Mike Towle - Ghostwriter
Ghostwriter, content editor, journalist, publishing consultant 25+ yrs. Biography, sports, health & fitness, Christian, current events.
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Overview
Since 1990 I have spent about half of my professional career as a print/digital journalist and editor. In the other half I’ve been immersed in the world of book publishing as an author, ghostwriter, editor and publishing consultant. I have written or collaborated on more than 20 titles published by the likes of HarperCollins, WND Books, Rutledge Hill Press, Triumph Books and Cumberland House. My fingerprints are all over national best sellers such as Hogan by Curt Sampson, America’s Dumbest Criminals by Daniel Butler and Alan Ray, Byron Nelson’s Little Black Book, and Out of the Rough by Laura Baugh with Steve Eubanks. Other authors I’ve worked with include H. Jackson Brown Jr., Louse Mandrell, Roger Clinton, Lamar Alexander, Joel Gregory and Cliff Sheats.
Essentially, I have worked both sides of the street in book publishing; on the inside, I have done fulltime acquisitions and editing; on the other, I’ve been on the outside looking in while cracking the code as an author and freelance editor. I’ve dealt with literary agents, negotiated publishing contracts, reviewed or written countless book proposals, and pitched dozens of titles at national sales conferences – I’ve covered a lot of ground, and I know how to write a compelling, marketable book. The trick to ghostwriting is helping the author piece together a solid, thorough outline that remains true to his or her material and then fine tuning a narrative consistent in voice, tone and rhythm and suitable to the author’s ear.
I mention my extensive print media background as a newspaper/magazine journalist (with more than 1,000 pieces published) because it has honed my skills as an interviewer, storyteller and discoverer of salient points that make a book narrative (or, in shorter form, a news story) sing. I know how to draw long-dormant insights, details and even old conversations out of the dust-covered memories of author wannabes. In this regard, I really enjoy developing and nurturing successful writing relationships. Writer’s block? No such thing in my book(s).
Essentially, I have worked both sides of the street in book publishing; on the inside, I have done fulltime acquisitions and editing; on the other, I’ve been on the outside looking in while cracking the code as an author and freelance editor. I’ve dealt with literary agents, negotiated publishing contracts, reviewed or written countless book proposals, and pitched dozens of titles at national sales conferences – I’ve covered a lot of ground, and I know how to write a compelling, marketable book. The trick to ghostwriting is helping the author piece together a solid, thorough outline that remains true to his or her material and then fine tuning a narrative consistent in voice, tone and rhythm and suitable to the author’s ear.
I mention my extensive print media background as a newspaper/magazine journalist (with more than 1,000 pieces published) because it has honed my skills as an interviewer, storyteller and discoverer of salient points that make a book narrative (or, in shorter form, a news story) sing. I know how to draw long-dormant insights, details and even old conversations out of the dust-covered memories of author wannabes. In this regard, I really enjoy developing and nurturing successful writing relationships. Writer’s block? No such thing in my book(s).
Services
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Christian Non-Fiction
Health & Wellbeing
Political Science & Current Affairs
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Sports & Outdoors
Writing & Publishing
Awards
- Six Tennessee Press Association awards for columns and commentary. Army-wide Keith L. Ware and Fourth Estate awards for writing for publication.
Work experience
Independent Contractor
Self-employed
January, 2009
–
Present
(about 14 years)
Contract/consultant services for ghostwriting, writing, editing, design, print/digital production, and self-publishing. Author of Joe Biden book released Fall 2015. Contract editor/writer for clients that include Tennessee Press Association (managing editor of monthly newspaper), Dee Cee Labs, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Baton Rouge Advocate, Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins, Publications International, AthlonMedia Group, Vanderbilt law professor/political pundit Dr. Carol Swain, and Brown Books Publishing Group (to include four months as interim editorial director). Former guest blogger for Nashville Business Journal.
Editor/General Manager
The Tennessean/Sumner County Publications
April, 2008
–
August, 2013
(over 5 years)
Directed administrative, operational and editorial functions for media company with annual $2.5M budget, encompassing 6 weekly print products to include the Gallatin News Examiner and Hendersonville Star News, 2 websites and 8 annual special publications. Made PowerPoint presentations to clubs, schools. Organized / moderated political debates / forums.
Assistant Sports Editor
The Tennessean
August, 2005
–
April, 2008
(over 2 years)
Managed 4 fulltime reporters and staff of 5 part-timers while coordinating college, high school, NASCAR and community sports coverage for major metro newspaper. Planned and executed daily print and online news-breaking coverage as well as long-term enterprise projects.
President/Publisher
Towlehouse Publishing
May, 1999
–
August, 2005
(over 6 years)
Launched book-publishing company that produced more than 30 titles and $1.6M in gross revenues in 6 years. Performed editorial, marketing, sales and media relations functions with scant assistance.
Executive Editor
Rutledge Hill Press
May, 1995
–
May, 1999
(almost 4 years)
Acquisitions editor responsible for screening thousands of submissions a year and coordinating executive board’s selection of 30-plus titles a year. Edited 12-15 books annually. Participated in semi-annual sales conferences with national and regional sales reps.
Author/Co-writer/Collaborator
Freelance
January, 1994
–
Present
(about 29 years)
As author, co-writer or collaborator have written more than 20 titles for an assortment of publishers to include WND Books, Rutledge Hill Press, Triumph Books and Cumberland House, among others.
Managing Editor
The Summit Publishing Group
September, 1992
–
May, 1995
(over 2 years)
Managed editorial department for niche book publisher. Managed freelance editorial team of 12 editors.
• Wrote or edited series of business-direct books on ostrich farming, basketball strategy with legendary coach Bob Hurley and applying the Americans with Disabilities Act to golf courses.
• Acquired and ghostwrote best-selling personal golf journal “Byron Nelson’s Little Black Book.”
• Edited books authored by likes of Roger Clinton, Louise Mandrell and preacher Joel Gregory.
Portfolio (13 selected works)
Walter Payton was arguably the greatest running back in the history of professional football. A star for the Chicago Bears from 1974 to 1987, Payton rushed for a National Football League career record of 16,726 yards. Known to football fans everywhere as "Sweetness," he helped lead the Bears to a Super Bowl victory following the 1985 season and over the years established himself as one of the ... read more
If at one time the Dallas Cowboys were America's Team, Roger Staubach was America's Quarterback. Roger the Dodger was a real-life embodiment of apple pie, world championships, and role models. Staubach was a Heisman Trophy winner at Annapolis who served four years as a naval officer before going on to a stellar eleven-year career with the Dallas Cowboys that included four NFC championships and... read more
Biden Time: Crazy Uncle Joe in His Own Words
Mike Towle
We all need a good laugh now and then, especially at the expense of a big-shot politician who opens his or her mouth and removes all doubt about their inherent idiocy, their lovable lunacy, or their daffy demeanor that again and again makes them a late-night-TV punchline. And when it comes to goofy gaffes and dimwitted declarations, nobody does it better than America s most beloved uncle figur... read more
The inspirational story of Pat Tillman's incredible, heroic journey, this book explores his choice to quit the National Football League to join the elite Army Rangers and serve his country in its war against terrorism. Pat Tillman never backed down from a challenge; in fact, he sought them out his entire life. That life ended tragically and heroically in Afghanistan in April 2004.
I Remember Ben Hogan"", by Mike Towle, is filled with personal recollections of golf's most famous legend by the people who knew him best. Dozens of Hogan's confidants, peers, partners, and apprentices candidly reveal their memories of and insights into ""the Hawk"". Included are more than one hundred original stories and observations.""
Headfirst: The Olympic Success Story of Skeleton
Robie Vaughn, Mike Towle
This the spirited tale of how a Texas oil and gas executive spearheaded the campaign to reinstate the extreme sport of skeleton into the 2002 Winter Olympics. A story of risks and determination, follow the journey skeleton made on its way back to the Olympics, and be inspired by the dedicated athletes who believed in teamwork.
Dozens of the people who know him best - teammates, opposing players, friends, fans, hometown acquaintances, and baseball experts and observers share their memories of the man and the player.
I Remember Pete Maravich"", by Mike Towle, is filled with personal recollections of the people who knew NBA star Pete Maravich best. Here his life and legacy are recalled firsthand in the words of players, coaches, fans, friends, and relatives.""
Byron Nelson's Little Black Book
Byron Nelson
Byron Nelson's beloved Little Black Book, his personal golfing journal, is a must addition ot every golfer's library.
The Ultimate Golf Trivia Book
Mike Towle
The Ultimate Golf Trivia Book is interactive in that each of the eighteen chapters is assigned a par of three, four, or five. Readers can keep score and earn eagles, birdies, pars, bogeys, and double bogeys dependent on the number of correct answers he or she provides for that chapter. Par for this book's course is 72. Golf-savvy readers will love trying to break 80. Scattered throughout the b... read more
I Remember Augusta, by Mike Towle, is a look at the Augusta National Golf Club and its Masters Tournament in the words of golfers and golf experts. These leaders offer fresh insights and remembrances in this oral history of the club and the unique tournament that represents golf at its finest.
I Remember Pat Summitt
Mike Towle
Pat Head Summitt passed away on June 28, 2016, a little more than four years after she stepped away from a thirty-eight-year run as head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. Pat was just 64 at the time, having battled Alzheimer s disease for at least five years. Expressions of grief as well as memories and testimonials about Pat were immediate, passionate, and plentiful. It was on a... read more
Mike has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I expected to have the first draft of an inspirational book that would help young athletes see their trials as opportunities for growth. Instead, I got a junior high school research paper that starts with a boring Wikipedia blurb about someone else. It is three months later than the original deadline, and it's still not finished.
Dawn Martin, December 2021
Mike has produced quality work with the little that I provided to him. He has organized and improvised in such a way that I have been very pleased with the results. Although it is taking a little longer than expected, Mike is providing an excellent service and committed to the project.
G Wollert, March 2020
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