Seth Kaufman - Ghostwriter
Versatile ghostwriter, fictioneer, coach. Four Amazon Top 100 and NY Times list books. Memoirs, current events, humor. A fun, fast pro.
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Overview
I am a veteran journalist who started my career at the NY Post's Page Six, launched TV Guide's web site and was the VP of Merchandising at Barnes & Noble for many years. My freelance writing career has been fun and varied. I am one of the rare (only?) scribes to write for both the New Yorker and the National Enquirer. I have written two very well-received satirical books, one of which the NY Times called "One of 2012's most enjoyable novels."
In 2016, I began my collaborative book-writing career. I have written two acclaimed sports memoirs, an autobiography, a corporate history, and two books that focus on current events and politics. I also sold a book of humorous music essays that was greeted with rave reviews. Three of my nonfiction books have spent considerable time in the Amazon Top 100. My novel The King of Pain reached #73.
I enjoy collaborating on long-form work. I believe in giving my clients what they want. Sometimes that means helping them figure out just what that is. I do that by asking questions, listening and soliciting feedback. Out of these exchanges projects generally crystallize quickly and goals are defined. Then it's time to iterate. Some projects have lots of back-and-forth, others do not. I am happy to conduct interviews and research to flesh out projects. While I am confident in my ability to bang out engaging, entertaining copy, I strive to use my partner's voice and words whenever possible. The endgame, at the risk of stating the obvious, is to achieve our goals.
Whether a project involves a well-known figure or someone who has flown below the radar, I strive to be discreet, respectful, critically honest and forthright. To that end, there are titles I wrote that I cannot mention here. Such is the life of a ghostwriter.
I look forward to discussing your project with you.
In 2016, I began my collaborative book-writing career. I have written two acclaimed sports memoirs, an autobiography, a corporate history, and two books that focus on current events and politics. I also sold a book of humorous music essays that was greeted with rave reviews. Three of my nonfiction books have spent considerable time in the Amazon Top 100. My novel The King of Pain reached #73.
I enjoy collaborating on long-form work. I believe in giving my clients what they want. Sometimes that means helping them figure out just what that is. I do that by asking questions, listening and soliciting feedback. Out of these exchanges projects generally crystallize quickly and goals are defined. Then it's time to iterate. Some projects have lots of back-and-forth, others do not. I am happy to conduct interviews and research to flesh out projects. While I am confident in my ability to bang out engaging, entertaining copy, I strive to use my partner's voice and words whenever possible. The endgame, at the risk of stating the obvious, is to achieve our goals.
Whether a project involves a well-known figure or someone who has flown below the radar, I strive to be discreet, respectful, critically honest and forthright. To that end, there are titles I wrote that I cannot mention here. Such is the life of a ghostwriter.
I look forward to discussing your project with you.
Services
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Entertainment
Political Science & Current Affairs
Fiction
Humor & Comedy
Literary Fiction
Short Story
Work experience
Writer-in-Chief
Self-employed
May, 2016
–
Present
(over 5 years)
Deputy Editor
Globe
August, 2015
–
November, 2017
(over 2 years)
Assigned, edited and laid-out articles for a weekly 60-page entertainment magazine.
Contributing Writer
Time Interactive (Now Meredith Interactive)
December, 2014
–
Present
(over 6 years)
Write tech and business articles for the New York Stock Exchange, as well as personal finance articles for a number of banking publications.
Portfolio (8 selected works)
Stealth War: How China Took Over While America's Elite Slept
Robert Spalding
China expert Robert Spalding reveals the shocking success China has had infiltrating American institutions and compromising our national security.The media often suggest that Russia poses the greatest threat to America's national security, but the real danger lies farther east. While those in power have been distracted and disorderly, China has waged a six-front war on America's economy, milit... read more
The King of Pain: A novel with stories
Seth Kaufman
"One of 2012's most enjoyable novels." --Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times"This is a dark, sharp, very funny novel about imprisonment, torture and the dangerous pleasures of stories." --Zoe Heller, Notes on a ScandalA riotously funny portrait of an out-of-control entertainment mogul and a dazzlingly original look at incarceration, The King of Pain is part George Sanders, part Italo Calvino, ... read more
Pitino: My Story
Rick Pitino
On September 26, 2017, the biggest recruiting scandal in college basketball history sent shock waves through the world of sports. Caught up in a massive FBI and NCAA investigation―and the intense media spotlight―was Rick Pitino, the Louisville Cardinals’ Hall of Fame coach. Here, from Pitino himself, comes the real story of the ongoing case and the hard truth about how college hoops has been p... read more
Nuns with Guns
Seth Kaufman
“A smart, witty and engrossing satire! Kaufman is a wonderfully sharp-eyed observer of modern American lunacies." —Zoë Heller, Notes on a Scandal"The year’s best new reality show concept is actually a book... It's as hilarious as it sounds!"—RadarOnLine.com"Rick is a charismatic antihero bolstered by credible side characters, and in the midst of Kaufman’s sardonic humor, there rings out an ear... read more
A provocative, entertaining but ultimately serious examination of rock's most essential questions: Beatles or Stones? Which is the best air guitar to play? Does Rush suck? And what is the meaning of Billy Joel? Metaphysical Graffiti is a book for music fans, humor fans, and, if a meaningful ontological category, fans of philosophy too. It is a provocative, inflammatory, hilarious, but ultimate... read more
Eat My Schwartz: Our Story of NFL Football, Food, Family, and Faith
Geoff Schwartz, Mitch Schwartz, Seth Kaufman
Geoff and Mitchell Schwartz are the NFL’s most improbable pair of offensive linemen. They started their football careers late, not playing a down of organized football until they joined their low-key high school program. Despite all that, they wound up at top-tier college programs and became the first Jewish brothers in the league since 1923.In Eat My Schwartz, Geoff and Mitch talk about the t... read more
"Great fun!"—Ben Schott, author of Schott’s Original Miscellany "Sharp satire with a poetic heart"—The B&N Review "Seth Kaufman's War Against Boredom is a great antidote to this Kardashianized landscape of selfie-sticks, ISIS attacks, and billionaire presidential wannabes. With lacerating satire, these short stories, riffs, and other insanities will make you laugh. Only our hashtags and Instag... read more
Seth has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Working with Seth was a delight. Although this project was difficult for me on many levels, Seth's attitude, professionalism, skill, and interest made this so enjoyable. I'm actually sad that our work is coming to an end! I highly recommend Seth as a collaborator. This has been such a rewarding experience.
Joanna Cross, December 2020
On time, very good writer. Got everything I wanted. Creative and well written!
Would like to work with him again in the future.
Phil T, November 2019
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