dr. House" had i... read more

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