We recently connected with Gary Krebs and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gary thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

While I had been a book publisher for three decades, my true calling was always to write. When I left my last publishing role seven years ago, I spoke to several industry friends about how I might initiate a full-time career as a writing collaborator (also known by some as a ghostwriter, if there isn’t any credit assigned). One literary agent friend suggested I write to twenty or so industry contacts and attach a list of book credits with areas of interest. I thought I’d give it a shot. To my surprise, I received a dozen encouraging responses right away with a couple of others trickling in later. One agent wrote back saying that he knew of an author whose ghostwriter had “ghosted” him and he only had three months to deliver an 80,000-word manuscript to a trade publisher. I sent some writing samples to the author and we met virtually. We hit it off right away. I loved his book project and somehow knew I would figure out how to become a professional. Within a week I received an agreement and the first installment of my writing fee. When I held that check in hand, I knew I’d made it. The author and I closely partnered during the research, writing, and revision process and delivered 100% manuscript on time and in excellent shape. Since then, I’ve collaborated on three dozen works–including a second one with that wonderful author–and have expanded my business to include editorial and production services (book producing); author coaching; and selective literary agent representation.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began writing stories when I was five years old–on the walls of my basement in Queens, New York. My parents quickly corrected that by handing me pad and paper. It didn’t take long for me to discover an old Smith Corona typewriter and figure out how to punch the keys (with a finger on each hand) and change the ribbon. By eight years of age, I felt my work was ready for publication and looked up publishers in the Yellow Pages. I received a nice stack of polite and encouraging form rejection letters. I never stopped writing and was good enough to have won a few minor awards and competitions. I was accepted into the Dramatic Writing Program at Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. On graduation, I tried to write a novel and failed miserably, so I entered the publishing industry as an Editorial Assistant. I paid my dues, learned the ropes from a brilliant mentor, and gradually climbed the ladder: Editorial Assistant, Assistant Editor, Associate Editor, Editor, Senior Editor, Executive Editor, Editorial Director and, finally, Publisher.
Along the way, I never stopped writing. It was a compulsion; I had no control over it. Try as I might, I could never quit.
I entered my scripts in screenwriting competitions and always received positive feedback, often landing in the top ten percent. I made a few contacts, but nothing stuck.
The day I was laid off as VP, Publisher, McGraw-Hill, I received an email from a well-known producer saying my script was the “best he’d ever read.” I thought it was a joke…but it wasn’t. This producer was kind enough to give me pointers and industry leads (such as with managers), but nothing panned out.
Years later, when I started my own writing/book producing/literary representation business, I squirreled away time to write a historical novel and adapt the screenplay myself. My strategy worked and I found a small press to publish it. Little Miss of Darke County: The Origins of Annie Oakley came out in April 2020 to great acclaim. I even licensed my script via Shopper’s Agreement to a producer. Three years later–from COVID through today’s current writer and actor’s strikes–I continue to have high hopes that it will be produced.
For the past seven years, my “day job” has been collaborating with authors on their books and agenting select titles for trade publication. When COVID hit and the book industry shut down, I pivoted to book producing. I’ve since produced fifteen titles with another dozen in the works. Along the way, I’ve also coached many authors on their journeys.
I believe everyone has a book within her or himself; it only needs to be teased out. Self-publishing can be a viable and rewarding way to go, as long as you do it professionally, such as with my services.

Is there a vision driving your creative journey?

My company Vision is “Empowering authors with whatever they need to publish professionally and fulfill their lifelong dreams.” When I collaborate with traditional or self-published authors, I give the same care and attention as if the books were my own. I go the extra mile to help with book positioning, marketing strategy, book discoverability, and anything else they need to fulfill their dreams

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I think that every entrepreneur, business owner, and creator should read Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell. This book is inspiring while at the same time diving deep into helping readers recognize how to pay attention to the intuitive snowflakes floating by that lead to breakthroughs. If you are a writer, I recommend Stephen King’s On Writing. Whether you like King’s stories and novels or not, the book offers practical information every writer should know (“the toolbox”) while providing inspiration through his personal account of his years of struggle and failure before finally finding success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gmkwritingandediting.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMK.Writing/?notif_id=1690087101160019&notif_t=page_user_activity&ref=notif
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Image Credits
Photograph of Gary M. Krebs, by Regina Madwed, Capitol Photo Interactive