Laura Dower - Ghostwriter
Creativity on demand. Experienced writer & ghostwriter. 30+ years in publishing. Let me help you find your voice & tell your story.
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Overview
There is nothing better than turning a juicy, bold idea into a book proposal or book. There is nothing more exciting than helping someone to shape and realize their own story.
Yes, I'm talking to YOU.
25+ years ago, as I began my publishing career, I had the very good luck to learn the ropes from the best editors, publicists, managing editors, and sales people--and to witness and work with a parade of famous authors and celebs. From day one, I knew I loved the business of books...from the origin of an idea to the many drafts that come before the editor cries, "Done!"
Years later, as a Creative Director and marketer of children's books, I had the luxury of working with and promoting some of the most recognized kid authors in the biz: R.L. Stine, Ann M. Martin, Dav Pilkey, K.A. Applegate, J.K. Rowling, Walter Dean Myers, Jon Szcieska, David Kirk, and so many more. In time, I embarked on my own career as an author. Some 120+ books later (written and published for Scholastic, Disney, Grossett/Penguin, Macmillan, Capstone, Heinemann, and others), I have learned the art of book-making from all angles. I’ve written in a wide range of formats: creating original fiction for American Girl magazine, working with Mattel on their global publishing guide, writing a Goosebumps video game, and developing materials for digital education platform Micro Rangers at the American Museum of Natural History in NY.
Middle Grade and Young Adult books are my sweet spot, but I know how to write for all ages, at all levels, and in many different genres. Ghostwriting has been a natural evolution for me. Because of my versatility, I have been able to land for-hire writing gigs for numerous high-profile, licensed kid's books. On the adult side, I worked with a famous TV celebrity on a wedding book, where I interviewed 80+ brides-to-be (so I could tell their stories, too) and learned everything there is to know about tulle. I also worked with an executive coach Alan Samuel Cohen on his book The Connection Challenge, after helping him to revamp his web site, clarify his brand, and to realize his vision.
"Laura was huge help to me in the development of my book, The Connection Challenge. She acted as development editor, and muse, and provided some excellent writing support. I recommend Laura highly to anyone who has a creative vision and wants to get it out into the world. I could not have done it without her." --Alan Samuel Cohen
How can I help you write the book YOU need to write? My years of experience with a wide range of best-selling authors (and my own editors and agent) have given me a broad view of the business as well as keen insight into the art of storytelling. It's all about voice--and I will help you to find yours and amplify it when crafting your book for children or adults.
Services I am available to offer: Ghostwriting, Proposals, Short-form Content, Developmental Editing, Market Research, Brainstorming/Outlines.
Let's chat! Let's brainstorm! Let's make your book come true!
Services
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Children’s Non-Fiction
Parenting & Families
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Sex & Relationships
Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Social & Family Issues
Certifications
- B.A. Columbia University, NY, NY 1989
Work experience
Ghostwriter
Self-employed
January, 2014
–
Present
(about 9 years)
In the children's market, I have worked on numerous high-profile, licensed kid's books. On the adult side, I worked with a famous TV celebrity on a wedding book, where I interviewed 80+ brides-to-be. Most recently, I worked with an executive coach on his book The Connection Challenge, after helping him to revamp his web site, clarify his brand, and to realize his vision. Over the years, I have created numerous corporate presentations, written executive speeches, and helped authors to hammer out the details of their own book projects so they could secure an agent or publisher.
Writer, Consultant, Workshop Leader
Self-employed
July, 2000
–
Present
(over 22 years)
Author of more than 120 children's books for publishers including Disney, Scholastic, Macmillan, Grossett, and others.
Recent freelance and other publishing projects with the following clients:
American Girl magazine
American Museum of Natural History
Capstone Publishers
Heinemann
Scholastic Inc.
Open Road Integrated Media
Creative Director, Editor, Marketing
Scholastic Inc.
January, 1992
–
December, 2005
(almost 14 years)
Full time and part time work with all divisions of Scholastic Inc. over this time period, including promotion of major paperback and hardcover series including The Baby-sitters Club, Goosebumps, Magic School Bus, Clifford, Captain Underpants, Animorphs, and Harry Potter.
Creative Consultant and Brand Marketer
Self-employed
January, 2015
–
Present
(about 8 years)
I can help you to define your brand:
Develop website content
Create logo and positioning copy
Develop ongoing blog material
Create marketing initiatives
Produce materials to support your brand, including brochures or cards
Brainstorm and develop book content
Create speeches and presentations
Portfolio (26 selected works)
Take the Challenge The Connection Challenge shows senior business executives and business owners the do’s and don’ts to creating authentic connection so they can have greater business success (more sales, increased productivity, better results, better employee engagement and a happier culture). This is even harder today amidst the myriad distractions of the high tech modern world. You’ll disco... read more
From the Files of Madison Finn Books 1–10
Laura Dower
Meet a spunky preteen who uses her online journal to cope with her feelings—from junior high friendship drama to her parents’ divorce to her first crush. Twelve-year-old Madison Finn has found the perfect outlet for her worries about school and friendships and her mom and dad’s divorce: She’s started an online journal on her beloved orange laptop. For a girl who claims she’s allergic to change... read more
Hey, Girls!Wanna have some fun?Here is a collection of everything great about being a girl! Are you ready to give the best sleepover party ever? Or the best pedicure? Make fortune-tellers, friendship bracelets, and collages? You'll learn about the coolest women in history, sports, and science. The greatest chick flicks to watch with your girlfriends and the best girl songs for dancing. Plus, t... read more
The Slime That Would Not Die #1 (Monster Squad)
Laura Dower
Jesse Ranger was just an average kid with an obsession for Oswald Leery's B-Monster movies until he discovered a dangerous secret. It turns out Leery's special filming process brought his movie monsters to life and now they've escaped the screen! Something must be done, so Leery recruits Jesse, Stella, Damon, and Lindsey to help. But how do you trap a B-Monster, especially one made up of slime?
Sunny and Rex are royal puppies! Sunny is a ladylike goldendoodle, and Rex is a mischievous beagle. They love living in the palace together with their owners and best friends, Princess Annie and Prince James. Now there's a new addition to the royal family—James and Annie have a baby sister! Unfortunately, little Baby Rose makes a whole lot of noise. On a rainy day at Glimmer Rock palace, every... read more
Kiki Takes the Cake (The Dessert Diaries)
Laura Dower
Sixth-grade science whiz Kiki loves to experiment in the science lab, so she jumps at the chance to experiment in the kitchen with the bakers at Daisy’s Desserts. But when a super-sized bakery threatens to close Daisy’s place, can Kiki use her super-smarts to help find a solution?
For Emme, Baked with Love (The Dessert Diaries)
Laura Dower
Sixth grader Emme is always trying to keep the peace. But when her parents decide to split and her BFFs get into a major fight, Emme finds herself caught in the crossfire. Can the opening of an enchanted bakery help Emme to find the peace again?
Starting at a new school in sixth grade isn't easy. And the reason Maggie's at a new school is even worse ... On top of it all, Maggie's little sister is driving her crazy! But when Maggie stumbles across a magical bakery in her new neighborhood, life starts getting a little sweeter.
Gabi isn’t just allergic to peanuts, she’s allergic to attention of any kind and would prefer to stay on the sidelines. But when her artistic talent is needed on a project to save her school, Gabi knows she has to step up. Suddenly, with the help of a new boy and a maybe-magical baker, Gabi’s quiet world gets a sugar rush!
The Beast with 1000 Eyes (Monster Squad, No 3)
Laura Dower
Funny and totally gross! Stella Min never gets scared. In fact, she?s pretty certain that she is the bravest one in the Monster Squad. But lately she can?t shake the feeling that she?s being watched?all the time! Soon she?s seeing floating eyeballs everywhere and quickly discovers it?s the Beast with 1000 Eyes. She knows she needs to stop it, but how do you kill a monster than can blink you to... read more
Back Online (From the Files of Madison Finn)
Laura Dower
Madison Finn is back online, and she’s spilling all the details on her new friend, old flame, and very unexpected crush Madison, Aimee, Fiona, and the gang are ready for a new school year, but Madison knows that nothing is ever what you expect—especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Regardless of how prepared she is, the eighth grade is going to bring a bunch of awkward new experienc... read more
An inspirational and accessible guide to coping with loss includes personal stories of death and life from real teens, advice from a renowned grief counselor, and dozens of hands-on, creative exercises to help teens move through their pain. Original.
Powerpuff Girls 8x8 #02: Bubble Trouble
Laura Dower
Tired of being treated like a baby because of her squeaky voice and slight fear of the dark, Bubbles strikes out to fight crime on her own, not realizing that Mojo set a trap for the supercharged Bubbles.
Return of Mega Mantis #2 (Monster Squad)
Laura Dower
The Monster Squad is back and this time they are battling one of Leery's biggest creations - Mega Mantis. The giant mantis has returned to Riddle and he brought all of his insect friends with him. Now it's up to the Monster Squad to squash this bug for good! But how do you kill a bug that's four times bigger than a house?
Sunny and the Snowy Surprise (Palace Puppies)
Laura Dower
Sunny and Rex are royal puppies! Sunny is a ladylike goldendoodle, and Rex is a mischievous beagle. They love living together in the palace with their owners and best friends, Princess Annie and Prince James.When Sunny and Rex set off for the winter palace to enjoy a snowy vacation, the last thing they expect to find is three husky puppies in need of rescue! Axel, Chase, and Blix have gotten t... read more
Palace Puppies, Book Two Sunny to the Rescue
Laura Dower
Sunny and Rex are royal puppies! Sunny is a lady like goldendoodle, and Rex is a mischievous beagle. They love living in the palace with their owners and best friends, Princess Annie and Prince James. The royal puppies are headed to the seaside to escape the heat. Rex has never been to the beach before, so he's very excited to play in the sand and waves, and maybe snag a hotdog or two. But Rex... read more
The Boy Next Door (Candy Apple)
Laura Dower, Mimi McCoy
A sassy twist on the evolving middle-school friendship between Taryn and Jeff, the boy next door, told from their alternating points of view. One of the first titles in the new CANDY APPLE line!Taryn and Jeff have lived next door to each other their whole lives. It never really seemed to matter that they were a girl and a boy -- they were just friends. But when they hit sixth grade, everything... read more
They Came From Planet Q #4 (Monster Squad)
Laura Dower
Strange things are happening in the town of Riddle. All the silverware is missing! Fillings are falling out! The metal recycling machines are always empty! Could it have to do with the UFO Lindsey spotted through her camera lens? They must have come from Planet Q. But between the crafty Monster Squad and Lindsey's photography skills, those metal heads will surely be stopped.
Can Maddie follow her heart this Valentine’s Day?Far Hills Junior High is having its Valentine’s dance, and Valentine’s Day fever has taken over the seventh grade! Madison can’t stop thinking about what to wear and whether she’ll go to the dance with a date. Her two BFFs seem to have this dance thing all wrapped up—they know exactly whom they’re going with. Madison’s crush, Hart, is giving her... read more
Will Madison’s summer be a total bummer?Everyone seems to have summer plans except Madison. None of her choices seem to be the right fit. So when the opportunity to babysit for a nearby family presents itself, Maddie surprises herself by jumping at the chance. Watching a two-and-a-half-year-old shouldn’t be that hard—especially when their activities include going to the pool where her friends ... read more
Lindsay is down in the dumps, and it’s up to Maddie to save her New York City birthday celebrationMadison, Aimee, and Fiona are invited to celebrate Lindsay’s birthday in New York City! Bright lights, fancy restaurants, shopping—Lindsay’s fabulous aunt Mimi will make it a weekend no one will forget. But Lindsay is having a rough time dealing with her parents’ divorce and isn’t in the celebrati... read more
It’s Maddie vs. Maddie when a new friend admits she’s crushing on Hart JonesIt’s the Junior World Leaders Conference at Far Hills and everyone is excited to participate. Madison gets partnered with a girl she never really noticed before, Madhur, whose family is from India and Pakistan. Although the girls are from different cultures, they find that they have a lot of great things in common—incl... read more
When Far Hills Junior High becomes the subject of a documentary, everyone is star struck—except MadisonMaddie’s friends all think her mom has a glamorous job, but Maddie has mixed feelings. She thinks it’s neat that her mom makes important movies about things like gorillas and travels to exciting places. But ever since the Big D, her mother works more than ever.When her mom’s film crew shows u... read more
Rewind
Laura Dower
Sometimes, love only makes sense backward.This is a teen romance like no other -- a thrilling tale of betrayal and heartache told in an incredible reverse format. Think MEMENTO meets SUMMER BOYS!It's prom night. Shy hippie chick Cady is hoping for a dance --- and a hook-up ---- with her long-time crush, the sexy musician, Lucas. Instead, she witnesses Lucas commit an act of unforgivable cruelt... read more
Your Daydreams & Doodles Journal
Laura Dower
Now doodlers can open their minds, because here's a spot where their imaginations can go wild! This is the perfect place for young daydreamers and doodlers to make their mark! It's packed full of colourful photo frames, fill-ins, postcards and more to let readers' imaginations – and their urge to doodle — go wild. Whether it's a sketch of their best friend, a birthday party planner, a design f... read more
Madison’s dad is getting remarried, but it’s Maddie who has cold feet!Madison’s dad has dropped some big news: He and Stephanie are getting married. In Texas. In two weeks! Maddie’s head is spinning as the plans and the guest list for the big day keep growing. She’s not sure how she feels about being in the wedding, much less about having a stepmother. There’s a lot to stress about, like findi... read more
Laura has 10 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Laura had a passion for the project and had alot of great ideas.
There were a lot of topics we wanted to Laura to include and she found a way to incorporate all of them. Although the project was more complex and took longer than anticipated, Laura used her creativity and flexibility to deliver the product we wanted.
Shemin Family Publishers LLC, April 2021
Laura is an incredibly thoughtful, sensitive and professional writer, who was the perfect partner for telling our story.
Shirael Pollack, January 2021
A great experience. I highly recommend Laura to anyone who wants to elevate their story.
Michael Ferrone, September 2020
Laura is truly gifted with her craft. She is savvy with her words and is exceptional at embellishing. Laura's edits have brought my manuscript to the next level and I enjoyed working with her and getting to know her. For me, being a first time author, she is very knowledgeable within the industry. I would highly recommend her to anyone and let her work her magic for you! I look forward to worki...
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Tanya Zaufi, May 2020
Laura was great to work with. She is extremely knowledgable and gives great notes. Thank you Laura!
Michael Ferrone, April 2020
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Joe Cawley
Ghostwriter (Big 5 published), award-winning author, screenwriter and travel writer (Times, Telegraph). I specialise in memoirs with humour.
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The best-selling author of PROOF OF HEAVEN and professional editor. I love to edit personal stories that inspire hope and transformation.
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