What is GPDP?
Ghostwriting Professional Designation Program (GPDP) is the only all-inclusive, soup-to-nuts ghostwriter-training course in the world.
2018 Outstanding Non-Credit Program Award
University Professional Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) West Region
Ghostwriting Professional Designation Program (GPDP) is the only all-inclusive, soup-to-nuts ghostwriter-training course in the world.
GPDP will teach you what a ghostwriting job is, how to do the job, how to successfully complete the job—and how to use the job to attract new clients.
An intense, 13-month, masters-level program, GPDP covers every aspect of how to command $35,000 or more per gig while making your clients happy and producing marketable literary properties.
No college degree required. Professional writing and editing experience recommended. All certification candidates must successfully complete Introduction to Ghostwriting before applying for GPDP. All candidates must sign a nondisclosure agreement as part of their application.
Certification candidates learn:
Ghostwriting theory
How ghostwriting differs from
the various types and levels of editing and collaborating; a
ghostwriter’s scope, limitations, and responsibilities; ghostwriters as
book-industry insiders; why ghostwriters maintain strict confidentiality
and invisibility; Ghostwriting Psychology 101; and the five Rules of
Ghostwriting.
Industry realities
Good manuscripts vs. marketable
literary properties; Chicago Manual of Style exceptions; who does what
in the publishing sequence; how to employ the industry supply chain; and
market vs. booksellers vs. audience.
Skill sets
How to decode/code manuscripts to
industry standards; the 5-step nonfiction/memoir chart-to-chapter
process; the 6-step fiction map-to-chapter process; how to identify and
maintain author “tells” throughout the creation/editing process; musical
line editing; and how to create market-viable submission products.
Creative analysis
The ghostwriter’s 4-part deliberative process for revealing a manuscript’s “gold,” distinguishing deal breakers from content disruptions, uncovering character and plot implausibilities, determining author sensibilities, and demonstrating editorial expertise and industry authority to close deals.
Unique tools
nonfiction charts; plot maps; meet-in-the-middle workarounds; PMA character studies; Bestseller Strategy Plans; A&R project bids; equitable contracts; and B-State strategic planning.
Mindset transitions
16 distinct “head flips” to move your needle from how you perceive of and present yourself right now to being a high-end professional and a vital member of the book industry.
Business Professionalism
how to command editorial authority as a service-oriented book-industry insider; the facets of entrepreneurship; and how to position yourself “in a class of your own.”
Successful certification candidates must demonstrate their grasp of all above elements on two projects (nonfiction and fiction).
Instructional video series viewed on your own time are supported by quizzes, progressive assignments, and weekly 90-minute live sessions for demonstration / Q&A.